By Chiekezie Emmanuel, Ijeoma Ugwu, Nwafor Ifeakachi,Nnabuenyi Chioma and Ozoagu Chimkamma

The Head, Department of Mass Communication, ESUT, Dr. Maxwell Ngene, visited ESUT Monitor Newspaper industrial training students on Thursday and extolled the immediate past Head of the Department, Assoc. Prof. Chidiebere Ezinwa, for his outstanding legacy in the Department.

Dr. Ngene, during the visit at the ESUT Monitor Newspaper office, Mass Communication Department complex, ESUT, stated that Assoc. Prof. Chidiebere Ezinwa worked tirelessly for the betterment of the department when he was the Head of Department.

“We must agree on that one. Some people may not understand. To be a Head, it’s not easy,” he added.

“We will improve more on what Associate Professor Chidiebere Ezinwa has done in our department. And because of the quantum of work he has done, it is difficult for somebody to just come and assume HOD without being ready to also pay the price.”

Citing his wealth of experience and knowledge, he posited that he is lucky to have gathered experience to fill the vacuum left by him.

“I’m lucky because I read Mass Communication as an undergraduate student, Master’s student, and even pioneer PhD student of Mass Comm. So, I understand Mass Communication and consequently understand ESUT.”

“We will improve more on what Associate Professor Chidiebere Ezinwa has done in our department.”

“And you people, you will be the people that will enjoy Mass Comm more, because you people want to become Print option students. True or false? Journalism is in print. Because they write deep, they write extensively, and they write well.

The HOD lauded the Staff Adviser, Mr Amaechi Agbo for his exemplary commitment and dedication in coordination the ESUT Monitor Newspaper.

He commended him and the past HOD for introducing the internship programme and promised that it would be retained  

He further tutored the students on how to make use of the tools in solving real-life problems.

“All you just need is to download it, login and ask questions analytically and critically, it will give you a good answer. But don’t allow it to take away your brain,” he said. 

​​Extolling the enduring value of print media, DR Ngene assured the interns that print journalism remains the bedrock of investigative reporting. “You people will enjoy Mass Communication more because journalism is truly in the print, where reporters write deeply, extensively, and carefully due to the high risks associated with publishing false news,” Dr. Ngene remarked, while commending veteran media practitioner Mr. Agbo for imparting practical newsroom skills to the students free of charge. 

​​​Demonstrating technology integration directly on a student’s mobile phone using Gemini and Claude AI applications, Dr. Ngene warned undergraduates against copying computer-generated responses unethically. “Use your AI in an analytical and professional way as a learning guide, just like you are engaging a lecturer in a discussion, but do not allow it to take away your brain,” the HOD emphasized, urging students to prompt AI platforms interactively to isolate variables and formulate testable hypotheses. 

ESUT Monitor Newspaper began its pioneer Industrial Training Programme on August 24, 2026 with a total of 14 students.

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The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has dismissed Mrs. Ochasi Fidelia, an official of the university’s Industrial Training Unit, over alleged forgery and issuance of fake transcript.

The dismissal, contained in a letter dated August 6, 2026 and signed by the Registrar, Ambrose G. Ugwu, followed the consideration by the university management of the report and recommendations of the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee on the matter.

The letter stated that management, after deliberation, found her guilty and ordered her dismissal from the services of the university with effect from August 5, 2026.

She was also directed to hand over all university property in her possession to the Director of Industrial Training Unit, ITU ESUT.

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By Chiekezie Emmanuel, Ali Hope, Ugwu Ijeoma, Ugoji Chinwedu, Obinna Ogechi, Obijekwu Chidinma, Mbah Ebere, Okeda Abigeal, Nwafor Ifeakachi, Amanoh Chioma Ndubuisi Daberechi and  Okenya Chisom

The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has revealed plans to implement Artificial Intelligence and Experiential Learning in the School Curriculum starting from the new intake of the 2026/2027 academic session.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aloysius Michaels Okolie, disclosed this during a three-day staff training workshop themed “Embedding Artificial Intelligence and Experiential Learning into the Institutional Curriculum for Innovation, Creativity, and Real-World Problems”_ at the Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Auditorium, Agbani, Main Campus.

