By Onyekachi Agu

THE Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has taken a significant leap into the digital age with the commissioning of its new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) building.

The new building, commissioned on Thursday, May 5th, 2025, by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, will also serve as a Computer-based Test Centre for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The cutting-edge 500-computer capacity CBT facility was commissioned by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie on Thursday in company of his management team.

The new ICT building expected to be equipped with modern infrastructure, including computer sets, high-speed internet connectivity, advanced computer laboratories, enhance reaserch and equip students with needed ICT knowledge to face the larger society upon graduation. The facility is designed to foster innovation, enhance research, and provide students with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.

The ICT building is expected to enhance the university’s research capabilities, facilitate collaboration with industry partners, and provide students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies.

According to Prof. Okolie, the new ICT building was a testament to ESUT’s commitment to providing world-class education and empowering students with the knowledge and skills required to drive technological advancements not just in the country but globally. He added that the new building would also serve as CBT centre for UTME

“This is the first project we initiated and completed within two years. Other projects we have been commissioning were initiated by past management and because we believe that every project is aimed at enhancing and promoting effective teaching and learning, we ensured their completion.

“We attracted this project in 2023 and today we are taking full possession after the contractor delivered on schedule. We want to say that this building will be equipped with 500 sets of computes, some of which we already have, they are waiting to be installed.

“However, we cannot talk about installation without fencing the building and providing power source to ensure that the systems run 24 hours. I want to, on behalf of the management thank the TETFUND and the contractor for delivering on schedule. This building will enhance our ICT base and give students needed Knowledge in the digital world for them to compete favorably with their counterparts globally. It would also serve as CBT centre for UTME,” the VC said.

Earlier in his speech, the Director of Physical Planning (DPP), Professor Amaechi Iloeje expressed gratitude to the management for attracting the building to ESUT and thanked the contractor for timely completion.

On his part, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Desk Officer ESUT, Engr Dr Egbagu Onyekachi said the timely execution of the project attests to TETFUND’s pragmatism in helping to enhance quality education in tertiary institutions. He lauded the ESUT management for providing the needed support to complete the project on schedule.

The Vice-Chancellor later told ESUT Monitor that with many office spaces available in the new building, the Management is planning to relocate some units to the new ICT building to enhance accommodation and productivity.

The offices expected to move to the new building include Student Affairs unit, Records, among others

Highlights of the commissioning include cutting of the tape by the Vice Chancellor, inspection of the building by the Management Team led by the VC and group photography.