Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) ESUT Branch have expressed deep sadness and shock over the death of Dr Virginia Nnenna Onyeka.

Dr Onyeka, a staff of the Accountancy Department in ESUT, died on Monday, May 26, 2025 after a brief illness at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.

In separate condolence messages signed by , the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Uche Ugwuanyi and the Acting Chairperson, ASUU-ESUT, Dr Andrew Apeh, respectively, they mourned the departure of Dr Onyeka and also paid glowing tributes to her selfless and dedicated services to the university and humanity.

In his sympathy messages, Prof Ugwuanyi said the faculty would miss her passion and dedication to work.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our dear colleague, Dr. Mrs. Virginia Nnenna Onyeka, Associate Professor of Accountancy Department and active member of our Faculty Welfare Committee. Her dedication, passion, and contributions to our faculty will be deeply missed.
“May her gentle soul rest in peace,” he said.

On his part, Dr Apeh who described her death as a “profound sadness”, extended the union’s condolences to the family and asked God to grant her soul heavenly repose. He extolled her commitment and contributions to the Union stressing that her passing created a vacuum.

“It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of our dear colleague, Associate Prof. Virginia Nnenna Onyeka of the Department of Accountancy. On behalf of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) ESUT branch, I extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family.

“We pray that the Almighty God grants her gentle soul eternal rest in heaven. May the family find solace and strength during this difficult time. We enjoin all ASUU members to continue praying for her soul to find rest and for the family to bear this great loss with fortitude.

“Prof. Virginia Nnenna Onyeka was a dedicated academic staff and a valued member of ASUU ESUT, known for her hard work and commitment. Her contributions to the union and the university will be deeply missed,” Dr Apeh said.

It could be recalled that Dr Virginia Nnenna Onyeka was recently promoted to the rank of Reader (Associate Professor) in the university before her death this week.

Late Onyeka died following a major surgery at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH).

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Ahead the 47th Inaugural Lecture of the. Enugu State University of Science and Technology ESUT on Thursday, May 29, 2024, the Inaugural Lecturer, Dr Ikenna Ndụ, a Professor of Paediatrics in the ESUT College of Medicine, in this exclusive interview with ESUT Monitor Newspaper explained what the lecture means to his academic career, the take home and why he is conducting his Inaugural Lecture shortly after Provost of the College, Prof Uchenna Ekwochi delivered his on Thursday May 8.

Speaking further on the challenges ahead of the 47th Inaugural Lecture which will hold at the ESUCOM Auditorium starting from 11am, Prof Ndụ noted that space is a major constraint for him in hosting the lecture.

Prof Ndu spoke with our team of Editors – Joy Joseph, Editor-in-Chief; Chiekezie Emmanuel, News Editor; Ruth Ani, Deputy News Editor and Onyekachi Agu, Political Editor

Excerpts

How ready are you to deliver this lecture?

Thank you, ESUT Monitor, for the opportunity to share my thoughts in this interview.

This lecture marks the culmination of my academic journey, which began when I entered medical school in 1988—about 37 years ago. In many ways, it feels like the moment I’ve been preparing for all along. But it’s more than just a lecture; it’s a reflection of years of learning, service, and growth.

It also aligns with the Vice-Chancellor’s inspiring vision—one that calls on us not just to hold the title of professor, but to truly profess through impact, relevance, and service. So yes, I am fully ready—perhaps a little emotional—but deeply honoured to deliver the 47th inaugural lecture of Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

What informed your choice of topic?

This lecture topic is the result of a long and thoughtful search. I kept asking myself: how can I bring together my experiences in neonatology and paediatric emergency care in a way that tells a meaningful story? That reflection eventually led me to the title: From Cradle to Crisis: Advancing Paediatric Survival in Our Challenged Healthcare Landscape.

The “cradle” represents the newborn—where life begins—and “crisis” symbolizes the emergencies that threaten that life. Together, the title captures the journey of vulnerable children through a fragile health system, and the work we must do to improve their chances of survival.

What would be the take home at the end of the lecture?