Prof. Okolie, while delivering his keynote speech, stated that the University has formally launched Experiential Learning and Artificial Intelligence, which will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.

“It is not only that we have launched the programme, but we have also adopted the principle. Our duty now is to expand the range of what to host,” he said. 

He cited that it will be applied in divergent patterns in various departments. “For example, in Creative Arts, you have video editing, they are there. But that does not mean that a graduate from Civil Engineering will not still have to do some modeling in creative places. Everyone — we will start bringing everybody to system output, one to three per semester,” he said.

He stated that the new programme will be divided into syndicate groups to discuss the global model for faculties and departments, because it must be modeled in high class before October.

He emphasized that the model will immediately be implemented across all levels, from 100 level upwards. 

“So, we are going to start it. It is not an experiment. Even though we are now the university that is leading the race from other sister universities in Nigeria. But where we are, we must get to a level where they see us as the model.”

He charged the participants to be innovators and to adaptable where they are. 

“Stop saying, ‘This is how we have been doing it.’ Any lecturer that is still saying, ‘This is how we have been doing it,’ is not worthy to be an innovator.

 “You must make sure that all the things they can do, that you can equally do. So, you see yourself being independent. 

So, what I’m saying is that innovation is not only in academics; it’s in the environment. Change your environment, challenge your environment.”

 “Sometimes I speak on what I didn’t study. Think about normal and abnormality. Think like a mad person. Innovation is about madness.  If every week you don’t see an attack on you, you are not doing well. Criticism is a reflection that you are changing the narrative.  And once you are on the correct path of changing the narrative, see criticism as a welcome development, and live with it.”

He further stated that if six or seven faculties are all doing what they should be doing, practicing quality and doing what they should be doing, the management can now adjudicate, because they are providing a platform upon which we now rise to greater heights. Today it is this faculty; another day it is another faculty.

He commended the Heads of Department of Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Chemical Engineering, appreciating some Heads of Department for bringing expertise to the university. 

“I will thank in a special way, some departments, about three or nine here: Department of Civil, Chemical and Computer Engineering,” he said.

“My only worry is that when we got there, we discovered that these people were all female,” he emphasized.

Speaking on the essence of the training and the modalities it would adopt, Facilitator of the Workshop and Director of Academic Planning, ESUT, Prof Chike Anibeze said the workshop became imperative in order to domestic the AI programmes in the departments and faculties commencing from the new session.

He noted that the Day-one programmes would entail opening speech by the VC as well as breakout session for the participates who were expected to paired according faculties to enable them brainstorm on the applicability of the new programmes.

“Let me start by commending the Vice-Chancellor and the management for sustaining the training workshop for the past three years. Let me also remind the Deans, HODs and all participants that this is the 3^rd edition of the training workshop. However, this edition comes with much modification as we are going to thinker on how to infuse AL courses into our curriculum. This is part of the NUC’s policy framework aimed at making our students critical thinkers and problem-solvers.

“The National Universities Commission (NUC) actively advocates for the integration and regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the Nigerian University System (NUS). Moving away from a restrictive stance, the NUC maintains that AI has become an integral part of academia, making it vital for Nigerian universities to adopt the technology to remain globally competitive and keep graduates employable. The NUC’s official position and recent actions focus on three key pillars:

“Curriculum and Formal Degree Approvals. The NUC officially introduced Artificial Intelligence as part of 13 new undergraduate degree programmes. These programmes are embedded within the new Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) framework. Under the CCMAS rules, the NUC provides 70% of the uniform national curriculum structure for AI and related courses (like Data Science and Cyber Security), while individual universities are tasked with developing the remaining 30% tailored to their local contexts.

“This is what the training workshop aims to achieve,” he concluded.

Also speaking, a Cloud and Cyber Security Systems expert with Vextex Lab, Doha, Dr. Dhamir Mannai stressed the critical need for universities to embrace AI and modern tech. He noted that academic institutions must quickly adapt to fast-paced technological shifts to remain competitive globally. But warned that unregulated application of AI will erode creativity and make the students slaves to the tech.

