My first assignment as an intern student at Afia Television is a must-tell story that everybody needs hear because it came with a lot of impact.

On the 4th of September 2026, I was sent by my supervisor, Mr. Alex Obodo, to join the staff of Afia Television at a workshop for the Ala Igbo Creative Circle 2026, which was held at Cafe One, Okpara Avenue, Enugu. This was a workshop that focused on in-demand skills.

The workshop was organized to broaden the knowledge of the youth and guide them into the field of professionalism across different areas. It is a free program organized by the Afia Television and Radio Organization, which is carried out once a year. The workshop featured different sessions where important aspects of these skills were taught to give practical knowledge, and it allowed participants to ask questions concerning the topics presented.

The Ala Igbo Creative Circle workshop, which is held every year, enhances in-demand skills with the help of facilitators who specialize in different areas, including writing, photography, and videography/cinematography.

The Opening Session

The workshop began with a warm welcome address from Mrs. Vera, the Administrative Brand Manager of Afia Television and Radio. She laid emphasis on what the workshop is all about, its aims, and its objectives, thereby introducing the facilitators to the trainees. After the brief address, the class was divided into different sessions. This was done to enable the trainees who registered for the Ala Igbo Creative Circle to reside in their different areas of interests.

The Writing Session

Moving down to the workshop proper, the writing session was taken by Mrs. Adachukwu Onwudiwe, who has been a professional writer and is well-known for writing scripts. She took over her class by starting with a very interactive game, letting her trainees state two different truths and one lie to enable them to identify and differentiate fiction.

A video clip was played on narrative nonfiction, which explained its meaning—stating that narrative nonfiction tells a story about real people, while it also informs, entertains, and involves descriptive details. She went further into explaining the different types of narrative nonfiction, which include:

• Autobiography
• Biography
• Diary

During the class, she made the trainees understand that narrative nonfiction takes factual events and presents them like a story. It also uses literary techniques from fiction to make the writing engaging. She threw out a question to create more room for relaxation by asking if each person had access to the internet. This question paved the way for reading two different essays: “Still in Enugu” by Immaculata Abba and “Grief Grows, Like Ugu” by Roseline Mgbodichima Okorie.

After the reading, these were discussed in the class. “Still in Enugu” by Immaculata was the first essay to be discussed among the trainees, which gave them the privilege to understand what a fiction and nonfiction written story is all about. Moving down with the workshop, the second essay was also read, and it came with a clear distinction between the two essay writing styles.

She also made it clear to them that writing can be tricking. The story paved the way for a more practical exercise, which was carried out as she grouped her trainees into roles including the Protagonist of the story, the Observer, the Reporter, and the Historian. This enabled them to face quality factual writing for better development, and the exercise was carried out within the space of fifteen minutes. During this exercise, the trainees did not just write; they created a sense of humor among themselves, which enhanced their writing skills for their benefit. She furthered the session with the structuring of a story, which entails the narrative arc. She encouraged her trainees that becoming a professional writer deals with the involvement of inculcating a reading habit, while also stating the fact that every writer is a reader and every reader is a writer.

The Photography Session

On the other hand, the photography session was handled by Mr. Alex Nwaoba and Mr. Sunday Chukwu. Mr. Alex opened the floor to photography by giving an illustration: if something strikes you—either a bee or a mosquito—it is trying to give room for creativity. The illustration explains that creativity and photography, when built, help in the building and development of a gift from God.

He enlightened the trainees on how best to enable themselves to stand out among equals. He also explained to them how creativity comes through photography and how artists work with photos. During the class, he encouraged his trainees that, as upcoming artists, it is best to start by picking a topic and a story. He also told them that each work is expected to speak for someone.

Furthermore, he enlightened them on different ways to create a photo. An instance was given to them, which led to him saying that artwork agrees with a broader conversation. He made them understand that their craft is expected to reach up to different standards in order to pay off, and it must involve an interesting philosophy. He gave them lots of instances with different practical examples among the trainees, which created a joyous room among them as they had a practical photography class using their phone torchlights. He gave an in-depth description that not every intelligent person is creative, but every creative person is intelligent.

The Videography and Cinematography Session

Speaking down to the videography/cinematography session, this was handled by Mr. Franklin Ogaranya. He stated that everything you see on the camera lens is storytelling, and the essence of video content is to be able to tell a story; the tools, mechanism, editing style, and lighting all depend on the story you wish to tell. He enlightened his trainees on audio and story, noting that people wouldn’t forgive a bad story.

Moreover, during the class, he explained the filmmaker’s mindset. He noted that the filmmaker’s mindset involves putting the story first, ensuring every shot has a season, and recognizing that bad conditions are often creative problems. He also taught them about the tools needed for videography/cinematography, which involve:

• A computer
• A clip microphone
• A phone
• Lighting

Framing and composition were also discussed during the class. He explained that composition is used to define where things are placed in the frames, and how to use shapes, lights, colors, and pictures to tell stories.

