UNN Moves to Restore Master Plan, Set to Demolish Illegal Structures
By Chijioke Attah
Authorities of the University of Nigeria have commenced moves to recover and restore the institution’s original master plan following growing concerns over land encroachment and defacing of designated green areas within its campuses.
To actualise the initiative, a committee constituted by the management has fixed May 6, 2026, for the commencement of recovery operations, including the demolition of shanties and other illegal structures erected on the university’s green zones.
Chairman of the committee and Director of Physical Planning, Dr Okey Ekwelem, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen, noting that the university had earlier issued a 14-day ultimatum to illegal occupants to vacate the affected areas, which was subsequently extended by an additional 30 days.
According to him, the institution, through its Directorate of Community Relations, had also engaged several occupants of the green areas to sensitise them on the planned restoration of the university’s original layout.
Ekwelem explained that the demolition exercise forms part of ongoing efforts by the management to restore order, preserve the institution’s master plan, and promote environmental sanity in line with global best practices.
“As a foremost academic institution, the University of Nigeria remains committed to maintaining a serene, orderly and aesthetically pleasing environment befitting a world-class university,” he stated.
He further revealed that designated spaces had been mapped out within the campus to accommodate legitimate retail activities, urging affected traders and business owners to relocate to the approved areas.
The committee chairman stressed that adequate time had been provided for compliance and appealed to all concerned to cooperate fully with the exercise in the interest of safety, order and sustainable campus development.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
