Enugu – The Vice-Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie has disclosed that the Institute for Peace, Conflict and Development Studies (IPCDS) was primarily established for social re-orientation and re-engineering and not necessarily to award certificates.

 The Vice-Chancellor stated this on Friday during the Induction/Orientation programme for the 2025/2026 students of the Institute held at the ESUT Business School, Enugu

Addressing the students, Prof Okolie commended them for chosen ESUT for their Postgraduate programme in Peace, Conflict and Development. While describing the Institute as the heart of unity in not just in South-East but in the country, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the essence of the Institute is to ensure peaceful co-existence among people adding that peace is at the basis of everything in human interaction.

“Let me welcome you to the Institute of Peace, Conflict and Development Studies, ESUT. We commend you for chosen ESUT for your postgraduate programme, in this discipline. Let me also remind you that the Institute was established primarily for social re-orientation and re-engineering. The essence of the Institute is to promote and sustain peace for social cohesion.

“The certificate you seek to acquire is necessary but it will be meaningless if you do not apply the knowledge for which the certificate is awarded to you. In ESUT PG Programmes, we do not accommodate overstayed students. Once you are due for graduation and we noticed that you have not graduated, we will kick you out of the programme.

“When I assumed office, I noticed that we had a huge number of overstayed students in our PG programme and we wrote them a letter and terminated their contract with the university. You therefore owe it a duty to ensure that you graduated when you are supposed to. The watchword here is discipline. Let me also remind you that you didn’t come here to pursue certificate, you came here to acquire knowledge and both the Institute and the University management are ready to help you with your corporation”, he said.

Earlier in his address, Director of the Institute, Prof Gerald Ezirim, congratulated the new students and charged them to be studious and diligent in their works. He informed them that lectures are conducted in hybrid form comprising physical and virtual classes but warned that failure to meet up with 75% attendance requirement, would disqualify them from writing their exams

“I want to first congratulate you on gaining admission into the Institute. As you begin this new journey in your academic career, I want to assure you that you are in the right place with the right people to help you navigate the journey.

“Here we operate hybrid lectures, lectures are conducted both physically and virtually. Therefore, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you must be physically present in all lectures. However, the law in the university is that every student must attend lectures at least 75% or be disqualified from taking examination,” he said.

The Director further announced that as part of policies to make the Institute visible, the Board would soon establish a journal to be solely published by the students and lecturers in the Institute and encouraged them to ensure that they published at least one article before their graduation.

“We are planning to launch the Institute journal soon and it will belong to you. Publication of at least an article is a prerequisite for your award of certificate here.”

During his speech, the Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, ESUT, Prof Charles Chime, who was represented by the Associate Dean, Dr Dorathy Abonyi, took time to explain to the students how the Postgraduate Programme works. He warned them against contracting their Dissertation or Thesis to vendors and stressing that the university frowns at fabricated projects.

“I want to congratulate you on your admission into the Institute. One reality here is that all of you were offered admission the same year but you will all not graduate the same time. PG programme is not undergraduate programme where you are expected to graduate with your set. A lot of factors could cause this and I will dwell on the ones that could affect you if not properly checked. First and foremost, you are expected to fill and submit your forms on time. Ensure you pay your school fees and all other required sundry fees as and when due.

“We understand that many PG students contract their Dissertation or Thesis to road-side vendors. But we have a mechanism to checkmate them. Once you are caught, you will be punished. It profits much when you are the author of your Dissertation or Thesis and that is why your supervisors are here to guide you to ensure that you did everything right.

“We are in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The PG School is not against the application of AI in your research works but do not allow AI to reason and write for you. Make AI your assistant not you master,” he warned.

Students interviewed expressed gratitude to the management of the university and thanked the VC for gracing the event and promised to abide by the rules governing the Institute.

The IPCDS was founded in the 1990s by Professor Osy Okanya, then Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and related disciplines. It was in 2016 that the Institute was strengthened and the vision for the establishment of Institute for Peace, Conflict and Development Studies (IPCDS) was conceived.

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By Amaechi Agbo

Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), on Friday emerged champions of the maiden edition of the Kingmakers Inter-Campus Athletics Championship.

The two-day championship held from Thursday, 12th to Friday, 13th February 2026 at  Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, saw ESUT clinch the coveted trophy after dominant performance.

ESUT topped the medals table with 25 medals comprising 9 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze medals, narrowly beating University of Nigeria, Nsukka, which finished second with 9 gold, 6 silver, and 7 bronze medals.