There are five key take-home messages. In the first place, the leading causes of childhood deaths are still with us, and they demand urgent and sustained action—not just talk.

Secondly, Progress is possible. Our innovations and unwavering commitment have already shown that meaningful change can happen, even in difficult settings. Thirdly, we must bridge the gap in care by pushing for reforms that are both equitable and scalable—so that no child is left behind.

Fourthly, the future of paediatrics lies in research and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and gene therapy. We must begin to prepare and position ourselves to harness their potential, and last but not the least, policy must ensure these advances must be delivered ethically, affordably, and fairly, especially to the most vulnerable.

What are the challenges you are facing?

One major challenge is the size of the college auditorium—it’s simply too small for an event of this nature. Given the significance of an inaugural lecture and the interest it generates, we’re concerned about accommodating everyone comfortably. We’re exploring creative solutions, but space remains a real constraint
.
Tell us about your connection with the Provost and why you are presenting shortly after his?

The Provost and I enjoy a productive collaboration. I like to call it a healthy sibling rivalry. We push each other to excel, exchange ideas freely, and always cheer each other on—but always with the same goal: giving children the best care possible. I often say that if you leave the two of us in a room too long, we’ll either start planning a paediatric community outreach program or start a research project!

As for presenting so soon after his lecture—just three weeks apart—that was intentional. May is the month dedicated to children in Nigeria, and we thought, why not make it back-to-back inaugural lectures? Two inaugural lectures focused on child health in one month—what better way to make some noise for our little ones?

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In his unbridled quest to deepen youth engagement, competence and capacity in his administration, Hon. Engr. Jude Chinedu Asogwa, the Executive Chairman of Nsukka LGA, has appointed Hon Anselm Eze, as the Special Adviser on Environment and WASH.

Hon. Eze is the immediate past Chairman of Idi/Ogbozara Ward of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Hon Eze also doubled as the Coordinating Chairman of Nsukka LGA Chapter of Enugu State Forum of PDP Ward Chairmen.

His appointment, hailed in every quarter, is, yet, another eloquent testimony that there is no substitute for hard work, dedication and commitment as verifiably epitomised by him, (Hon. Eze), over the years.

With this latest appointment, the Prudent Mayor, Engr. Asogwa, has, once again, demonstrated his grassroots-oriented disposition which saw his eagle eye discovering his latest appointee.

Given the mandate to make Nsukka LGA the cleanest LGA in Enugu State, it is believed that Hon. Eze, who has a track record of credible performance will deliver on this mandate.

As we celebrate his new responsibility, we pray God Almighty to give Hon. Eze the requisite Solomonic wisdom to live up to expectations and even surpass it.

Ozo Ejike Okpe

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Since the 27th day of May 1964, Nigeria earmarked 27th day of the month of May to celebrate her children annually, but 61 years down the line, the children of the country are yet to feel celebrated even on the said day.

From a young age, the average Nigerian child is constantly reminded that he/she is the leader of tomorrow but once gotten to the age of responsibility, is warned by not just parents but the society not to dream of, much less go near leadership, especially when it involves political power.

The child grows up to see the same people who are in power from when he was a toddler being recycled into the system with little or no effort to make policies or lead in such a way that the hopes and aspirations of these children are brought to life. They make sure that corruption eats deep into the system as the rich keeps getting richer, while the poor, poorer.

Any voice that dares to rise in opposition is silenced at all costs, dreams die and innovations killed before conception, the only ones who are allowed close to the Corridors of power are sycophants and young people who are not courageous enough to ask questions.

The way we treat our children leaves everything to be desired, yet we pretend to celebrate them annually. If we continue in this trajectory, there might not be a tomorrow which they will promise their own children.

As we celebrate and remember our children today, let us have a sober reflection on the kind of future we would like to bequeath them, a future where the son of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody, where innovation and creativity is celebrated over mediocrity, where child’s rights are considered inalienable.

Just like Khalil Gibran said in his book “The Prophet”: “Your children are not your children, they are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you, and though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts, for they have their own thoughts. You may house their bodies but not their souls, for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams. You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you,for life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday…..” We are in urgent need of system and mental rejuvenation.

