The National Association of Nigerian Students, on Friday, commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for the ongoing construction of the Northern Bypass in Kano State.
The President of NANS, Comrade Afeez Akinteye, who led a delegation of the association on an inspection tour of the project on Thursday, said the bypass, which stretches through Katsina, Zamfara and other North-Western states, connects 10 tertiary institutions in the region.
Akinteye said the inspection was part of the ongoing nationwide tour by NANS to assess the quality of roads leading to campuses across the country.
According to him, before the construction of the bypass, there were several reports of heavy traffic in the heart of Kano, particularly along routes connecting different states, as well as distress reports from students travelling from various locations to their campuses.
He said upon completion, the bypass is expected to ease traffic congestion in the heart of Kano, particularly for students and other commuters plying the route to connect different states.
The NANS President commended the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and President Bola Tinubu for what he described as foresight in initiating the project.
He also lauded President Tinubu’s administration for its investment in infrastructural development and for giving strategic consideration to the accessibility of campuses in road planning.
Akinteye further commended the Federal Government for compensating farmers whose farmlands were acquired for the project.
He, however, called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to ensure the timely completion of the road.
‘As major stakeholders in nation-building, we are particular about the welfare of Nigerian students. As the most formidable pressure group in the country, our mandate transcends advocacy, as we also serve as watchdogs in society. Thus, this ongoing Nationwide Federal Roads Project Tour leading to our campuses is crucial. We must evaluate government projects firsthand, particularly those that directly affect Nigerian students.
‘It is imperative to commend the foresight of the Honourable Minister of Works, David Umahi, under the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Tinubu, for identifying the challenges confronting the people and subsequently initiating the construction of a new road to ease the transportation burden on commuters.
‘This is another significant project by the Ministry. The quality of the road construction and the pace of work by the contractors are highly commendable. The project comprises a 69.4-kilometre dual carriageway, three flyovers, and seven bridges.
‘This particular project is of great importance to us as students, as it connects ten of our institutions across the North-Western region and is expected to ease transportation difficulties for students and other commuters upon completion.
‘It is equally important to commend and appreciate the government for compensating the farmers whose agricultural land was acquired for the construction of this road. According to reports, the area was previously used for farming before the project commenced. The payment of compensation demonstrates consideration for the livelihoods of those affected by the project and reflects the importance of balancing infrastructural development with the interests of host communities,’ he noted.