The three-day training Workshop will continue today at the Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Auditorium

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By Ndubuisi Daberechi

Dr Chukwuemeka Ugwuegede has taken over as the new Head of Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education at Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, following the completion of the tenure of Professor Ngozi Ani

Professor Ani, who assumed office on October 5, 2025, handed over on August 27, 2026. She described her time in office as one that recorded some achievements despite the challenges faced by the department

According to her, one of the major achievements was the full accreditation of the department’s two programmes, Health Education and Human Kinetics

“We had full accreditation of our two programmes” she said, adding that the accreditation was done in November and the first week of December last year

She also said the department had its first university-wide health awareness programme where students were educated on how to live a healthy life. The department also hosted a conference of the Nigerian Association of Health Educators in June, which attracted people from different parts of the country

Professor Ani further mentioned an increase in student enrolment as another achievement of her tenure. She said the department currently has 64 undergraduate students while the postgraduate students are about 30 or above

However, she said the department had challenges including electricity, funds, office and classroom spaces, as well as facilities for practical activities

“We don’t actually have enough space for our lectures and offices for the lecturers” she said, adding that some lecturers, including senior lecturers, have to share offices

Speaking on her advice to the incoming HOD, Professor Ani said he needs to “hit the ground running” and build on what he met in the department

“I have the confidence that he will go far. He has the grace to go far” she said, encouraging him to double the achievements already recorded

In his response, Dr Ugwuekete said his plans for the department would be in two areas, academics and institutional support

“My plans should come in two folds. One, pure academics. Two, institutional support” he said

He also said attracting students and keeping them in the university would be part of the department’s responsibilities, noting that students need to be treated well if they are to remain in the institution

Dr Ugwuegede commended Professor Ani for her work, saying the department had witnessed “visible growth and development” during her tenure

He however appealed to her to support the new administration for continuity

“I will receive her maximum support to run the department” he said, adding that sustaining an achievement is more difficult than making it.

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ESUT Management, Tuesday inspected ongoing facilities upgrade at the recently recovered ESUT ICS, (former MSP Complex) in Enugu.

Speaking during the inspection visit, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie who led all members of his management to the premises expressed deep appreciation to the state government for her intervention in the recovery of the facility stating that Management had taken some critical decisions to make the complex a beehive of academic activities and give it the visibility it rightly deserved.

One of such decisions he said is the ongoing massive facelift of one of the wings of the complex with the aim of moving the Institute of Peace, Conflict and Development Studies, IPCDS to the wing from its temporary base at ESUT Business School before the end of August 2026

The facelift which Management observed had reached advanced stage included the provision of modern classroom and office furniture, provision of other facilities, reroofing and construction of modern administrative and classroom blocks.

On completion of the construction, the Vice Chancellor said that the renovated wing would serve as prototype in dealing with other wings housing JUPEB and Institute for Continuing Studies, ICS.

Another major decision of Management concerning the complex according to the Vice Chancellor, is the designation of the premises as a Centre or Headquarters for parking all operational vehicles of the university.

“We are now moving all operational vehicles here, we have built car park for all the critical vehicles, before the end of this week, all ESUT vehicles at the pool will be here”

For security and other precautionary measures, the Vice Chancellor said that ten Industrial Solar light panels known for their longevity, strength and wider coverage have been procured for deployment around the premises to help in surveillance of the environment.

Prof Okolie also said that another ten of the Industrial Solar lights would also be deployment at the MME Department.

Before rounding off the inspection, the Vice Chancellor noted with concern that two plots in the ICS complex have not been recovered but stressed the commitment of management in recovering all appropriated ESUT properties.

“You know we recovered this property but we have not fully recovered all, we discovered that two plots are still being withheld by unknown persons who appropriated ESUT land. We shall take practical steps to initiate the process as quickly as possible to recover all the properties”, he said.

While commending the project supervisors for work so far done, the Vice Chancellor urged them to go extra mile as Management would continue with routine visits to ensure timely and quality delivery.

