ESUT Agbani – As part of activities to mark the 44th Matriculation ceremony for fresh Students in ESUT on Friday, 21st February, 2025, management of the university will hold an orientation ceremony for the fresh students on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025
The management has warned that it any act of truancy from the fresh students will not be tolerated.

The Registrar, Mr Ambrose Ugwu who issued the warning on Tuesday, said that absenteeism from matriculation orientation is the reason the university is facing avoidable challenges from the students.
Mr Ugwu noted that several challenges witnessed in his office are often times mistakes made by students who refused to attend the orientation programme during their first year in the university.

“Orientation is a serious programme for year one or fresh students in the university. The management does not joke with it an as well, the students should take it seriously. Most of the challenges we are having today in the office is that during the time of orientation, you will not see the new students in the auditorium for you to tell them the university rules. Issues like a student in year one applying to change to another programme; you have just written a letter, you have not received approval but you have domiciled yourself in the new department of your choice. Your other years would be in the new department and when it’s time to compute your results, somebody will start asking ‘when did you enter the department, we don’t have any letter showing that you were admitted here.’

“You will see them coming to my office, with their parents, kneeling, crying and begging. University administration is not being run by sentiment. We have rules and regulations guiding the university. If you are sick or can’t pay school fees, you have to apply for voluntary withdrawal on the bases of incapacitation or financial difficulty.

“The other one is maybe you are rusticated or under probation and you have been issued a letter showing that you have been cleared, but you must apply for readmission. The challenges we are having now is that many students applied for deferment, it was not approved, after two or three years, they come back not knowing that deferment is done for a year and if there is anything that should cause you to stay more than a year, you have to reapply, to refresh your application. It is only during the orientation that these things would be explained to students. Some students will be in year four without having registration number. We have several instances.

“Help us to publicise it, let the fresh students come to the orientation and be acquainted with the necessary information they need to guide them in the university. There will be consequences for fresh students who failed to turn up,” he stated.

The 44th Matriculation Orientation Programme will hold at the Barr Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Multipurpose Auditorium, ESUT, starting from 9am.

ESUT Monitor will broadcast the orientation, LIVE.

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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) said it has disbursed over N22 billion under the student loan to 215,514 students.

The agency also said it has disbursed N12, 818, 960, 000 upkeep support to 169,114 students.
It said it would close the 2023/2024 student loan application cycle on Feb. 21 and commence the 2024/2025 application cycle on Feb. 22.
Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Monday.

Sawyerr said NELFUND received 364,042 applications in 229 days, with an average of 1,000 applications per day.
He said: “In just 220 days, we have received an impressive 364,042 applications with an average of 1,000 applications per day. I am proud to announce that N22,736,960,971 has been disbursed to cover institutional fees across 240 institutions, directly benefiting 215,514 students. Furthermore, a total of N12,818,960,000 has been disbursed as upkeep support, reaching 169,114 students, each receiving N20,000 monthly to assist with their living expenses.

“As part of our commitment to efficiency, transparency, and continuous improvement, we are here today to formally announce the closure of the 2023/2024 application cycle on our student loan portal. This marks a critical transition as we prepare to open the 2024/2025 application cycle.

“The 2023/2024 student loan application portal will officially close on February 21, 2025. We want to reassure all applicants who have successfully submitted their applications before this deadline that their applications will be processed in line with our established guidelines. Our team remains committed to ensuring a fair and timely review of all pending applications.
“I am pleased to announce that the 2024/2025 application cycle will officially commence on February 22, 2025. This transition is a necessary step to streamline our operations, align with the academic calendar, and enhance our ability to process applications efficiently.”

The NELFUND boss stated that the transition to the 2024/2025 cycle was a demonstration of the organisation’s commitment to efficiency, transparency, and continuous improvement of the scheme.
The managing director urged potential applicants to start preparing by collecting the required documents, assuring those who submitted their applications on time that their submissions would be reviewed in accordance with NELFUND’s standard procedures.