University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus came third with 3 gold, 2 silver, and 8 bronze medals, while Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, placed fourth with 3 gold and 3 bronze medals.

OSISATECH Polytechnic finished fifth with 2 silver medals, while Renaissance University secured sixth position with 2 silver medals.

State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS) placed seventh with 2 silver medals, and Coal City University came eighth with 1 silver medal.

Federal Co-operative College finished ninth on the medals table with 1 bronze medal.

The Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Lloyd Ekweremadu, expressed excitement over the highly competitive and entertaining display of talents. He commended the students for their passion, discipline, and resilience throughout the championship and reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to nurturing discovered talents to attain national prominence.

He also appreciated Kingmakers, sponsors of the championship, for partnering with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The Director of Sports, ESUT, Professor Rita Ani, who led the victorious team, commended the Ministry for organizing the competition and praised the athletes for making the university proud and praise the Vice-Chancellor for support

“Let me first, thank my athletes for making ESUT proud. You displayed the ruggedness expected to overcome your opponents and the university is proud of you. I also thank the organisers for putting up this competition which has immense benefits.

“And to my indefatigable and supportive Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, this victory is a testament of your unwavering support to sports development in ESUT and welfare of our athletes,” she said.

Former Director of Coaching, Mr. Ephraim Ochomma, described the championship as a veritable platform for talent discovery. He expressed delight at the State Government and Ministry’s efforts in providing students with the opportunity to showcase their sporting abilities.

One of the gold medallists, Miss Joy Iyioke of ESUT, who won gold in javelin and silver in discus, expressed happiness at winning two medals and commended the hitch-free organization of the championship.

The maiden Enugu State Inter-Campus Athletics Championship was organised to discover athletes to represent the state at the 2026 National Sports Festival which the state is due to host later in the year.

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 Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT dominated the medals table at the end of Day 1 of the Enugu State Inter-Campus Tertiary Institutions Athletics Championship. The Science and Technology team won 4 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medal to wrap up the day.

Athletes such as Augustine Ifeturu won 100 meters boys event finishing the sprint in 11.11 secs while Chinyere Ede also won  gold medal in 1500 metres female category. Joy Iyioke, also of ESUT won gold in shotput female category, Benita Okwudiba, also won gold medal in long jump girls as well as, silver in 100 metres girls .                    

Institute of Management and Technology IMT, were placed second with  2 gold medals  from  Moses Chiagozie, in shotput male , while Christopher Achebe, in 1500 metres boys,  also Nnaji Precious of lMT won 1 silver medal.           

 University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, UNEC are placed 3rd with 1 gold medal, from Precious Chukwuemeka  won silver in 1500 metres female   and  bronze medal from Nneoma Ub ochi.                          

State University of  Medical and Applied Sciences, (SUMAS), Igbo-Ano are also placed joint 3rd  with UNEC, with 1 gold medal won in long Jump boys, as well as, 1 silver medal from  Nnaji Precious in long jump boys, while Nelson Ishiwu came 3rd and won bronze medal.          

University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN are in distant 4th position with 3 silver and 3 bronze medals. OSiSATECH won  2 silver medals while Federal Co- operative College, Oji River have 1 bronze medal.  Coal City University and Peaceland College of Education are yet to win medals.                    

Speaking at the event, Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon Lloyd Ekweremmadu described the  Inter-Campus Athletics Championship as historic event  as the state, has never organized any of such previously adding that the championship was  envisioned to harness athletics talents in tertiary institutions in the state.               

He reiterated that Governor Peter Mbah was committed to developing sports noting that athletes discovered from the championship will be nurtured to compete for Enugu State in the forthcoming National Sports Festival, “Coal City Games” coming up in Enugu in November, 2026.                  

He commended King Makers for sponsoring the Inter-Campus Athletics Championship, the institutions, the Ministry  for organizing the event and  the students for their participation  

The 2 day Championship which held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, ended on Friday 13th February.

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The University of Calabar has been confirmed as the host of the 28th edition of the Nigerian University Games Association Games, scheduled for August 2026.

NUGA announced this in a Facebook post on Wednesday, stating that the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, formally received the hosting flag and signed the Memorandum of Agreement, officially granting UNICAL the mandate to host the Games.

“The University of Calabar is officially set to host the 28th NUGA Games.

