By Ndubuisi Daberechi

Dr Chukwuemeka Ugwuekete has taken over as the new Head of Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education at Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, following the completion of the tenure of Professor Ngozi Ani

Professor Ani, who assumed office on October 5, 2025, handed over on August 27, 2026. She described her time in office as one that recorded some achievements despite the challenges faced by the department

According to her, one of the major achievements was the full accreditation of the department’s two programmes, Health Education and Human Kinetics

“We had full accreditation of our two programmes” she said, adding that the accreditation was done in November and the first week of December last year

She also said the department had its first university-wide health awareness programme where students were educated on how to live a healthy life. The department also hosted a conference of the Nigerian Association of Health Educators in June, which attracted people from different parts of the country

Professor Ani further mentioned an increase in student enrolment as another achievement of her tenure. She said the department currently has 64 undergraduate students while the postgraduate students are about 30 or above

However, she said the department had challenges including electricity, funds, office and classroom spaces, as well as facilities for practical activities

“We don’t actually have enough space for our lectures and offices for the lecturers” she said, adding that some lecturers, including senior lecturers, have to share offices

Speaking on her advice to the incoming HOD, Professor Ani said he needs to “hit the ground running” and build on what he met in the department

“I have the confidence that he will go far. He has the grace to go far” she said, encouraging him to double the achievements already recorded

In his response, Dr Ugwuekete said his plans for the department would be in two areas, academics and institutional support

“My plans should come in two folds. One, pure academics. Two, institutional support” he said

He also said attracting students and keeping them in the university would be part of the department’s responsibilities, noting that students need to be treated well if they are to remain in the institution

Dr Ugwuekete commended Professor Ani for her work, saying the department had witnessed “visible growth and development” during her tenure

He however appealed to her to support the new administration for continuity

“I will receive her maximum support to run the department” he said, adding that sustaining an achievement is more difficult than making it.