Sawyerr reassured those who had successfully submitted their applications before the deadline that their applications would be processed, in line with the fund’s established guidelines.
He said: “Our team remains committed to ensuring a fair and timely review of all pending applications.

“This transition is a necessary step to streamline our operations, align with the academic calendar, and enhance our ability to process applications efficiently.
“NELFUND remains dedicated to providing financial support to students, ensuring that no deserving individual is denied education due to financial constraints.”

Sawyerr said the agency was updating its student database to ensure only active students receive support, with a focus on moving into the 2024-2025 academic session.
He blamed delays in processing applications on benefitting institutions that verify students’ information, adding that the delay affects the payment of institutional fees and upkeep.

He noted that upkeep payments are made only after institutional fees are confirmed, with a gap of a week or two between the two payments.

Credit, The Nation

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Enugu – The African Council for Communication Education (ACCE) Nigeria Chapter has appointed Dr. Chidiebere Anthony Ezinwa as the State Coordinator for Enugu State.

This appointment was conveyed by the National Executive Council of ACCE Nigeria, in recognition of Dr. Ezinwa’s contributions to the Council over the years.

As a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Enugu State University, Dr. Ezinwa is expected to promote the aims and objectives of ACCE Nigeria in Enugu State. His responsibilities will include coordinating the ACCE State communication platform, advising the Council on issues related to its mandate, and representing the Council in various activities and programs.

Dr. Ezinwa’s appointment is a testament to his dedication to communication education and his commitment to serving the community. As he takes on this new role, he is expected to make significant contributions to the development of communication education in Enugu State.

The appointment is effective following the 26th Annual General Meeting of ACCE Nigeria, which took place on November 14, 2024, at Baze University in Abuja.

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By Amaechi Agbo

Edwin Clark, a prominent Nigerian statesman and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the age of 97.

His family announced his death in a statement, expressing gratitude for the support received during this time.

The statement read, “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday, 17th February 2025.

“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”

Born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Clark was a significant figure in Nigerian politics and a staunch advocate for the Niger Delta region. He served as the Federal Commissioner for Information in 1975 under General Yakubu Gowon’s administration and was instrumental in the establishment of the University of Benin.

In 2015, he founded the Edwin Clark University in his hometown, contributing to the advancement of education in Nigeria. His unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and national unity solidified his reputation as a respected elder statesman.

Further details regarding his funeral arrangements will be communicated by the family in due course.

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Enugu – In its avowed disposition to promote academic excellence and probity, the management of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has indefinitely suspended four lecturers and a class rep for sorting or extortion, www.esutmonitor.com can authoritatively report.

Sorting is a process by which students pay in cash or kind to be awarded unmerited marks by lecturers after examination or test

The affected staff and student are in the ESUT College of Medicine, ESUCOM.  

The university Registrar, Mr Ambrose Ugwu who disclosed this to this paper in an interview, said the lecturers and student were suspended sine die owing to their alleged involvement in extortion to upgrade results.

Mr Ugwu noted that the lecturers allegedly colluded with class reps who act as agents in extorting money from students who they informed had either failed the lecturers’ exam or got a low grade.

“In the College of Medicine, we have just suspended four lecturers because of asking students for money to upgrade their results. There are some class reps that are good in going round, after marking exams, collecting one kobo or the other from students to ensure that the lecturers upgrade them.

“Of course, four lecturers have been suspended indefinitely and the class rep equally indefinitely suspended. Maybe next time we will chronicle so many other things,” the Registrar said.

Mr Ugwu, however did not disclose the names of the affected lecturers adding that their case is still under investigation.

It could be recalled that the ESUT in August 2024 sacked six lecturers on cases bothering on certificate forgery, sexual harassment and altering grades.

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By Chiekezie Emmanuel

The Industrial Physics Department, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, (ESUT) visited the National Center for Base Space Research (NCBSS) Nsukka, to educate students on space structure.

Led by the Head of Department, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwu, the students embarked on the excursion and enlightenment programme on Wednesday.