“The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, formally received the hosting flag and signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), officially granting the university the mandate to host the Games,” the statement read.

According to NUGA, the flag handover and MoA signing took place during a courtesy visit by the NUGA Games Committee, led by the Chairman of UNICAL NUGA Games 2026, Prof. Lukas Ogunjimi.

“The flag handover and MoA signing took place during a courtesy visit by the NUGA Games Committee, led by the Chairman of UNICAL NUGA Games 2026, Prof. Lukas Ogunjimi.

 “The Vice Chancellor assured the delegation of the University’s full commitment to delivering what he described as ‘the best NUGA Games ever,’ while highlighting Calabar’s reputation as a peaceful and welcoming host city,” the post added.

The association also disclosed that the Cross River State Government will serve as the Chief Host for the Games, with preparations already underway ahead of the event.

“With the Cross River State Government serving as Chief Host, preparations are already underway for the Games scheduled for August 2026, as UNICAL positions itself to deliver a memorable sporting and cultural experience for athletes, officials, and guests from across the country,” the statement said.

Recall that the 27th edition of the NUGA Games was hosted by the University of Jos and held in November 2025.

The competition brought together student-athletes from universities across Nigeria to compete in various sporting events under the theme Unity, Play, and Peace, celebrating sportsmanship, youth empowerment and cultural integration.

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, has secured provisional hosting rights for the 29th Nigerian University Games scheduled for 2028, marking a return of the biennial event to the institution after more than two decades.

(PUNCH)

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 By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria broke their penalty shootout hoodoo to secure third place (and the bronze medals) of the 35^th Africa Cup of Nations, after edging Egypt 4-2 in a dramatic shootout at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca on Saturday.

The victory made it the 9^th bronze medal Nigeria is winning at the AFCON

Going into the encounter, Nigeria had never lost a third-place match at the Africa Cup of Nations, and incidentally won their first when defeating Egypt 3-2 in Addis Ababa 50 years ago. Victory took them to a record-extending nine AFCON bronze titles, with Egypt at six.

As has been the tradition in most third-place encounters, both teams fielded understrength squads following the disappointment of semi-final losses. Aside that, Egypt were without the suspended Marwan Attia and Salah Mohsen, while Nigeria’s energetic centre-back Calvin Bassey was also ruled out.

Coach Eric Chelle opted to leave out captain Wilfred Ndidi (recovering from injury), and assistant captain Victor Osimhen, while Alex Iwobi started from the bench.

In the circumstances, Simon Moses led well and gave the Egyptian defenders some horrendous moments. Mahmoud Hassan’s cross was well-read by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali in the 2^nd minute, and in the 27^th minute, the Pharaohs came close through Liverpool of England ace Mohamed Salah.

Nigeria, through Moses and Samuel Chukwueze, asked several questions of the Egyptian defence in the first half. Akor Adams thought he had put Nigeria ahead in the 36^th minute with a smart header from Chukwueze’s cross, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Substitute Ademola Lookman also had a goal chalked off two minutes into the second half, but Nigeria were undaunted and continued to pile pressure on the seven-time champions.

Midfielder Raphael Onyedika and Moses had long-range shots saved early in the second period. Salah tried hard to galvanize the Pharaohs into making incursions into the Nigeria vital area in the second period, but the defenceline of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Igoh Ogbu and Bruno Onyemaechi held firm.

In the ensuing penalty shootout, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged the hero, saving Egypt’s first two kicks by Salah and Omar Marmoush. Though Fisayo Dele-Bashiru failed to convert on the Nigeria side, Adams, Simon, Iwobi and Ademola Lookman all struck past goalkeeper Moustapha Shoubir to give Nigeria victory.

Nwabali’s heroics earned him the Man-of-the-Match award.  

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The Pharaohs of Egypt edged the Super Eagles 2-1 in an international friendly played at the Cairo Stadium on Tuesday, in what amounted to the two teams’ final preparatory game ahead of the commencement of the 35^th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco on Sunday.

Nigeria started with an unusual 3-5-2 formation, for the first time under Coach Eric Chelle, but they maintained balance and dominated possession in the first quarter-hour, before the hosts clawed their way into the game with sharp counterattacks which paid off midway into the first half when they took the lead.

Three-time AFCON winners Nigeria kept their shape despite the setback and threatened the Pharaohs’ rearguard with a combination of long balls and quick movements through the middle. The Eagles were dangerous from dead-ball situations and in added time, defender Zaidu Sanusi swung one into the box that was guided into the net by Chidozie Awaziem for the equalizer.