Among those that accompanied Management on the inspection visit were, Engr Ezekwesili Onah- DWE, Dr Thomas Onah- Director Municipal, Prof Gerald Ezirim- Director IPCDS, Dr Jonathan Okolie PAVC, Obinna Ogbodo, Chairman Technical Committee on Security, Ikechukwu Ezeanioma Director Public Relations, Ugochukwu Oluka and Kingsley Ogbonna.

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Nsukka Zone, has issued the Enugu State Government one-month-ultimatum to implement the ASUU-FG 2025 agreement at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT or face industrial action.

The union gave the ultimate in Enugu on Tuesday during a press conference held at ESUT main Campus, Ebeano City, Enugu.

Addressing the media, the Zonal Coordinator of the union, Professor Christian Opata, who led other ASUU Leaderships from across the 8 universities in Zone, lamented that ESUT remains the only university in the zone not to have implemented the agreement and urged the state government to make hair while the sun shines

“We the members of ASUU Nsukka Zone made up of eight universities (Benue State University, (BSU), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, (FUAM),, Federal University Lokoja, (FUL), Federal University Wukari (FUWukari,), Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo (FUSHO), Kogi State University Anyigba (KSU) and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka bring you fraternal greetings from our national body. We assemble here today to address an issue of major concern that if not properly handled would spell doom on tertiary education, especially university education in Enugu State.

“Recall that the union (ASUU), through a long, sometimes frustrating and tortuous process concluded an Agreement with the Federal Government in 2025. The said Agreement was unveiled on January 14, 2026 and its implementation took effect the same January. We believe that the Federal Government was deliberate in choosing the date of the unveiling as it coincided with the date of the emergence of Nigeria as a nation -state.

“The union is aware that the State Government set up a committee on the matter in June, that is six months after the unveiling of the Agreement. As we speak, the government is yet to come up with concrete measure (s) towards the implementation of the said Agreement.We therefore call on the Visitor to the university, members of the institutions’ Governing Council, opinion leaders in the state, our revered traditional rulers and other relevant stakeholders in the education sector to urgently intervene to avert an impeding shut down of the university. Our union are not strike mongers. Government always push us into that last line of action.

“We wish to bring it to the knowledge of the public that if by the end of July 2026, Enugu State government fails to commence the implementation of the 2025 Agreement, the branch would have no option than to embark on an indefinite, comprehensive and total strike. The implementation should also include the arrears dating back to January 2026 as obtains in other universities,” the union said.  

The union wondered why the State Government despite receiving over N46 Billion from the Federal Allocation in the first quarter of the year 2026 refused to implement the agreement arguing the the lack of fund as basis for not implementing the agreement was not tenable.

“After the signing of the said Agreement, the National Universities Commission transmitted the information to all State governments. This is apart from our members handing over the same document to the Vice Chancellors who also transmitted same to the State Governments. However, and unfortunately too, six months after, Enugu State government is yet to implement the Agreement.

“This stands them out as the only university in the ASUU Nsukka Zone that is yet to implement the Agreement. The logic of paucity of funds will not fly this time around as reports from both the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) indicate that Enugu State in Quarter 1, spanning January to March 2026, received a total of N45.67 billion naira in Federal Allocation.  This was broadcast by the state-owned Television, Enugu State Broadcasting Service on 30th January 2026. If Bauchi and Ogun state that received less amount compared to Enugu are implementing the Agreement, one wonders the reason for non-implementation of the said Agreement in Enugu State. Many other states have commenced full implementation of the Agreement.

“For a state that has been notorious for not honouring ASUU/FGN Agreement, one  would have thought that with the present Governor’s mantra of “ disruptive innovation”, there should be a shift,  For purpose of clarification and emphasis, Enugu State University of Science and Technology is the only university in Nsukka Zone of ASUU that refused to honour the 2009 Agreement, Till date, the academic staff in that university are yet to enjoy the Earned Academic Allowance.. As we speak the branch is having a community of challenges that are capable of triggering industrial dispute. However, our focus in this press conference is on the implementation of the 2025 Agreement.”