The event began with a seminar by Mr. Achụ, introducing students to career opportunities and astronomy. Notable attendees included Dr. Kingsley, B. Ị Abubakar, Director of National Base Space Research Nsukka, Dr. Bonaventure Okere, and Head of Department of Industrial Physics, ESUT, Dr. Ifeanyi.

Dr. Chukwu stated that the excursion became imperative because over the years, students lacked practical knowledge of what they learn in class. To address this, he decided to take his students on excursions every semester to different research centers related to their field of study.

“In areas like this, people think that those who read Physics only end up as teachers. This avenue shows them job opportunities in the Physics department and where they can work after school,” Dr. Chukwu said.

Year One class representative, Okolo Abraham, of the Industrial Physics Department, applauded the Head of Department for organizing the event. He emphasized that the excursion was crucial, exposing upcoming physicists and astronomers to new experiences.

“If more of this is introduced into the educational system, I feel people will know what they are doing. People often read Industrial Physics without knowing what they are doing or studying, thinking it’s only Physics without knowing there’s more inside,” Okolo Abraham said.

Director of National Base Center Space Science, Dr. Bonaventure Okere, commended Dr. Chukwu and shared his ideals. He emphasized that it was expected of the department to visit the center, as it is a hub for space science and astronomy.

“Astronomy is a profession that comprises engineers, doctors, industrial physicists, and media practitioners. We need astronomy in Nigeria; we don’t have enough of them. Some universities doing astronomy include Abia State University of Science, Federal University of Owerri (FUTO), and Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT),” Dr. Okere said.

He pleaded with ESUT Monitor to propagate information about astronomy, telling the world about its importance.

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Enugu – The Rector of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, Prof. Gọzie Ogbodo, has assured his students that his leadership is committed to implementing policies and programmes that will positively impact their lives.

Prof. Ogbodo made this known on Friday during a debate competition and empowerment programme organized by the Student Union Government of the institution, led by Comrade Ekene Eze.

He stated that the school management, under his leadership, has concluded plans with the State Water Corporation to provide a 24/7 water supply within the next few weeks.

He further revealed that discussions are ongoing with private partners and investors to renovate two abandoned hostels in the school, with more projects in the pipeline aimed at making the campus more vibrant.

According to him, “I bring you good news from the management of this great citadel of knowledge. In the spirit of the Valentine season, I want to assure our students that we are committed to enhancing real campus life. This is why we have finalized plans with the Enugu State Water Corporation to ensure a constant water supply to our school and hostels. Additionally, we are in talks with private investors to renovate and remodel two abandoned hostels into world-class accommodations. We want our buildings to be of global standards, providing our students with better living conditions and helping them save costs.”

Prof. Ogbodo also commended the efforts of the state governor in advancing education, stating that his policies have significantly transformed knowledge acquisition in the state.

“As you can see, we have a governor who is committed to education. With all the policies and programs he has introduced, which will also benefit our institution, we can confidently say that our tomorrow is here.”

Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area, Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh, urged the students to embrace hard work in their academic pursuits. He stated that the state government, led by Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, which has allocated over 33% of the state’s budget to education, has demonstrated a practical commitment to advancing learning.

Hon. Onoh, who was represented by Mr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, assured the audience that his administration has already initiated programs aimed at improving education and learning.

In his address, the member representing Enugu East Rural Constituency, Hon. Osita Okoh, urged students to prioritize their academics and avoid distractions that could jeopardize their future. He further assured them that he would play his role in ensuring the enactment of education-friendly laws in the state.

Earlier in his remarks, the Student Union Government President, Comrade Ekene Eze, stated that the aim of the program was to revive the spirit of critical thinking among students and to support indigent students with essential items. He reiterated his leadership’s commitment to students’ welfare and assured that efforts were underway to collaborate with the school management in addressing students’ most pressing needs.

Comrade Eze also praised Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State for his student-friendly policies, emphasizing that IMT students are pleased with his administration.

“We believe that the partnership between the school management, the government, and the student leadership will yield meaningful progress. Our goal is to ensure that students not only acquire knowledge but also experience a conducive learning environment that fosters personal and academic growth,” he added.

