By Chiekezie Ezesinachi.

The Vice-Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie has applauded the Department of Quantity Surveying for constructing Smart Classroom for Postgraduate Students in the department.

The VC made the commendation on Thursday while unveiling the ICT-based Smart Hall at the main campus if the university, Agbani

Prof Okolie who árrived the department with his management team including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and and the Registrar, commended the Head of Department, Dr Henry Ajaelu for his innovative ideas .

“On behalf of the management, I appreciate the Dean, Head of Department, Dr. Ajaelu, and the entire student body for thinking smart, both in terms of initiative and outcome, with a very comfortable place like this.”

He made it clear that every department and faculty can come up with any project they think they can competently execute. “The management challenges you to come up with it and discuss with us to ensure we actualize that,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor, while delivering his speech, said that “the management is open for private sectors to collaborate and should feel free to engage the management on any issue.” This great renovation is to uplift standards of teaching, learning, and community service; “we are glad to be associated with this.”

“It is a big challenge for other heads of department, deans to emulate Dr. Ajaelo’s leadership quality. Education has to be cultivated, which is far beyond signing files; it has to do with engagement and equally getting collaboration. While being a student here, you have the opportunity as a student to be exposed more in your field of studies,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor stated that the university is not solely dependent on government financing, as it is highly capital-intensive. “However, whenever departments treat students well, they can answer and support you on any project. But when treated badly, it becomes difficult to mobilize resources and support.” He urged all departments to emulate Quantity Surveying as students are stakeholders of the university.

Earlier in his speech, the Head, Department of Quantity Surveying, Dr Henry Ajaelu said the smart classroom was built to promote academic excellence and comfort for the PG students.

He noted that the collective input of the board of the department as well as support from the Dean of the faculty aided the completion of the project. He expressed hope that the smart hall will be maintain effectively.

“This is a product of commitment from everyone in the department and what we want to achieve with this is academic excellence and comfort for our students. The board of the department and the dean of the faculty played supportive roles for the actualisation and I give God the glory

“This project is 80% sponsored by the postgraduate students, friends and our alumni and we are grateful. Maintenance of the classroom will not be a difficult one because we will always ensure that it is in optimal use everyday,” he said.