By – Chiekezie Emmanuel

​The Student Union Government, School of Postgraduate Studies, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, has elected Comrade Ahanaonu Samuel as the new President.

​The election conducted on Friday via the university’s portal saw Comrade Ahanaonu polled 450 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Okeke Sunday, who got 270.

​After the election, the President-elect, while speaking with ESUT Monitor  reporters, stated that his motivation to contest came from his wealth of experience and conviction.

​”I have been in the student leadership community for years in various capacities, having served as Chief of Staff to a former SUG President in my undergraduate days, and currently serving as Chief of Staff to the Zonal Coordinator, Zone F, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS),” he said.

​He further emphasized that when he came for his master’s degree in ESUT, he observed that a particular department, Education, has always been in charge of leading the Postgraduate community.

​”If we truly practice democracy, there must be rotation, inclusiveness and equity. Leadership should cut across all faculties and departments, not be monopolized by one,” Comrade Ahanaonu said.

​”I contested last year for this same position. Due to electoral malpractice and irregularities in the online election process, I lost. A committee was set up to review the election, but till today that committee never sat. Instead of giving up, I told myself I would come back stronger.

” This time around I contested again and, by the grace of God and the support of Postgraduate students, I won.”

​His motivation revolves around showcasing the leadership capacity he has built over the years and putting ESUT Postgraduate School on the world map to compete globally.”

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​The new president also explained his vision for postgraduate students of ESUT, stating that he wants to build a community that can partake in global competitiveness, welfare and academic excellence.

​”Within one year, we will: campion students’ welfare and academic ease, especially on PG verification, defense and result issues, ensure inclusive governance where every faculty and department is carried along, drive digitalization and proper information dissemination for PG students, facilitate linkages, seminars and research opportunities that will expose ESUT PG students to the global academic world equally, restore the dignity and voice of the Postgraduate Union Government’.

​”We want to leave a legacy that the next administration will build on. To all Postgraduate Students of ESUT, I say thank you for your trust and mandate. This victory is not mine alone, it is ours.”

​He assured Postgraduate students of an open, transparent and student-driven administration.

​”My doors are open. Let us join hands to build the PG community of our dreams,” he said.