Highlights of the event included;Distribution of laptops to enhance digital learning, empowerment of students with weaving machines and sewing machines to support vocational skills as well as Provision of essential food items, including Indomie noodles, bags of rice, and spaghetti, to assist indigent students.

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The authorities of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, have expelled a student, Goddy-Mbakwe Chimamaka Precious, over her assault on a lecturer from the Department of Theatre and Film Studies.

In an official expulsion letter dated February 13, 2025, and signed by the Acting Registrar, Mr. Victor I. Modebelu, the university stated that the decision followed the recommendation of the Student Disciplinary Committee, which found the student’s actions to be a gross violation of the institution’s disciplinary regulations, specifically Regulation 4 (SDR).

The incident, which gained widespread attention after a video surfaced online, reportedly involved Precious attacking the lecturer identified as Dr. Chukwudi Okoye.

The attack followed the interruption of a TikTok video she was recording on campus. The confrontation led to public outrage and calls for disciplinary action.

According to the letter, the expulsion takes immediate effect, with the university directing Precious to vacate the premises and return any university property in her possession.

This development marks a decisive move by the UNIZIK administration in maintaining discipline within the institution, and it generated widespread reactions.

The letter read, “The Ag. Vice-Chancellor has received the report from the Student Disciplinary Committee on the case of your assault on a lecturer from the Department of Theater and Film Studies, which was found to be a gross misconduct and violation of the Students Disciplinary Regulations particularly Regulation 4 (SDR).

“Consequently, the Ag. Vice-Chancellor has, on behalf of the University Senate, approved the Committee’s recommendation that you be expelled and you are hereby expelled from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The expulsion takes immediate effect.

“You are expected to vacate the University premises immediately and return any University property in your possession.”

Punch Credited

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Benin – The children and youths of IDPs Uhogua (Benin City) Camp recently won the maiden edition of the Mary Waya award on Netball grassroots development in Nigeria.

This award which is named after Mary Waya, the current co-coach of the Malawi national netball team, is to honour her for defying the outbreak of COVID-19 and taking the risk to come to Nigeria in 2020 to train and certify 24 Nigerians as qualified Netball Africa coaches.

A statement by the Trustees of CSED Initiative stated that the target of the Mary Waya award is to recognise the efforts put in by organisations and group of persons who use the power of sport to overcome tough life circumstances that are beyond their control.

Fast forward to 2025, Mary Waya’s act of selflessness has led to CSED Initiative the netball pacesetters in Nigeria, training and equipping more than 370 P.E. Teachers and community youths for free. This has been done through their “Project 2027” programme that aims at bringing netball to the attention of one million Nigerian school girls. The work of Mary Waya has also led to CSED Initiative piloting the “Sporting Coders” project, a programme that will enable some selected Nigerian secondary school girls to combine playing the sport they enjoy, with learning how to code or improving their computing skills.

Though netball is specifically a sport that is designed for girls and women, the current goal of World Netball is to make the sport an inclusive game that should be enjoyed by everyone irrespective of their gender. CSED Initiative with the support of kits donated by Lord’s Taverners is currently trialling boys in selected school in Nigeria playing the game of netball.

The success of the netball team of Tare Pet School in Bayelsa State has triggered the interest of their male counterpart who have been training just before the end of last school year. As school male netball team look forward to gaining an upper hand over secondary schools like Oyemekun Grammar School Akure, C.S.C.S. Itam (Akwa Ibom State), Christlike School Benin City and University Secondary School, Nsukka who have netball coaches, and are currently in the process of considering raising a male netball team.

Mary Waya commended the management of IDPs Uhogua for using the game of netball to support the emotional recovery of some of the residents of the camp that is made up mostly of Nigerians of northern extraction who are victims of the Boko Haram insurgence in the North-East States of Nigeria. The residents of the Uhogua IDPs camp also have a football and cricket team that take part in completions with other secondary schools in Benin City. The Mary Waya award gives the winner a one off 150-thousand-naira cash payment that should be used to support sports and educational activities of the winning school/community.