ASUU Nsukka Zone expressed concern on the attitude of South East Governors towards the welfare of its members in their respective State-owned Universities and challenged the Enugu State Government as capital of the region to take the lead in changing the narrative.

“Gentlemen of the press, we are worried by the continued reference to South-East as the part of Nigeria that is notorious for not implementing ASUU/FGN Agreements. Is it that there is an agreement among the Governors and State legislatures to institute a political carapace and continue to answer gate keepers of power that people should tremble before to get their due entitlements? Incidentally, the same group would be quick to condemn any administration once their tenure is over. The Governor is pleaded with to be mindful of such actors.

“Enugu State as the old capital of the defunct Eastern Region from where the South-East was carved, should take the lead in changing this sordid narrative for others to follow. We equally state unequivocally that the non-implementation of the Agreement is having a terrible and devastating effect on the university. How many strong academics would like to associate with a university that pays least in the entire nation?  The continued denigration of the State and the University, consequent on low funding and disregard for collectively bargained agreements is a direct smear on their collective integrity as the first state-owned university in Nigeria.”

Also Speaking at the briefing, the Acting Chairperson of ASUU-ESUT, Dr Andrew Apeh lamented that series of meetings and correspondences between the union and the State Government have not produced expected result. He appreciated the Zone for coming to the aid of the branch adding that the Union is open for further discussion on the matter.

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Enugu Ebeano – The members of the Enugu State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Science and Technology, have praised the Management of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, for transforming the institution in record time

The Committee which was led by its Chairman, Hon. Osita Eze, while on oversight visit to ESUT, Monday, commended ESUT Management for improved academic contents in the University, noting that to secure increase in admission quota for Medicine and Surgery from 120 to 350, was a landmark achievement by the present Management of the University.

The Committee also commended ESUT Management for securing partnership agreements with reputable organizations and institutions, pointing out that the recent Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Vertex Labs, a Qatar-based technology and Artificial Intelligence company, to establish an Institute of Applied Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Computing in the University was a very laudable development.

The members of the Committee, including Hons. Malachy Onyechi; Magnus Ede; Tony Nwankwo; Osita Oko; Gabriel Eze; and Williams Amuka, equally added that the excellent management of ESUT has positioned it as a reputable citadel of learning in research, academic excellence and innovation in the globe, noting that it has become the most-sought after University in South East Nigeria.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Okolie, stated that the ongoing reforms in the University have started yielding positive results, stating that six products of the University made First Class in the recent Nigerian Law School finals while four academic staff of the University won the National Research Fund for their specialized researches.

The Vice Chancellor also used the occasion to express appreciation of the Management, staff, and students of the University to the Governor of the state, His Excellency, Barr. Ndubuisi Mbah, for his uncommon financial, material and moral support to the ESUT College of Medicine, which necessitated the increment in admission quota to 350, adding that the Management of the University is ever ready to improve on any area of identified deficiencies.

He further informed the committee that 19 programmes in the University have been re-accredited by the National Universities Commission during the 2025 exercise, adding that the Management is poised to re-accredit more programmes in 2026 exercise.

The Vice Chancellor also said that the University is making plans to create five new programmes, including AI, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, as well as Intelligence and Security Studies following the approval to establish a Centre for AI Studies in the University.

He further stated that that plans are underway to conduct recruitment for new programmes and selected faculties in the University, and to deal with labour union demands on new wages and better condition of service.

The Vice Chancellor however, observed that the Management of the University is challenged by funding, insecurity, inadequate classrooms and lecture halls, poor remuneration of staff among others.

below are pictorial reports of the visit:

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The Enugu State Government has called for institutional and curriculum reform in the health education sector to meet emerging relatives.

The Commissioner for Health in the state, Prof George Ugwu made the call in Enugu while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Nigeria Association of Health Educators, NAHE, and Health Education Practitioners of Nigeria, HEPN, Annual National Conference held at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, in Thursday

With the theme “Reimagining Health Education: Building Resilient Systems, Empowering Healthy Nations,” Prof Ugwu and other stakeholders demanded urgent curriculum reform and stronger digital health literacy to address gaps in Nigeria’s public health delivery.