Timothy Nwobodo is the Immediate Past Editor-in-Chief of ESUT Monitor Newspaper

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The student Affairs of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) in collaboration with the Students Union Government held an intensive
sensitization and orientation programme for the upcoming aspirants in the university.

The programme was headed by the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof Ifeoma Okwor with the SUG president, Comr. Chiagozie Ezenwaji

The orientation was held at the Prof. Julius Onah Auditorium with attendance of over 80 aspirants from different departments and faculties

The Dean of Student affairs, Prod Ifeoma okwor in her address urged the students not to make the upcoming election to be a ‘do or die’ affair and let it be a friendly exercise

The SUG president and the Speaker equally shared talks and topics with the aspirants that was of help to them, informing the Senate aspirants of another election within the house after the general election.

“This sensitization is to make people aware of what they don’t know, and they have been picking up the forms for one position or another. We are here to give them what they should expect, the process they will go through. From now on, there will be several screenings, like security screening, and we will look at their academic records.

“Thankfully, we have the current Student Union Government telling them what to expect. We are here to sensitize them so they know it’s not an easy job, and after this, if you want to withdraw, you can withdraw, seeing that you cannot do it.

“That’s why the SUG Senate increased the CGPA to 3.5 because it takes their time. That’s why we want intelligent students to be the ones leading so they can do well in their academic programmes. This orientation will yield fruitful results for the aspirants because we are enlightening them on what they need to know, ” the Dean said

Meanwhile, screening of aspirants will hold on Wednesday May 28, 2025 at the Hall C starting from.9:30am.

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In a bid to enhance the educational and sporting development of students at Saint Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School (SMGGGS) in Benin City, the Francis and Fidelia Ibhawoh Foundation has secured approval from the Edo State Government, through the Ministry of Education, to construct an outdoor netball court within the school premises.

The approval that was conveyed via an official correspondence from the Edo State Ministry of Education, reflects the government’s recognition of the Ibhawoh Foundation as a reputable and impactful NGO. The Ministry commended the Foundation’s proven commitment to the educational advancement and community empowerment, especially among young people.

Founded by the Catholic Church in 1959, SMGGGS is located in the Upper Sakponba area of Benin City. The school has a rich legacy of academic and sporting excellence, particularly in hockey. This legacy informed the state government’s recent to upgrade the school’s hockey field to an astroturf pitch, which was utilized during the 2021 National Sports Festival hosted in Benin City.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Gerard Ibhawoh, Chair of the Francis and Fidelia Ibhawoh Foundation, explained that the decision to build a netball court is driven by the Foundation’s commitment to youth development through sport and community engagement. He noted that this effort will complement the ongoing contributions of the school’s alumni association. In recent years, the SMGGGS Old Girls Association has spearheaded a number of transformative projects, including the establishment of a Cisco Academy and an NCC IT Centre, the donation of 40 sewing machines and vocational equipment, and the refurbishment of a staff residential building.

“Saint Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School holds a special place in our family’s history,” Mr. Ibhawoh stated. “Our mother taught at the school for over two decades, and two of my sisters are proud alumnae. In honour of our mother’s legacy, we are committed to delivering a netball facility of a high standard in a timely and efficient manner.

The choice of building a netball court is deeply personal and symbolic. Netball was a favourite sport of the Foundation’s matriarch, who was one of Nigeria’s earliest netball coaches and led her school’s netball team in Ekpoma as far back as 1968. Netball remains a sport uniquely designed to engage and empower the girl-child, making it an ideal tool for promoting gender equity and holistic development.

Our Foundation envisions this intervention as a catalyst for revitalizing sports engagement in the Upper Sakponba area, a community teeming with energetic and talented youth.”
The Francis and Fidelia Ibhawoh Foundation was established in 2014 in memory of the late Francis Ehidiamen Ibhawoh by his family and close associates. The Foundation honours the enduring legacy of both Francis and Fidelia Ibhawoh—dedicated educators and public servants—by supporting initiatives in education, youth empowerment, and community development.