In terms of academic attainment, the residents of the camp are also punching above their weight, as over 200 of them are currently studying in different universities in Nigeria. Last year, Amo Ishaku, a former resident of the camp who obtained a first-class bachelor’s of Engineering degree from the Edo State University Iyamho, was awarded a PhD scholarship by University of Illinois, Chicago (USA). While Amos Ishaku continues to strive for excellence in the United States, the educational pursuits of other residents of the camp is continually threatened by lack of funds to feed the residents properly, pay their school fees and meet just the basic needs of the more than four thousand residents of the camp.

Some of the questions most Nigerians would want to ask are what role does the Federal, State and Local governments play in supporting vulnerable Nigerian citizens, especially the IDPs? Has the various cash transfer interventions of the Federal Government of Nigeria benefited the IDPs? Should a special intervention fund be set up to specifically support the IDPs? Should the Federal and State Governments not consider granting documented IDPs access to free education and vocational training? These are some of the pertinent questions that policy makers and the National assembly members should seriously consider.

The Children’s Rights Act 2003 which is in operation in Nigeria does not specifically spell out the responsibilities of the three ties of government in supporting vulnerable Nigerians who are at risk of destitution, Especially IDPs as those who drafted the Act probably did not envisage a situation where mass displacement of persons is now a regular feature of living in Nigeria.

As a result, social administrators and policy makers have to brainstorm on how to come up with fit for purpose policies that will make our law makers to consider amending the relevant sections of the CRA 2003, with a view of addressing the delicate issue of what role and what level of support should the three tiers of government play in meeting the basic needs of vulnerable Nigerians. Especially the IDPs.

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Today the University Registrar, Chief Ambrose George Ugwu, popularly known as IGR (Internally Generated Registrar) marks his 63rd Birthday as well as three years anniversary in office as the Chief Scribe of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT

Born over six decades ago, Ambrose Ugwu  on February 10 officially replaced Barr. Tobias M. Ikpenwa as the ESUT Registrar following his appointment by the Governing Council. on February 4th, 2022

The Birthday Boy granted exclusive interview to ESUT Monitor in his office on Wednesday where he shared his perspective on his 63 years, His journey becoming the first “IGR” in ESUT and more.

Happy Birthday Sir. 63 is not a mean number,  How Do You Feel?

Well, I feel happy that God is with me and has continued to be with me for the past 365 days. Tomorrow, (Today) I’ll be 63 years climbing. It is a thing, and I give honour and adoration to God. It has not been easy, but I thank God for everything. I invite you all to be here around 3:00pm because the kind of enthusiasm, the kind of response, and the felicitation that people have been pouring in since they learned that the registrar will be adding one year tomorrow is encouraging. Thanks too; maybe we’ll spoon-feed some people. It’s a sign of sacrifice giving God the glory – some people will come here and pray. If we notice that this place cannot contain people, we can go to the Senate chambers near the auditorium, Julius Onah Auditorium. Life is all about enjoyment because all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. (Laughs)

Will You Consider Your Position as Registrar the Height of Your Career?

Well, yes. If you join the university as an administrative assistant, the zenith of your profession is to be at the helm of affairs of that cadre. You know I started from being an Assistant to an Admin Officer to Assistant Registrar, to Senior Assistant Registrar, to Principal Assistant Registrar, to Deputy Registrar, and to the big R. So it is the zenith of my profession and give God all the tribute

How Would You Chronicle Your 63 Years?

As I said, I give God the glory; it has been very tortuous but enjoyable, like every other human being on earth. You meet ups and downs; you’ll see the pros and cons, but if you have God, you’ll continue moving. Don’t allow anything to distract you or be an impediment. Success does not determine from where you come. You can come from the ghetto and be the man or the woman that everyone looks upon. So don’t allow your family background to be an obstacle to your growth in any place you find yourself. I think 63 years is not an easy feat. And why I give glory to God is that I’m aware that many of those we started this journey of life with, where are they? That some of us are living is a privilege, not a right. And that’s why, wherever we find ourselves, we do our best to give joy to as many as possible who can receive that joy.

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