Delivering the keynote, Prof George Ugwu, who traced the shift in health education from the 1900s to the present and asked, “Who will educate the health educator?” He said older models must give way to new approaches. Citing data, he noted a projected 11 million global health workforce shortfall by 2030, 29 percent hypertension awareness, and that 46.08 percent of information during COVID-19 vaccination was tied to anti-vaccine conspiracy.

According to him, “misinformation weakened trust and turned digital literacy gaps into health literacy gaps.”

To address persistent burdens such as maternal and child mortality, malnutrition, and malaria, Prof. Ugwu proposed a framework that includes curriculum review, expansion of exponential learning, NUC accreditation for dual NCE and B.Sc Health Education, and national and state digital health literacy strategies. He also said cultural channels should be used without reinforcing harmful practices and urged Nigerians to monetize and prioritize their health rather than hold on to stereotypes about incurable illnesses.

Speaking on Enugu’s model, Prof. Ugwu said the state has deployed Type 2 Primary Health Centres across all 260 wards to create a stronger platform for community health education. He disclosed that the International Hospital Enugu is over 95 percent complete, a Coordinated Command Centre for outbreak response is in place, and investments at ESUTH Parklane and SUMAS will keep medical students in Nigeria. He added that ESUT Teaching Hospital produces 350 doctors annually, while Godfrey Okoye Teaching Hospital produces at least 50. He concluded that “health education is central to Nigeria’s health future” because investments only yield results when people understand, use, protect, and hold systems accountable.

The technical sessions followed immediately. In Lead Paper 1 titled “From Footnote to Foundation,” Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, Executive Secretary of EN-PHCDA, said the completion of health facilities in Enugu’s 260 wards has not translated to better outcomes because many citizens are unaware of the improvements. Using a descriptive account, she explained that lack of awareness often leads to avoidable deaths. She concluded that health education is the wire that carries trust and knowledge between the people and the health system.

Prof. Evelyn Nwagu, HOD, Human Kinetics and Health Education, UNN, presented Lead Paper 2 on “Health Education Curriculum Reform.” focusing on the need to revise textbooks, teaching methods, and training of health educators to match current realities.

The conference also marked a major academic milestone with the launch of the 26th Volume of the NAHE Journal, a 364-page publication. Prof. Adaramaja launched the journal, which received support from state chapters. Igwe Samuel and the Lagos State Chapter launched with N100,000 each; Edo, Gombe, and Delta chapters gave N50,000 each; and Bayelsa gave N40,000.

Dignitaries who graced the occasion include: Prof. Aloysius Michaels Okolie, ESUT Vice Chancellor, represented by Mr. Ambrose Ugwu, Registrar; Igwe Asadu; Igwe Umunnabike Ejim; and Prof. George Onyemaechi Ugwu, Honourable Commissioner for Health.

Also in attendance were Prof. Shehu Raheem Adaramaja, NAHE National President; Dr. S. N. Akorede, National Secretary and National Treasurer; Prof. Titus Owoh; Dean, Faculty of Education; Prof. Owoh, Dean, Postgraduate Studies Prof Charles Chime, among others

Delegates attended from Yobe, Rivers, Kwara, Ondo, Edo and other states.

Highlights of the conference was the conferment the highest Honour if the association, Fellow of NAHE on the President, Prof Shehu

The event concluded with a cultural dance by the Faculty of Education and a drama performance by the Department of Human Kinetics.

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By Amaechi Agbo

The South East Electricity Consumers Association (SEECA) has commended the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for approving special compensation for eligible Band A electricity customers affected by grid generation constraints between February and March 2026, describing the directive as a progressive and consumer-oriented decision aimed at protecting electricity users while ensuring stability in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

Speaking with newsmen in Enugu on Monday, the Coordinator of SEECA, Dr. Sebastine Okafor, said the decision by NERC to compensate Band A customers who suffered inadequate electricity supply despite paying higher tariffs demonstrates the importance of balancing consumer protection with the operational realities facing electricity distribution companies.

