UNIJOS constructs footbridge to curb floods

Relief has come the way of students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) with the construction of a lengthy foot bridge to link their hostels and lecture halls.  The bridge links the Village Hostels to the school’s permanent site along Gada Biu-Bauchi Road Junction stretching over a stream which usually overflow its banks with storm […]

Relief has come the way of students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) with the construction of a lengthy foot bridge to link their hostels and lecture halls. 
The bridge links the Village Hostels to the school’s permanent site along Gada Biu-Bauchi Road Junction stretching over a stream which usually overflow its banks with storm waters anytime it rained.
The construction of the footbridge is part of the laudable efforts to mark the university’s 40th anniversary and joint convocation, Vice Chancellor, Professor Hayward Babale Mafuyai told newsmen at the commissioning, last week. 
Professor Mafuyai said over the years, the issue of security for both staff and students of the University have been of paramount importance as many find it difficult to cross the river when it rains.
It will be recalled that a student of the university had lost his life three years ago, while trying to cross the river after it had rained. The student, in an effort to save himself, got drowned while other students, who rallied round to save his life, were stranded, watching him struggle till the tides washed him away.
Thus, to avoid other casualties for both staff and students of the institution, especially during the rainy season, the footbridge was built, Professor Mafuyai said.
He further explained that the newly constructed footbridge will aid visually impaired students of the university who are also residents of the Village hostel, saying it will help them in their mobility.
The Engineer in charge of the project, Engr. Samuel Oyafemi said the bridge was completed even before the stipulated time, adding that the need to see the students excel well in their academics propelled the project to be completed in due time.
Ejire Emmanuel, a student of Mass Communication, who resides in the village hostel, said the construction has brought immense relief to students there. “It is a huge relief, I must say. We were taking longer routes to classes anytime it rained, but the experience now is so wonderful; we now walk straight from the hotels to the permanent campus. Thanks to the VC and the management,” Emmanuel said.