Development Plan

5 YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2005-2010)

PRIORITY PROJECTS/NEEDS

The University has identified the following projects as priority needs of the University for the first five (5) years of establishment.  They are:

1.         CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING

This is a critical need of the University.  The University needs to develop a sound curriculum that is broad-based and inter-disciplinary in nature to be able to lay a formidable background for solid academic work.

The world is changing at a fast pace and the boundary between disciplines is becoming narrower than imagined.  This calls for an inter-disciplinary approach to curriculum development rather than compartmentalization in order to remain relevant in a fast changing world.  As a young institution, the University needs the expertise of senior and experienced academics in all areas of study to assist in the development of the curriculum.  Here, the University particularly hopes to benefit from the extensive wealth of experience of friends from North America and elsewhere.

2.         LABORATORIES

These consist of:

(a)                Chemistry laboratory

(b)               Physics laboratory

(c)                Biology laboratory

(d)               Language laboratory

(e)                Computer laboratory

(f)                 Food Science and Technology laboratory

(g)                Food and Nutrition laboratory

(h)                Food Microbiology laboratory

(i)                  Food Processing laboratory

(j)                 Clothing & Textiles laboratory

Laboratories are the bedrock of all scientific studies.  The University has recognized the critical importance of laboratories to the success of academic programmes and is, therefore, making every effort in sourcing for funds locally and internationally to build, furnish and equip laboratories for her students.  Being a new University, there are huge financial demands as the University must start from the scratch.  The total cost of building, furnishing and equipping the laboratories is estimated at N200 million (U.S. $ 1,400,451).

3.         UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

the next critical area of need of the University is the Library.  Every academic activity of a University revolves around the Library which provides the necessary information resource for learning. The need to have a well stocked, comfortable and efficient information resource center is therefore urgent.  The University has planned to build a 3-storey library complex with a sitting capacity of 500 students at the estimated cost of N250 million (U.S. $1,760,563).

4          HALLS OF RESIDENCE

The University has also planned to build four (4) Halls of Residence for both the female and male students of the University during the first phase of development.  Each Hall will have three (3) floors and will accommodate 552 students.  Architectural designs of the halls have already been produced in line with the National Universities Commission’s requirements and standards.  The estimated cost of each hall if N200 million (U.S. $1,408,451).  The University is willing to partner with the private sector and interested organizations and financial institutions who may be willing to develop halls of residence in the University on the basis of Built, Operate and Transfer (BOT) as approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

5.         FACULTY BUILDINGS

The Proprietor and Management of the University are keen in building an institution that will be a model in the 21^st century, both in terms of infrastructural and academic standards.  Bearing in mind the difficulties that other tertiary institutions in the state have had in achieving an excellent Master Plan on a temporary site, University of Mkar is determined to start implementing its Master Plan right from inception.  The University has, therefore, planned to build three (3) standard faculty complexes, one for each of the three faculties in the first phase of its development plan.  The building will contain offices for faculty members, large lecture theatres for faculty students, conference halls, faculty/departmental libraries, lecture halls and such other facilities that may be needed by the faculty.  Architectural drawings of the faculty buildings is in progress.  Considering what some neighbouring Universities have built, the cost involvement of each building is estimated at N250 million (U.S. $1,760,563).

6.         COMPUTER CENTRE: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE CENTRE

This Center is envisaged to transform into a Computer Engineering Technology Centre, capable of not only assembling computers, but manufacturing them.  With strong linkage with friends of NKST in North America and South Africa the University is optimistic of ‘transferring’ the best technology in computer/engineering technology to Africa.  Through the Center too, the University is envisaged to produce the best engineers that will become ‘best sellers’ in computer technology in Africa and else where.

7.         CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING – Senate Building

Administrative building usually provide a hub for the activities of a University.  Apart from being a legacy and a symbol of excellence, they make easy coordination of administration and staff discipline.  University of Mkar has planned to build a seat of administration called “Senate Building” in the first phase of its development plan.  The building which will be four floors will contain the Vice-Chancellor’s office, the Registrar’s office and the Bursar’s office.  It shall also have facilities such as Conference hall and Council/Senate meeting hall(s).  The estimated cost of the building is N450 million (U.S. $3,169,015).

 8.         LANGUAGE STUDY CENTRE

The University is seeking collaboration with foreign partners and government to establish a Language Study Center both as an inter-cultural exchange programme and as a means of technology acquisition, needless to emphasize that language is a translation of culture into words.  Besides, as a Christian University, knowledge of foreign languages will greatly become an asset to our evangelization drive.

University of Mkar will explore every possibility to put the young institution on the map of prominence among the community of nations.

9.         TRANSPORT

The University is till at infant stage and a lot more needs to be done to consolidate its position.  One of such needs is transport.  Daily operations require movements of University officials to many place.  Born in an era of severe financial hardship occasioned by adverse economic recession, procurement of vehicles has been a bit problematic in the face of limited resources. The University needs official vehicles for her principal officers, Deans and Directors, Departments, Students and for general administration.

CONCLUSION

University of Mkar is a faith project – without faith, it is impossible to please God.  We believe in pleasing God by our faith so that His strength can be made perfect in our weakness.  In her desire to reach the unreached and to transform the lives of her members, Benue State indigenes and the nation at large, the NKST Church has established the University as a remarkable contribution to the development of the State, Nigeria and the world at large.  We look at the young University as the only hope for moral regeneration, spiritual revival and the only true key to development in the state/nation.  We, therefore, hold it very dear to our hearts and call upon all our Christian friends, both at home and abroad to partner with us in building this cherished young, enviable and potentially great institution.