He noted that the generation shortfalls experienced within the period, which were largely caused by inadequate gas supply and the vandalism of critical gas and transmission infrastructure, were circumstances beyond the direct operational control of Distribution Companies (DisCos), making NERC’s decision not to automatically downgrade affected Band A feeders but rather provide compensation a well-thought-out regulatory intervention.

According to him, the compensation framework, which provides token credits for prepaid customers and bill adjustments for postpaid customers, ensures that affected consumers receive relief without disrupting the existing technical and administrative arrangements of electricity supply.

Dr. Okafor explained that while SEECA strongly supports accountability in the electricity sector and the principle that consumers should only pay for the quality and duration of service received, the Association believes that compensation should be considered in circumstances where supply deficiencies arise from systemic national challenges rather than the direct failures of electricity distribution companies.

He therefore called on the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) and other electricity regulatory agencies across the South East to adopt similar consumer-friendly approaches by developing compensation mechanisms for affected consumers instead of relying solely on feeder downgrades in situations caused by broader generation constraints.

The SEECA Coordinator warned against the planned mass movement of consumers from existing tariff bands to lower bands as a routine response to generation challenges, stressing that such actions could create additional technical, administrative, and operational difficulties in electricity distribution, energy planning, and service management, and could have negative consequences for electricity consumers across the South East.

He maintained that regulatory actions should strike a balance between consumer welfare and the sustainability of the electricity market, noting that a stable tariff structure supported by transparent compensation mechanisms would encourage improved investment, efficient network management, and greater confidence among electricity consumers.

Dr. Okafor reaffirmed SEECA’s commitment to constructive engagement with electricity regulators, Distribution Companies, and other stakeholders to ensure that policies within the power sector promote fairness, accountability, improved service delivery, and sustainable electricity access for residents and businesses in the South East.

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The relationship between nutrients and genes has become an important area of study in modern science. Advances in genetics and nutrition have shown that the foods people eat can influence how genes function, while genetic variations can affect how the body utilizes nutrients. This interaction forms the basis of nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics, fields that help explain individual differences in health and disease.

Nutrients are not only sources of energy and building materials for the body; they also act as signals that can influence gene expression. Gene expression refers to the process by which information stored in DNA is used to produce proteins and other molecules necessary for life. Vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other dietary compounds can activate or suppress specific genes, thereby affecting metabolism, growth, immunity, and disease risk.

Conversely, genetic differences among individuals influence how nutrients are absorbed, transported, metabolized, and utilized. For example, some people have genetic variations that affect their ability to metabolize folate, lactose, or certain fats, making personalized nutrition increasingly important.

In today’s society, lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers are increasing rapidly. Research has shown that nutrient–gene interactions play a significant role in the development and prevention of these conditions. Understanding these interactions allows healthcare professionals to design dietary recommendations tailored to an individual’s genetic profile.

The rise of personalized nutrition is one of the most significant applications of nutrient–gene research. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all dietary approach, nutrition plans can be customized based on genetic information to improve health outcomes and reduce disease risk.
Nutrigenomics examines how nutrients influence gene activity, while nutrigenetics studies how genetic differences affect responses to nutrients. These fields contribute to public health by identifying dietary strategies that can prevent chronic diseases and improve overall well-being.

For example, omega-3 fatty acids can regulate genes involved in inflammation, while folate contributes to DNA synthesis and methylation, processes essential for proper gene function. Deficiencies or excesses of these nutrients may alter gene expression and increase susceptibility to disease.

Despite its potential benefits, nutrient–gene research faces challenges such as the high cost of genetic testing, limited access to personalized healthcare, and concerns about genetic privacy. Ethical issues regarding the use and protection of genetic information must also be addressed to ensure equitable access to personalized nutrition services.

Conclusively, the nutrient–gene relationship is transforming our understanding of health and disease in contemporary society. By revealing how nutrients influence gene expression and how genes affect nutrient utilization, this field offers opportunities for personalized nutrition, disease prevention, and improved public health.

As research continues to advance, nutrient–gene interactions will play an increasingly important role in shaping future healthcare and nutritional practices.

Dr Nkemjika Nnedinsoo Umerah
Nutrition Consultant

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