By Ali Hope and Ezenwa Francisca

Agbani – The Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS) Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) officially welcomed new students into its academic community during their 44th matriculation ceremony.

The event was presided over by the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof who stood in for the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, marked the formal admission of students for the 2024/2025 academic session on Friday.

In his address, Professor Okolie congratulated the matriculating students for securing admission amidst intense competition. He reaffirmed ESUT’s commitment to academic excellence, discipline, and character development, urging students to adhere strictly to university regulations. He also emphasized the institution’s zero-tolerance policy on cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, and other forms of indiscipline.

Highlighting ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, the Vice-Chancellor mentioned enhancements in water supply, electricity, and hostel accommodations. He encouraged students to actively participate in extracurricular activities, particularly sports, where ESUT has excelled in national and zonal competitions. He also announced that students maintaining a CGPA of 4.50 and above would be eligible for tuition-free education as an incentive for academic excellence.

This year’s matriculation was conducted in a decentralized format, a move aimed at fostering closer relationships between students and their faculties.

Professor Uche Ugwuanyi, in an interview with ESUT Monitor highlighted the benefits of the new approach, stating that it allows students to better identify with their departments and connect with their lecturers.

“It also enables parents to locate their children’s faculties and departments more easily, making access to academic resources more efficient,” he noted. Describing the event as highly successful, Professor Ugwuanyi expressed satisfaction with the atmosphere, stating, “The entire school is glowing with excitement. Students are happy with the trend of things, and we are proud to host this milestone event.”

For many students, the matriculation ceremony was a moment of joy and reflection. Ujunwa Faith Omere, a Mass Communication student, described the occasion as a significant milestone. “Matriculation is a celebration for me entering into Year One at the university, and I am happy. ESUT is one of the best schools. It is okay, and all the lecturers are nice to students, especially Mr. Maxwell Ngene.”

However, some students acknowledged the challenges of adapting to university life. Obasi Ngozi Elizabeth, another fresh student, shared her early experiences. “It hasn’t been easy. Firstly, Agbani sun is so hot, and then trying to buy books, begging course reps for the littlest things, and handling lots of assignments has been stressful,” she said.

For parents, the event was an emotional and proud moment. Mrs. Ani Ifeinenye, whose child was among the matriculants, expressed her joy. “It is a very beautiful moment. I am happy, proud, and grateful to God because it’s not easy to have a child matriculating today. It is a thing of joy, and I bless God for it,” she said.

Speaking on why she chose ESUT for her child, Mrs. Ani praised the university for its ability to prepare students for real world challenges. “ESUT is a ‘jungle school’ a place where students are trained to be tough and resilient. When a child passes through ESUT, they can face society confidently. There is no place they will go and not be able to scale through,” she remarked.

The 44th matriculation ceremony at ESUT was a memorable event, symbolizing the beginning of an academic journey for the fresh students. With optimism and determination, they are set to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their pursuit of academic excellence.