By Joseph Joy

In an extraordinary twist of fate at the 19th Convocation Press Briefing hosted by the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) on November 9, 2023, the Vice Chancellor Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie injected a dose of humour and reality, jesting that even if the convocation didn’t yield much, a helicopter would steal the show on the university field.

Swiftly advancing to November 18, 2023, the Convocation day, the unexpected unfolded as a helicopter descended into the school football field at 10:17am turning ESUT’s campus into a mesmerizing spectacle reminiscent of fireworks in the university sky. Students, Passersby, guests and members of the university community came out in their numbers to behold the “strange” scene.

Adding to the intrigue, the helicopter not only brought exhilaration but also carried one of the distinguished Honourary Award recipients, Mr Osagie Okunbor, the Group Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN).

Mr. Osagie was bestowed with an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration (DBA Honaris Causa) Degree from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT

The academic institution, renowned for its commitment to excellence, established a new standard by seamlessly blending surprise and prestige, shaping a convocation that will linger in the memories of attendees for years to come. The convergence of a helicopter landing and the conferment of an Honourary Degrees to deserving Nigerians added an unforeseen twist to ESUT’s 19th Convocation, elevating it to a truly historic and unforgettable event.