The President/Chairman of Tompolo Foundation, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (well known as Tompolo) on Friday donated 458 single seater desks worth millions of Naira to the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
At the combined matriculation for the 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 academic sessions of the university, the Executive Secretary of Tompolo Foundation, Dr Paul Bebenimibo, who made the donation on behalf of Ekpemupolo, said that the strategic partnership would enable the institution compete well with other world class universities.
“Tompolo Foundation is presenting 458 single desks (furnitures) worth millions of naira to the university”, Bebenimibo said, and thanked members of staff for cooperating with the management of the university.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Adigio commended Tompolo for the donation.
He said that he respects Tompolo because of his desire to fulfill his dreams of educating his people, noting that the former militant leader brought to be, the land wherein the university sits.
Adigio said: “He contributes to resolving all our challenges in the university. A lot of our chairs that we had, were brought in by him. Many of our chairs had gone. Within two weeks, he did it”.
He disclosed that Tompolo is currently putting up a structure which would soon be completed by in the institution adding: “I want to thank him very much. We appreciate it. But, just like Oliver Twist, we still ask for more”.
The Vice Chancellor said that relevant government agencies have duly accredited all 13 programmes offered by the university, disclosing that pioneer graduates of the institution are on national youth service.
He urged the students to take their respective destinies in their hands, putting their studies above anything else, remaining undaunted and resilient in the face of challenges that may ensure in the course of their studies.
“They should be guided by the reality that the time spent in this first paramilitary university in the country is the springboard to greater life hereafter. On this note, let me congratulate our matriculating cadets. You are indeed our seed planted with the expectation to flourish.
“We have made great preparations to plant you. We have employed as our teachers, very capable scholars most of whom made first class and second class upper division in their first degree courses. A number of them already have advanced degrees. This is something we owe you.
“The government that founded the university considers you very important and has granted you this privilege. We pledge before you and before your wonderful parents that we will not fail to give you the best. Please don’t fail to touch the sky and beyond. It is my earnest desire that you all keep the sail steadily going throughout the university waterways”, he said.