Since its formal establishment in 2015, the Foundation has made notable contributions in the areas of sports and healthcare, often in partnership with the Community Sport and Educational Development (CSED) Initiative. Its flagship initiative, the annual Francis and Fidelia Ibhawoh Essay Competition for Undergraduates, addresses pressing societal issues and encourages solution-driven thinking among Nigerian youths.

To date, the Foundation has directly impacted over 300 students through scholarships and grants, enabling them to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals. Additionally, it has supported 182 individuals through mentorship programs, skills training, international exchange programs, and professional development opportunities. Notably, in collaboration with Empowerment Square (Canada), the Foundation awards an annual $1,000 Mentorship Fellowship Grant to support the aspirations of young professionals and students while promoting international collaboration and innovation.

Through its sustained focus on education, empowerment, and sustainable development, the Francis and Fidelia Ibhawoh Foundation continues to leave a meaningful and lasting impact on communities across Nigeria and beyond.

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By Amaechi Agbo

The 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) came to an end on Sunday with matchday 38 decided across ten match venues.

Former champions, Rangers International FC suffered its biggest defeat in the season as the Flying Antelopes were walloped 5-1 by their host, Shooting Stars in Ibadan while Heartland FC of Owerri returned to the Nigeria National League (NNL) after their relegation was confirmed.

The heavy defeat ensured that Shooting Stars joins Kano Pillars in the league of clubs who beat Rangers home-and-away during the season.

Rangers’ defeat in Ibadan saw their underwhelming league season came to a disastrous end on the final day of with the General Manager of the side, Amobi Ezeaku featuring for the 2024 winners.

Rangers had in the midweek lost 1-0 to Kwara United in the semi-final of the 2025 Federation Cup.

The “Oluyole Warriors” truly lived up to their moniker, securing maximum points and bragging rights over their old rivals in a performance that left the visitors reeling.

From the whistle, 3SC, under the guidance of coach Gbenga Ogunbote, wasted no time asserting their authority.

 Just two minutes into the encounter, hesitant defending from the Rangers backline allowed Sodiq Ibrahim to unleash a fierce shot from the edge of the box, flashing home to give the home side an early lead.

Despite the early setback, Rangers’ young goalkeeper Ifebuche Emmanuel put in a commendable shift, pulling off a string of splendid saves to thwart further scoring opportunities for the hungry host.

His heroics inspired his teammates, and in the 43rd minute, Rangers found a lifeline as Bashir Usman latched onto a defense-splitting pass from Daniel Onyia, blasting it past 3SC custodian Chinedu Anozie to level the score just before halftime.

However, the second half saw a renewed intensity from the Ibadan side as they continued to probe for openings, and their persistence paid off in the 51st minute when Sodiq Ibrahim bagged his second goal of the day, restoring 3SC’s lead.

What followed was a ruthless six-minute spell that completely unravelled Rangers. Adelowo Gbolagade (66th minute), Alex Aghahowa (69th minute), and Joshua Akpan (71st minute) all found the back of the net, turning a precarious lead into an unassailable 5-1 advantage.

Rangers’ coaching crew, led by Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, attempted to stem the tide with a flurry of substitutions, introducing Godwin Obaje, Frank Uwumiro, Williams Wonah, Evans Ogbonda, and Okorie Chiedozie.

However, the damage was already done, and despite their efforts, they could not claw their way back into the match as the referee eventually brought proceedings to a close.

The heavy defeat sees Enugu Rangers conclude the NPFL 2024/2025 season in 10th position, accumulating 52 points.

On their part, Heartland FC of Owerri were relegated to the Division 2 despite defeating Akwa United 2-1 at home on Sunday. Heartland’s hope of escaping the drop was confirmed after El Kanemi Warriors defeated Sunshine Stars 1-0.

Despite the victory, both Heartland and Akwa United will now campaign in the NNL next season.

It could be recalled that Heartland were relegated in the 2023/2024 NPFL season but they bought the slot of Beyond Limits FC, a club owned by Remo Stars, after the gained promotion by winning the NNL last season.

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Enugu State on Sunday continued its medal haul at the ongoing 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State with two athletes winning two silver medals for the Coal, City State.

