By Amaechi Agbo

On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, the new Governing Council of ESUT members officially resumed duties following their inauguration by the Visitor to the University, His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah at the Government House.

Shortly after, the Council members in company of the management of the university led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie arrived ESUT where they were received by the workers, students and members of the University community.

Like a new sheriff in town and a Daniel who has come to judgement, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa known for his humility and unassuming disposition, left no one in doubt on what to expect from the new Council under him.

The workers and students had gathered at the VC’s entrance, earlier enough, defying the scorching 12noon sun to give the new council a rousing reception.

Arriving the university in a motocade, the new council members were taking round the university precinct for on-the-spot assessment of the school premises.

There was no doubt that the rigours of inauguration and the long journey down to Agbani from Enugu metropolis as well as the hot weather would have brought some fatigue on the chairman and his Council Members. But that was never the case.

Speaking to the workers shortly after alighting from the Coastal Bus, the new chairman addressed the university workers:

Action speaks louder than voice

In his first speech, the new Pro-Chancellor said he was not in ESUT to make speeches but rather to let his actions speak, instead.

“I am not used to flamboyant words, I believe that actions speak louder than voice. I believe also that the call of duty is a challenge to the brave. That is why when you see me as an accountant, I am being very careful with even words we make in public because if you are not able to back it with actions, one-plus-one will not give you two again. Because of that, let us see what is happening and see what we will do. Maybe as time passes, you may give us a name – talk and do,” he said in brevity

Rejection of umbrella

Aware that the new Chairman was sweaty, as a result the hotness of the weather, a staff of the university rallied round and produced an umbrella to cover the chairman while he was speaking.

Surprisingly, even without looking around, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa used his right hand to push the umbrella away. As he was doing so, instantly, he used his index right finger to remove the sweat that was almost covering his eyes.

The move, very emotional and sympathetic, was not unrecognized by the staff who applauded his gesture with ovation and declared “truly, Chinyeaka is a shepherd who understands the pains of his people.”

Ohaa’s disposition is uncharacteristic of the mindset of a typical Nigeria leader, who under obvious circumstances would have even requested for a shade over him not to talk of rejecting the umbrella under such intense March sun.

We Have A Forthright Council Chairman – VC

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie also poured encomium on the new chairman.

Speaking in an interview after the Council’s inaugural sitting, the VC told ESUT Monitor that indeed ESUT has got a father who understands the peculiarities of the institution.

”It was a great outing, we have a highly experienced and forthright Chairman who has shown a lot of passion in changing the narratives in ESUT.

“From this inaugural meeting, it was obvious that we are moving in the right direction and issues raised, the way he handled them and the expectations from the Council, is so encouraging.”

Although details of the resolutions and decisions of the Council were not made public, ESUT Monitor gathered that they centred on enhancing the physical facilities, staff welfare and ensuring that the face of ESUT is changed for the better.

Number of Council members

Currently, there are 8 external members while the internal ones will join them. The membership of the council is expected to reach 13 by the time it’s fully constituted.

The former Governing Council led by Most Rev Prof Bishop Godfrey Onah were inaugurated on March 11, 2020 with a membership strength of 13 councillors.

Duties and composition of the Governing Council

The Governing Council of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, (ESUT) is the institution’s top decision-making body. It is in charge of the university’s overall management and direction, ensuring that it works in compliance with its mandate and regulatory establishments.

The Council is comprised of a Chairman appointed by the Governor of Enugu State, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, and other prominent members from diverse fields of expertise.

The Council’s primary mission is to establish policies and make decisions affecting the institution’s academic, administrative, and financial issues. This includes approving the university’s annual budget, supervising staff recruiting and promotion, approving new academic programmes, and ensuring that the university functions in accordance with its goal and objectives.

The nomination of the Vice-Chancellor is one of the Council’s most important tasks. The Vice-Chancellor is the university’s chief executive officer and is in charge of the institution’s day-to-day operations. The Council is in charge of ensuring that the Vice-Chancellor is appointed on merit and that he or she is capable of providing the essential leadership to propel the university forward.