….VC, Host Communities Leaders Eulogize Gov Mbah

By Amaechi Agbo and Ihechiluru Nwabuike

The Enugu State Government under the trailblazing leadership of His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, as part of his avowed commitment in providing effective education in the state, has begun the construction of perimeter fencing of the state university, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT.

 The boundary fencing which was flagged off on Tuesday at the ESUT Main Campus, Agbani, marked a significant milestone in securing the land as well as ensuring the safety of staff and students of the institution.

Witnessed by various leaders from the four host communities – Umueze, Obe, Amurri and Agbani, the Vice-Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie announced that the fencing which has a six months duration to be completed in July, has the express approval of the Governor

The Vice-Chancellor described the State Government’s intervention as well-timed and  a reflection Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to safeguarding public institutions. When completed, the VC noted that the fencing will open a vista of opportunities for investors in the university.

 “This project is about protection, order and growth. It is not meant to isolate the university from its host communities, but to secure lives, property and investments for the collective well-being of all,” the vice chancellor stated.

Professor Okolie also lauded the cordial relationship between ESUT and its host communities, noting that the university had consistently upheld its obligations through employment opportunities, admissions and other community benefits. He assured them of sustained engagement and consultation as the fencing project progresses.

Speaking on ongoing interventions, Prof. Okolie disclosed that ESUT will embark on construction of N4.1Billion state of the art hostels,soon. He added that the university had already provided a N1 billion counterpart fund secured from TETFUND for the construction of two modern hostel blocks with a combined capacity of 1,600 bed spaces—800 each for male and female students, with sporting facilities.This he said,bill be executed under a partnership arrangement.

He added that work was also advancing on a new Faculty of Social Sciences and a university printing press, both nearing completion.

According to him, ESUT is also set to strengthen campus security architecture through improved lighting and surveillance. He revealed that the lawmaker representing Nkanu West/East at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, had pledged 200 solar-powered streetlights for the institution, a development expected to pave the way for the deployment of closed-circuit television cameras and a central monitoring system.

The Vice-Chancellor promised to provide logistics support to the successful delivery of the project.

Stakeholders and representatives of the host communities comprising Umueze, Amankanu-Amurri, Obe and Agbani were unanimous in praising the governor’s intervention, describing it as a major boost to peace, security and development within and around the university environment.

The contractor, City Concrete Limited , represented by the Project Manager, Engr Chukwuebuka Umeh promised that the project will not only be delivered on schedule, but that the university will witness quality project

On his part, the President-General of Umueze Awkunanaw, Engr. Okwudiri Ohaa, thanked Governor Mbah for placing ESUT high on his development agenda and pledged the continued support of his community. He also commended the vice chancellor for promoting fairness, justice and equity among the host communities.

Similarly, his Amankanu-Amurri counterpart, Hon. Victor Okechukwu, who spoke on behalf of Amurri people, eulogised Governor Mbah for his commitment in ensuring quality education in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the students, the President of the Students’ Union Government, SUG ESUT, Comrade Chizaram Nwodo, thanked Governor Mbah for the approval to construct the perimeter fencing. She also commended the University management for prioritising students ‘ welfare.

“The fencing is not only going to ensure effective security but will have measurable impact in our academic and social activities. On behalf of the students, I thank the Vice-Chancellor and his management team for always making the welfare of the students a priority. We are also grateful to His Excellency for his pragmatic disposition to education particularly ESUT,” she said.

The ceremony climaxed with the breaking of kola nuts and symbolic site clearing, as the traditional ruler of Umueze Community, Igwe Emeka Ani, reaffirmed the support of the traditional institution and urged all stakeholders to rally behind the project for timely delivery.

Established in 1980, ESUT moved to its permanent campus in Agbani in Nkanu West Local Government Area in 2026. The University is estimated to occupy over 600 hectares of land.

In February 2024, the Umueze and Obe communities in Nkanu West Local Government Area donated an additional 30 plots of land to the university designated for the construction of ESUT nursery, primary, and secondary schools projects.