Emmanuel Ugonna and Destiny Agbo won silver medals each in shot-put men and women, respectively to bring the total number of medals won by Team Enugu to 8.

Shedrack Ozoemena won a bronze medal in the middle weight 70 to 75 kg) Boxing Class.

He defeat Oyo State in quarter-final bout but  lost Silver or Gold medal race to Lagos State whom used 1 points to top Enugu State boxer in bout No: 220  on 25th May 2025  between Enugu State vs  Lagos State for battle of Silver or Gold medal

Enugu State will intensify its push for more medals as Wrestling began on Monday.

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By Amaechi Agbo

Abeokuta, Nigeria – The Enugu State Government is proposing to host the 23^rd edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) in September next year.

Chairman, National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko disclosed this on Sunday during a world press conference to update Nigerians and the global community on the ongoing 22^nd edition of the festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Responding to a question asked by a journalist, Amaechi Agbo on the date of the next festival, the NSC Chairman noted that the Commission is streamlining the festival to hold in November/December every Sports Festival year.

Mr Dikko also expressed optimism on Enugu State’s readiness to host the “Nigerian Olympic Games” stressing that the Commission is in regular talk with the state about the hosting.

“We are working on streamlining the National Sports Festival to hold in November/December during the Festival year. We need to have a standard in this regard to help us maintain the festival. Apart from that, hosting it during November/December will help us to avoid bad weather due to rain.

“Enugu State is ready to host the next edition of the festival nest year. In fact, they are proposing to host in September and that tells you their preparedness. We are in regular touch with the state and we will continue to work collaboratively to ensure that the standard set in Ogun is improved upon,” he said.

On awarding the hosting rights to states ahead of time, the NSC chairman stated that states are already bidding to host the 2028 and 2030 editions of the Festival adding that the commission will announce the hosts for the next two editions after Enugu 2026, very soon.

The Federal Government and the Enugu State Government signed the hosting rights agreement in January and the state Governor, Barr Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah declared the state’s readiness to revamp sporting facilities in the state and host a world class festival.

“As you know, we like to be a role model as a state that gained pre-eminence over 115 years ago. We will not want to let our forebears down. We will live up to that standard.

“We have already set forth at dawn. Immediately that announcement was made, we mobilised our team. We are already working on revamping the Awgu Games Village and a whole lot. We have decided to deliver a brand new Games Village. We are also completely renovating the stadium to brand new.

“We are making sure that by the time you come here by the end of this year, you are going to be highly impressed. It is not revamping, rebranding or re-equipping, but we are also going to build additional facilities to the existing one. We are looking forward to having a word-class experience befitting the sports men and women, making our hosting a lifelong memory and experience,” he stated.

The State government has earmarked over 13 Billion for renovation of facilities including the Nnamdi Azitiwe Stadium and Awgu Games Village ahead of the 23^rd edition of the National Sports Festival.

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15-year old Onuchukwu Chisom was the heroine of the day on Saturday as her strike powered Enugu Female football team to a 1-0 win against Abia State in the female football event of the ongoing 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State.

Chisom’s goal in the 3^rd minute of the encounter played at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, however, was not enough to power the Enugu young ladies into the next stage of the competition.

Enugu was eliminated from the football event after suffering three defeats and winning once in their four group matches. One of their losses was a 1-0 defeat by the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) Nigeria U-17 female team, the Flamingos. Enugu lost the match on Friday after conceding in the first half.

Described by fans as a team with future prospect, Coach of the side, Favour Chinedu told journalists after the game that his players lacked goal scoring instincts but expressed optimism that they would be ready for the 2026 edition of the Sports Festival which the Enugu State will host.

“We lacked goal scoring instinct. We created many chances in our matches but we could not find the back of the net. Against Abia State, we did very well but when you recall that we dominated the Flamingos and lost at least two chances that would have given us the victory, you will understand how close we came to reaching the knockout stage.

“My team is one of, if not, the youngest team in the festival in terms of the female football. You saw that the goal today was scored by 15 years old Chisom and that shows that they have immense future,” he said.

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