By Inyali Peter
Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) alumni association has expressed desire to partner the General Electric Global Growth and Operations (GE) in the proposed two hundred million (N200, 000 000) Alumni Center project.
The National President of the association, Mr. Eyam Abeng stated this on Friday when he led a team of delegation on a courtesy visit to GE office in Calabar.
Abeng said that the association was open to partner with more agencies and organizations to invest in not only the project but in the institution.
He maintained that although the institution has not produced graduates that have broken even in life, the association is committed to source funds and partnership from both local and international donors to develop the institution.
According to him, “Since we assumed office last year December, our minds have been set on adding value to our alma mater especially in the area of infrastructural development.
“Although CRUTECH has not produced graduates that have broken even in life, but we are determined and committed to partnering with both local and international donors to build a befitting alumni center for our dear institution.
“We are here today not to ask GE to give us the entire funds, that is N200m required for the project but to seek partnership for the actualization of the project”.
Reacting, the Lead Project Manager of GE, Engineer David Eichie who described the project as a laudable one assured that the partnership proposal will be sent to the leadership of the company for discussion.
Eichie maintained that concerning its feasibility and the determined strategies employed by the association to source funds for the project, he will make sure that the project is given positive consideration by authorities of the company.
“It is a laudable project especially considering the fact that you have not really climbed the ladder, but giving back and trying to invest in your former institution is a great idea.
“On my personal capacity, I’ll support the project. On GE, this is an idea we will escalate to the leadership to see how the company can invest in the project”, Eichie said.
He however advised that, “This should not be a project that should be allowed on the pipelines. It should not be abandoned because it is a great vision”.