By Timothy Nwobodo and Joy Joseph

No fewer than five hundred (500) applications for admission to study various Postgraduate courses at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) have been received, just as the management has announced 31st January, 2024 as deadline for the submission of online applications for the various postgraduate programmes in the institution.

The Acting Dean of the SPGS, Professor Charles Chime disclosed this in an exclusive interview with ESUT Monitor in his office.

The over 500 applicants are being considered for admission into the Postgraduate Diploma, PGD; Master of Science, MSc as well as Doctor of Philosophy, PhD programmes

“We have offered admission to over 100 applicants in a first batch admission, out of the over 500 applications so far received for the 2023/2024 academic year. We have also set 31st January as deadline for acceptance of applications. Once the portal is closed, candidates would not be able to access the online application for admission for the 2023-2024 session,” the Dean said.

Prof Chime emphasized that although the portal would be closed on the deadline day, the list of those offered admission will be published thereafter adding that the second batch of admission will be published in a few days.

“The second batch of the admission is coming out this week. When the portal closes on 31st, there would still be an admission list that will be published for candidates that applied close to the deadline. So, you will be expecting an admission list after that 31st because we would consider everybody that was able to purchase the form.

The Acting Dean added the era of admission letters not being issued immediately after publication of admission list is over as admission letter can now be printed online once the necessary payments have been made. He warned that students who failed to register on or before February 22, 202r will forfeit the admission.

“Candidates who have been offered admission can now print their admission letters online after paying acceptance fee. Candidates who have printed their admission letters should proceed to the portal, generate invoice for school fees, pay and proceed to SPGS to complete their registration.

“Candidates who were offered admission but failed to register before 22nd of February 2024 would lose their admission.”

 On the issue of overstayed PG Students, Prof Chime said that the School of Postgraduate Studies Board convened on Thursday, December 14th, 2023 and reached the following decisions regarding PG students who were admitted between the academic years of 2004 and 2019 but have yet to graduate.

“Students who were admitted between 2004 and 2016 will be required to withdraw from their respective postgraduate programmes, as their admissions have now lapsed. Therefore, they are no longer considered ESUT PG students from the academic year of 2023/2024.

“However, PhD students in this category with 2016 registration numbers are given until 30th September 2024 to tidy up and graduate. Overstayed PG students who were admitted between 2017 and 2019 are granted until September 30th, 2024 to fulfil all necessary obligations and complete their studies. Failure to graduate within this timeframe will result in the loss of their status as ESUT PG students.

“The admission procedures for the academic session of 2023/2024 are currently underway and will conclude on January 31st, 2024. Those who have overstayed from either category aforementioned are welcome to re-apply for admission.”

He noted that orientation for the newly admitted postgraduate students is expected to hold before the matriculation ceremony on February 23, 2024.

Professor Chime expressed the university’s commitment to providing a seamless transition for new and returning students.