By Joy Joseph

The Vice-Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie has disclosed that the Nigeria’s premier science and technology university would champion experiential learning not just in the state but beyond.

Professor Okolie while delivering a Keynote Address during the training workshop for staff of the university held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu on the topic “Transformational Leadership, Innovation and Creativity in Tertiary Institutions” charged the senior staff to adopt leadership model and attitude that would enhance the academic excellence of the institution.

He noted that as the premier science and technology university in the country, ESUT will be at the vanguard of experiential learning by ensuring implementation of hands-on-practical-based teaching and learning.

“ESUT must lead the way in the 21st century experiential learning, beyond the shores of the state. It is time we established ESUT block and paint industries. It is time we offered the students hands-on training that would make them job creators and not job seekers after graduation. We must continue to build the capacity

“Four of our staff just returned from Germany where they participated in one-month vocational training. Let me also announce that six staff of ESUT will be going to Texas, USA in the first quarter of next year for another impactful training.

“Another set of staff will at the same period be in China to acquire more knowledge in experiential learning. The key thing about this workshop which is for selected leaders and managers in the university, is that we must emphasis the practical aspect of what we are teaching and learning. We must effectively implement the 30% theoretical and 70% practical pedagogy model. Other universities should learn from us.

“Let me reiterate that students, beginning from the new academic session which starts on Monday, must be divvied into research groups right from their year one. Each group should be given research topic to explore so that by the time they are in final year, they would have come up with a research work that would be helpful to our society,” he said.

On his part, the Co-facilitator of the Workshop and Director, Academic Planning, ESUT, Professor Chike Anibeze, described experiential learning as the oldest traditional system of education akin to the apprenticeship system established by Igbos in Nigeria which is based on hands-on training and practical application of knowledge.

“Experiential learning emphasizes learning through action, reflection, and application of knowledge in real-world or simulated scenarios, rather than just passively receiving information. It is our oldest traditional system of education – much akin to the apprenticeship system established by our forefathers – whereby knowledge is transmitted through practice, and knowledge thus gained, fostered innovation and growth”

“The minimum competencies that Enugu State-owned tertiary institutions are expected to accomplish by leveraging experiential learning to advance innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development. In November 2024, at ESUT, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, announced the Enugu Experiential Learning Policy, which charged each State-owned tertiary institution to: align education with Sustainable Development Goals, equipping students with skills to innovate solutions for Energy, Agriculture, ICT & Technology. This is the line we need to adopt and swiftly too to be the pacesetters not just in Enugu but beyond,” he said