By Amaechi Agbo

Enugu – The Vice-Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Professor Aloysius-Michaels Nnabugwu Okolie has once again, been honoured for his innovative leadership and culture of academic excellence in the university.

A socio-cultural group, the Greater Awgu Welfare Association, GAWA, ESUT Chapter on Saturday joined several other groups to recognize and appreciate the laudable strides the university has recorded in less than three years of his administration.

The Honour comes less than two weeks after a non-governmental organisation, Sound Education Ambassadors, SEA, Nigeria, on October 7 presented an award of excellence to the Vice-Chancellor for his visionary leadership and promotion of academic excellence in the institution.

The elaborate ceremony held at Toscana Hotel, Independent Layout Enugu on Saturday, the GAWA ESUT held a reception in honour of the VC who hails from Egbeneli Community, for his transparent and accountable leadership posture that has seen ESUT become visible globally.

In his address delivered at the occasion, the GAWA Chairman, Prof Leo Chukwu said that under the management of ESUT led by the Vice-Chancellor, the university has not only remarkably risen in visibility globally, but has become choice destination for those that seek university education in our dear country.

“We are here to celebrate excellence, assiduity, focus and tenacity of purpose.

“Since taking office as ESUT VC, this workaholic and scholar has succeeded in positively tuming ESUT around 360°. His mantra has all along been service excellence, staff motivation, time consciousness, transparency and accountability and zero tolerance to all manner of misdemeanor among staff and students.

“As I speak, ESUT has not only remarkably risen in visibility, but has become choice destination for those that seek university education in our dear country. The inaugural lecture series has since become a very pivotal component of ESUT programme of activities,” he said

In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the GAWA ESUT Chapter for the honour and stressed that the gesture will motivate him to do more.

Professor Okolie while commending the disposition of the people towards his administration warned against nepotism niting that at no point would he use his position to arrogate undo advantage to anybody neither would he spare anyone who runs foul of the university’s extant laws.

“I want to thank you for this honour. This period has been moment of Honours. Just few days I was honoured by Sound Education Ambassadors, and today we are here again. There is no doubt that I am encouraged and motivated by these gestures and they are dear to me.

“However, I must reitrate that being an Awgu person does not give you an undo advantage under this administration. We believe on merit. Whatever you merit in ESUT, irrespective where you come from, you will get it. At the same time let me also emphasis that I will not, because you are from Awgu accommodate lapses or when you run foul of the university regulation, you would be shielded. That will not happen. Anybody who goes contrary to the rules of his employment will face the consequences.

“Having said that, I thank all of you, especially guests who came from far and near to honour this occasion. Thank you and God bless,” the VC said.

Highlights of the reception were cultural dance display, presentation of a gigantic plaque to the VC by GAWA, several souvenir as well as group pictures with guests

Dignitaries that graced the reception include: Pro Chancellor and Chairman, ESUT Governing Council, Chief Chinyeaka Ọha, represented by Dr Eric Ọlaedo; Chairman and Chief Executive of Toscana Groups, Chief Francis Obasi: Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Enugu State, Dame Barr Ugochi Madueke and the Executive Chairman Enugu State Local Government Service Commission, Prof Osy Okanya.

Others are: the immediate past acting VC of ESUT, Professor Charles Eze, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Chike Nwoha, University Registrar and Secretary to Council, Chief Ambrose Ugwu, Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, among others.