In the second half, the Eagles reverted to 4-4-2 formation with the introduction of Amas Obasogie in goal, as well as Ademola Lookman, Cyril Dessers, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi and Tochukwu Nnadi. Possession appeared largely balanced in the half but the Pharaohs struck from what looked like offside positioning. Nigeria protested but the referee stuck to his gun.

The hosts then resorted to defending deep into their own half to thwart every onslaught from the Eagles. Coach Eric Chelle was shown a yellow card after remonstrating one of the referee’s poor decisions, including a handball incident in the Egyptian box that was waved away.

The Super Eagles will fly to Fés on Thursday aboard a chartered flight for their Group C encounters against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda (in that order), while the Pharaohs head to Agadir for Group B games against South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe.    

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By Ali Hope and Joy Alinta

A university don, Dr. Sebastian Okafor, in the Department of Mass Communication, Enugu State University of Science and Technology ESUT, says making the right policies and guiding students properly are important steps toward a better society.

Dr. Okafor made the call on Wednesday while featuring as the guest lecturer at a one-day Leadership Summit held at the Prof Julius Onah Auditorium at ESUT, Agbani

He explained that policies work best when they focus on real problems in different areas. “If you want a policy on education, you must first look at what is not working. The same goes for health. You need to ask: Who is making the policy – are they experts, are they active in their field?” he said.

He added that being an expert is not enough. “A doctor who is not practicing may not help much with health policy, just like a teacher who is not active in academics may not help with education policy.

He suggested that people who are really working in each field should come together to make policies that actually solve problems.

On the essence of the Leadership Summit, Dr. Okafor said it was a good step. “Students need guidance and orientation. If they learn the right values, like honesty, accountability, and the need to work collaboratively, they can help make the society better,” he said.

On his part, the convener of the Summit, Chikezie Emmanuel, a student union leader, representing the Mass Communication Department, said he organised the summit because he believes that the youths should be well-guided if they must attain their leadership goals

“If you ask me what inspires me, I will just say the need for a better Nigeria. I want a country where students, leaders, will bring the desideratum of what we need the make the country better. Few years from now, the leadership responsibilities of this great nation will be on our shoulders and if we don’t start now to catch the young leaders, teach them what we need to know about leadership from now, how do we think we can achieve this later? I want students and young leaders to know what is needed from the start. We cannot wait for the future to train leaders,” he said.

He thanked his classmates, lecturers, and students for their support.

“I really appreciate the effort of Mass Communication Department lecturers and students, my course mates, Year 3 class, for coming out en massive and their support. Some persons have been sending money, wishes, and support prayers. Many people sent money, wishes, and prayers. I really appreciate everyone who came out to help,” he added.

Senator Emmanuel faced challenges in organizing the summit. “It was not easy, especially with money. We relied on personal contributions from supportive students,”

At the end of the summit, he gave students an important message: “Every youth is a student, but not every student is a youth. Go home and promote good leadership. Be a positive force for change in Nigeria.”

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The Chess Section of the Enugu Sports Club on Saturday flagged off its 2025 end-of-year annual competition at the Club’s Chess Conclave.

The ceremony opened with a novelty match between the leader of the Section, Oba Agbalanze Prince Chukwuemeka Onyeso, and Dr. Onwumere, and featured the theme: “The Very Best Move Often Does Not Exist.”

The Chairman of the Organising Committee and Secretary of the Enugu State Chess Association Board, Dr. JBC Emenike, announced that the main competition will commence on Monday, 1st December 2025, and continue daily. The grand finale and awards ceremony will hold on 12th December 2025 and Leaders and award night at the Chess Conclave, Enugu Sports Club, GRA, Enugu.

Speaking after the flag-off, the Leader of the Chess Conclave, Oba Agbalanze Prince Chukwuemeka Onyeso, noted that the event is part of the annual tradition in which every section of the Enugu Sports Club organises a competition to mark the end of the year.

In his remarks, the former Section Leader and Chairman of the Enugu State Chess Association Board, Dr. Onwumere, described the event as a social interaction platform designed to bring members together in a convivial atmosphere of friendship and celebration.

Dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Leader of the Chess Conclave, Oba Agbalanze Prince Chukwuemeka Onyeso; Chairman, Enugu State Chess Association Board, Dr. Onwumere; Deputy Leader, Sir Clement Okwor; Chairman, Organising Committee, Dr. JBC Emenike;  Dr. Alex Ogbonnia. Mr. Ment Nomeh, Chief Mrs. Erinne, among others.

In another development, the Enugu State Chess Association Board will conclude its chess promotion and sensitisation programme in selected secondary schools across Enugu metropolis at Abakpa Girls Secondary School on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025.

The Chairman of the Board, Dr. Onwumere, stated that the programme aims to popularise the game of chess in secondary schools across Enugu State, in order to identify and develop talented players who will represent the state at the forthcoming National Sports Festival, scheduled to hold in Enugu State in 2025.

He explained that the Association has so far visited and taught chess in eight schools, including Queens School, Enugu; College  of the Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu; Holy Rosary College, among others.

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By Agu Onyekachi, Ali Hope, Alinta Joy, Edennaji Ezinne and Uzoegbu Nnenna

Enugu – Agbani – From the Head of Department to the staff and students of Mass Communication, ESUT, expectations are high as they wait with palpable enthusiasm, the report of the re-accreditation exercise by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The Department on Friday underwent re-accreditation process conducted by a three-member team of inspectors from the NUC.

The NUC Team led by Professor Kolade Ajilore of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ekiti State, inspected facilities in the department to determine if it merited the minimum requirement for re-accreditation.

Speaking in an interview with ESUT Monitor, the Head of Department, Dr Chidiebere Ezinwa expressed optimism that the report of the exercise would be favourable to the department adding that preparations for the visit demanded long hours, personal sacrifices, and dedication from all members of the department.

Dr Ezinwa who thanked the ESUT Management, Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, staff and students of the department for their support, said the department did all within its powers to scale the hurdle and remains expectant.

“We did our best and we left the rest to God,” Dr Ezinwa started.

“We are not aiming to score hundred per cent neither did we aim to fail. The team came and inspected so many things in the department including the ESUT Radio, the Television studio, Public Relations and Advertising Lab, the Newsroom, Photo Studio, the Library, Lecture Halls, Offices and the environment.

“Like I said earlier, we did our best. We are grateful to the Vice-Chancellor and his team for their support. The Dean of the faculty came through for us. Our Postgraduate students as well as some alumni also supported us. And the staff and students of the department rendered massive help, everybody was involvd. As expected, we got mixed reactions from the team when they visited some of the facilities we have. In most cases we got a pat on the back, in some, we were asked to make improvements, so we are expectant. The department is a work in progress. Remember that our studios were burnt down by fire some years back, so we are on rebuilding process and we hope to get there sooner than later,” he said.

On his part, the leader of the team, Professor Kolade Ajilore said the team did not come to crucify the department but to assess its facilities to ensure that it has the minimum requirement to achieve effective teaching and learning.

“We have gone round the department and I must say that you people did well in some areas while others need improvement. We didn’t come here to condemn, our mission is to make an honest assessment and write our report which will be communicated soon,” he said.

 Some students interviewed praised the department for its efforts in providing the needed facilities and expressed hope that the outcome of the exercise would be in the overall interest of the university

Other members of the NUC Team include Professor Barigbm Gbara of Rivers State University and Mrs Chimezie Opara, representative of NUC.

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Enugu – As the dates for the 2025 Nigeria Universities Games (NUGA) draw closer, Team ESUT will participate in 10 sporting events, ESUT Monitor can report

The number of events were confirmed following the conclusion of Zone O qualification series in Enugu on Saturday.

The 10 events Team Enugu will participate in include:  Football, volleyball, throws and jumps, track events, table tennis, badminton, chess, Scrabble, swimming and e- sports.

The 27^th edition of NUGA will hold from 6^th to 16^th November, 2025 at the University of Jos, Plateau State.

The NUGA Games serve as Nigeria’s premier inter-university sports competition, featuring 7,457 accredited athletes and officials from across the country, competing in multiple sporting disciplines.

NUGA is a biennial event that brings together student-athletes from universities across Nigeria, promoting FISU’s motto: “Excellence in Mind and Body.” FISU has a general motto of “Excellence in Mind and Body,” which promotes combining high-level sports performance with academic pursuits.

Founded 1965, following the 1st West African University Games at the University of Ibadan, over 80 universities (private and public) and more than 75,000 athletes have participated in the Games since inception.

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