Again, he enlightened them on phone videography, noting that its exposure could make the video picture look bright or dark. During the class, he also stated that in the exposure role, when a change is made to one element, a change is made to the other element, and the shutter speed controls motion and light. Questions were thrown around the class as the explanation of ISO came up, which determines how sensitive your camera sensor is to light. The higher the ISO, the more the light; the lower the ISO, the lesser the bright light.

Networking and Conclusion

In a nutshell, the workshop became more fun and interesting when a break was given from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm. This came along with some refreshments and also created room for the trainees from different sessions to familiarize themselves with others. After the break, the workshop continued as the different sessions carried out various exercises to enhance the knowledge of the trainees, which drew the program to a conclusion.

Drawing down to the finalization, the workshop came to an end with a group photograph. Everybody was excited because the Ala Igbo Creative Circle was not just an organized workshop by the Afia Television and Radio Organization, but also a great opportunity for the youth who are willing to build up a bright career and future through their different skills.

It is a must-tell report because it helps in building creativity and exposure in the field of professionalism. Afia Television doesn’t just broadcast; they train young youths on what they need to know, learn, and understand. The Ala Igbo Creative Circle is a workshop that every aspiring youth in creative writing, photography, and videography/cinematography must attend—not just for fun, but to widen and broaden their knowledge.

Okoli Amaka is a 300 level student of Mass Communication, ESUT currently undergoing her Industrial attachment with Afia TV, Enugu

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More than half of the undergraduate students at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) are currently forfeiting, unwittingly, their statutory ₦15,000 federal industrial training stipends due to widespread ignorance and unsubmitted documentation.

The Director of the university’s Industrial Training Unit (ITU), Prof Mellitus Omemgboji Ezeamenyi issued this urgent wake-up call during an exclusive interview with ESUT Monitor, disclosing that thousands of students are unknowingly blocking financial payouts meant for themselves, their departmental supervisors, and the university management by failing to return their signed logbooks.

Speaking on the strategic restructuring of the unit, Professor Ezeamenyi revealed that the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) pays these non-repayable allowances directly into verified student bank accounts, prompting an aggressive new awareness campaign in partnership with the Student Union Government (SUG) to clear the backlog and secure the funds.

Brief Profile

Professor Prof Mellitus Omemgboji Ezeamenyi is a distinguished scholar, widely travelled academic, and seasoned administrator at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). Renowned for his transformative leadership, Professor Ezeamenyi has consistently demonstrated a track record of driving structural growth, academic excellence, and institutional progress across multiple strategic units of the university.

His administrative career at ESUT is marked by unprecedented achievements and a commitment to setting new benchmarks in university governance. He has successfully led a faculty and three major directorates within the institution with remarkable track records thus in August 2026, Prof Ezeamenyi was appointed the Director, Industrial Training Unit, ESUt.

Bringing his signature excellence and vision to his current role, Professor Ezeamenyi is focused on revolutionizing the Industrial Training Unit to better serve students and the broader socio-economic landscape.

Linking Town and Gown: The Role of Industrial Training

A persistent challenge in developing economies is the production of university graduates who lack practical, hands-on experience. The Industrial Training Unit (ITU)  ESUT was established specifically to bridge this gap—effectively linking the “gown” (academia) with the “town” (industry).

Through well-structured industrial attachments, students step out of the classroom and into specialized industries related to their fields of study. This experiential learning equips them with critical workplace competencies, ensuring that they are insulated from the severe unemployment crisis plaguing the nation.

Unemployment serves as the incubator for various societal vices, including insecurity, kidnapping, and theft. By prioritizing rigorous industrial training, universities can shift the paradigm from producing mere job seekers to nurturing visionary job creators and employers of labor, ultimately building a safer and more prosperous society.

Strategic Vision for the Industrial Training Unit (ITU)

To optimize the impact of the ITU, Professor Ezeamenyi has designed a proactive roadmap centered on institutional synergy and enhanced communication: we will establishing direct, consistent channels of communication with Heads of Departments (HODs) and faculty members across the university to ensure full alignment with the mandate of the ITU.

Under this plan, we aim to reposition the ITU to be highly visible, approachable, and responsive to student needs, ensuring seamless navigation of their training requirements.  

Partnering with department leads to guarantee that students are properly guided, mentored, and actively engaged in their practical industrial postings, leaving no room for administrative gaps.

Financial Benefits for Students and Supervisors

A critical yet frequently misunderstood aspect of the Industrial Training (IT) programme is the financial compensation provided by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

Every eligible student who completes their industrial attachment is entitled to a non-repayable stipend of ₦15,000. Unfortunately, ESUT is losing millions in this regard.

To ensure transparency and eliminate bureaucratic delays, the ITF bypasses university administrative accounts entirely. Funds are deposited directly into the personal bank accounts provided by the students.

