The Director, ACE-PUTOR, Prof. Daprim Ogaji, disclosed this while answering questions from newsmen shortly after the commissioning of the centre.
Prof. Ogaji said the centre was established to facilitate learning and research, adding that it would also collaborate with local and international organisations on research.
“This edifice was put up to facilitate learning and research at the University of Port Harcourt. It was funded by the World Bank, and French Development Organisation and supported by the Association of African Universities and Nigerian Universities Commission.
“The centre is structured in a way that it should be self-sustaining. Already, we have a sustainability plan that has been established. So, for the students of all cadres, both the rich and the not-so-rich can access our facility. It is a collaborative multi-disciplinary centre
“The current investment in this place goes over a billion naira. In fact, the building alone is over N600 million. And the equipment that is coming in is about N700 million.
“We are having an investment that is almost N1.3 billion. This is a plus for the University of Port Harcourt, which is one of the high-ranking universities in Nigeria currently,” he commented.
He described the facility as a landmark project which would enhance students’ research works and advancement.
Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor of the Uniport, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, said the centre was the dream and vision of the institution which would provide a conducive learning environment for students.
Prof. Georgewill thanked all organisations that funded the project and regulatory bodies that ensured the actualisation of what he termed ‘the institution’s vision’.
The VC stated, “This is the dream and vision of the University of Port Harcourt, that learning, teaching and research would take place in a very conducive environment. Therefore, what do I have to say? I want to say thank you to all the sponsors
“When you come to this edifice, nobody needs to tell you that there is a university here.”
