By Onyekachukwu Agu and Isiwu Nnaemeka

Ebeano City — The Faculty of Biological Sciences at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) on Thursday held a colourful sent-forth ceremony to celebrate the distinguished career of its pioneer Dean, Professor Emmanuel Ogu, as he bowed out of service after decades of meritorious service to humanity

The ceremony held in the Faculty Auditorium, drew the University Management, Colleagues, Staff, students, from within and outside the university who gathered to celebrate a career defined by extensive research, dedicated mentorship, and a deep commitment to the advancement of biological sciences in Nigeria.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chike Nwoha, in his message of goodwill extolled the leadership and dignity in service of the pioneer Dean, describing him as a man who served humanity in humility.

Prof OKolie revealed the University’s intention to re-engage Professor Ogu following his mandatory six-month post-retirement break, citing his invaluable expertise.

“Prof Ogu is a man who served this university with everything in him. We are proud of him and that was why he headed two faculties as dean. Responsibilities he discharged with fear of God and commitment to humanity.

” Today, we are not celebrating his retirement, we are celebrating his legacy, the ideals he is leaving behind. One thing is certain, the erudite schooler has etched his name in the history book of humanity and today we honour him,” the VC said.

Professor Ogu popularly known as “Onye isi Oche” meaning “Chairman” holds a unique place in ESUT’s history. Having previously served as the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences for over five years (covering two tenures plus the COVID-19 extension), he became the first Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences following the split of the Natural Sciences department into Physical and Biological faculties.

Speaking with the ESUT Monitor Newspaper, the Professor of Brewing Science and Technology expressed gratitude to the university management, staff and students of both the old and new Faculties for their support.

He expressed his willingness to continue to serve humanity in any other endeavours if called upon adding that he will always be a part of the university that made him

“First and foremost, I want to appreciate God for His grace and favour upon me in guiding me through my service years in ESUT.

“To the Vice-Chancelor and his management team, the students and staff of both FANS and now FBS, I thank you for your loyalty. It was Indeed years of service in gratitude. I am eternally grateful to my family for their support in these years. To the students that I was privileged to teach, it’s an honour and my prayer is that the child should be greater than the parents.” he said.

Several speakers including students expressed appreciation to the retiree and thanked him for his years of service to the faculty and the university.

Professor Ogu who retired on April 10, 2026 handed over the administration of the Faculty to the then Associate Dean, Dear Peter Eze who is now the Acting Dean.

While his formal classroom days have come to an end, Professor Ogu is expected to remain a vital resource for the scientific community.

During his retirement address, he encouraged the younger generation of researchers to remain resilient despite the challenges facing the Nigerian education sector.

​His retirement marks a transition for the Faculty of Biological Sciences, which now looks to build upon the foundation laid by one of its most respected veterans. As he steps into this new phase, the ESUT community honors a man whose career was dedicated to the pursuit of truth through the lens of the natural world.