Stories by Stanley Onyekwere
FCT minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has reiterated the urgent need to capture Nigerian Law School under the TETFund law, to ensure access to timely intervention in the provision of infrastructure and other support for the institution.
Wike, however noted that it is getting too late for the Nigerian Law School to be added to benefit from TETFund, as it seems too late to amend the TETFund status to accommodate the school.
He spoke yesterday, at the flag off ceremony of the construction of 10 blocks for staff quarters, in the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja.
He also used the occasion announced the move to provide two students’ hostels for the school, a male and female hostels.
He noted there was nothing wrong for the federal government to provide facilities and infrastructure for institutions.
“This school is owned by the federal government. There’s nothing wrong with the federal government trying to provide facilities for the school. Mr. President mandated me to provide these facilities.
“When I came for the last call to bar, I saw very bad buildings, I couldn’t believe it; where lawyer are being trained? We have included funds in the 2025 budget for two hostels in the Law School, one for males and another for females.
“Any body angry with what I am doing for the judiciary should wait for their turn to do for their profession,” Wike declared.
Furthermore, the minister, also assured that there was fund for the contractor, so there was no reason for delay.
“I believe contracts should be awarded and finished, not to abandon it, waste government money and suffer the people”, he stressed.
Similarly, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who decried that TETFund law did not capture the Law School, however thanked Wike for making Mr. President to approve the project.
“Whether you like him or not you like him (Wike), you can’t dispute the fact the fact that he is performing. Mr. Project does not embark on projects he does not have money for. He is a crusader of ‘if you do not have money don’t award contract.
“Hon. Minister, we appreciate you. Nobody can take this away from you. You are an achiever. Your worth is not in figure in the bank, but how much you touch lives”, he added.
On his part, Chairman of Body of Benchers, Adegboyega Awomolo also thanked Wike for the good gesture he has been extending to the judiciary.
He adds: “History will write your name in gold at the appropriate time. Wike will be one of those who will never be forgotten in the FACT for what he’s doing.”
Earlier in his remark, acting Executive Secretary, Engr. Richard Dauda explained that 10 blocks of four bedroom structures as staff quarters.
He said the buildings would be fully furnished with other necessary supplies.
He added that the contract would be delivered in nine months, even though the contractor promised deliver in six months.
