By Ali Hope Onyinyechi

The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has welcomed the accreditation teams from the National Universities Commission (NUC) who arrived to assess three academic programmes – Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, and Geography and Meteorology.

The Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie while welcoming the visitors on Tuesday, expressed appreciation to the NUC teams for their visit and thanked them for the cordial relationship and hospitality shared so far. He assured them that the university would give them full support during the accreditation exercise.

Speaking on behalf of the accreditation teams, the NUC representatives commended the university for the warm reception and good accommodation provided. They explained that they were in ESUT to carry out their official duty of evaluating the three programmes with open minds and fairness.

Dr. Peace Okomah, the NUC representative for the Electrical and Electronic Engineering programme, introduced her team. She said the chairman is Professor Babatunde Adeboye from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, while Professor Donatus Bassey from the Federal University of Otuoke is also a member.

For Mechatronics Engineering, Mr. Udeh Felix, the NUC representative, introduced the team led by Professor Eli Jidere Bala from the University of Abuja, with Professor Benjamin Eyenagbe Ogouke from Edo University Uzairue as a member.

The Geography and Meteorology team was introduced by Mrs. Mary Enejo, the NUC representative. The team is led by Professor Daniel Idabo Dasu from the University of Jos, with Professor Idris Audu Jayeoba from the Federal University of Lokoja as a member.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor thanked the teams once again for their efforts and urged them to carry out their duties diligently and fairly. He reminded them that their work should be done “dispassionately,” with understanding of the challenges faced by universities.

He encouraged open discussions during the accreditation rather than harsh criticisms, saying, “I prefer more discussion than more writing.”

The Vice Chancellor also shared words of wisdom with the teams, urging them to handle every situation gently and professionally. Quoting a biblical story, he said, “Even when you are angry, still deal gently with your colleagues.”

He assured the teams that Enugu is a safe and peaceful state, noting that the government has strong security measures in place. “Enugu is one of the safest states in Nigeria. People go about their work peacefully,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the visitors to relax and enjoy their stay, promising that ESUT would continue to support the NUC’s mission of ensuring quality education in Nigeria.

“Take anything you want to take. Enugu is hospitable, ESUT is hospitable. We welcome you and wish you a successful accreditation exercise,” he concluded.