Let me emphasis that the submission of student logbooks triggers a domino effect of payments. When a student fails to submit their documentation, their institution-appointed supervisors and the university management also lose out on the statutory allowances allocated to them by the Federal Government.

Why the Stipend is Non-repayable

The ₦15,000 allowance is entirely funded by the Federal Government as an investment in national human capital. The organizations and industries hosting these student interns contribute directly to the growth of the Nigerian economy. Therefore, the stipend serves as a government-backed support system to offset student logistics during their service to these industries.

Bridging the Information Gap

The primary roadblock to successful stipend disbursement within ESUT is a stark lack of awareness. Many students treat logbook submission casually—unaware that neglecting this single step results in a forfeiture of ₦15,000 and risks delaying their final graduation clearance. Currently, more than half of the eligible student population has yet to return their logbooks.

To resolve this bottleneck, the Industrial Training Unit is launching an aggressive communication campaign:

Partnering with the Student Union Government (SUG) to blast information across all digital student platforms, raising awareness about the financial and academic rewards of timely logbook submission.

Ensuring students understand the mandatory protocol—submitting their physical logbooks duly signed and stamped by their Heads of Departments (HODs) alongside accurate bank account details directly to the ITU office for verification and inventory taking by visiting ITF officials.

Administrative Infrastructure and Resource Mobilization

The ambitious drive to increase logbook submissions and scale up student participation will naturally place a heavier operational burden on the ITU workforce.

Currently, only two dedicated staff members manage the entire student body navigating the Industrial Training Unit—a structural strain that risks operational fatigue. While these current personnel are highly experienced and fully understand the nuances of ITU processes, scaling the unit requires structural backup.

To safeguard staff welfare and maintain administrative efficiency, Professor Ezeamenyi is initiating a formal appeal to the University management for the immediate deployment of at least one additional experienced staff member. Expanding the core team to three personnel or more will optimize the processing timeline, support the incoming rush of student registrations, and effectively sustain the unit’s new momentum.

Let me also inform you that we have already dispatched letter of invitation to the ITF headquarters in Jos requesting them to come and take inventory of our IT students for the past three sessions. We are hoping to hear from them and we believe that through ESUT monitor and other channels of communication in ESUT, the HODs and students will do the needful.  

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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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Governments at all levels have been urged to urgently formulate and implement targeted public health policies focused on nutrition, dieting, and healthy lifestyle choices to curb the rising surge of preventable non-communicable diseases across the nation.

A Senior Lecturer in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, ​Associate Professor Nkemjika Umerah made the call during the 4th Annual Public Lecture of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) College of Medicine (ESUCOM), held at the International Conference Centre Enugu on Wednesday

​The guest lecturer highlighted the critical gap between individual health awareness and systemic government action. The Don emphasized that while individuals must take personal responsibility for what they consume, sustainable health outcomes require clear regulatory frameworks, subsidized healthy foods, and mandatory nutrition education integrated into national programs.

​”Preventive healthcare remains the most cost-effective strategy for any nation,” the lecturer stated. “Without strong policy frameworks governing dietary standards, food labeling, and public wellness initiatives, our healthcare infrastructure will continue to be overwhelmed by manageable conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular failure.”

​Declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor of ESUT, Prof Aloysius-Michaels OKolie commended the College of Medicine for maintaining the tradition of hosting impactful public lectures that bridge academic research with societal needs. The VC reiterated the institution’s commitment to advancing medical research, community outreach, and championing policies that improve public health outcomes.

In his opening remarks, the Provost of the College, Prof. Uchenna Ekwochi, underscored the strategic role of the institution’s Annual Public Lecture series, describing it as a key driver of the college’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and community outreach agenda.

​Prof. Ekwochi stated that medical institutions must extend their responsibilities beyond clinical training and academic research to address real-world public health challenges affecting immediate communities.

​According to the Provost, “the annual lecture series serves as a critical bridge between complex academic research and everyday health practices for the public._ He noted that by bringing expert knowledge on preventive healthcare, nutrition, and lifestyle choices directly to society, ESUCOM is fulfilling its obligation to reduce disease burdens and promote longevity.

​”As a premier medical institution, our duty is not limited to graduating world-class physicians and carrying out laboratory investigations,” Prof. Ekwochi remarked. “Through our CSR initiatives—anchored by this annual public lecture—we take preventive medical advocacy to the public square, empowering individuals and policymakers with actionable knowledge on healthy living.”

​Prof. Ekwochi further emphasized that themed discussions focusing on pressing health issues—such as dietary policies, preventive healthcare, and the dangers of substance and soft drink abuse—reflect ESUCOM’s proactive approach to public health intervention.

​He reaffirmed the college leadership’s dedication to sustaining the annual lecture platform, assuring stakeholders that ESUCOM will continue to champion initiatives that positively impact community wellness and support government policy formulation in the health sector.

The 4th ESUCOM Annual Public Lecture which focused on the theme: “From Plate to Patient: How Diet Affects Your Health”
brought together medical professionals, academics, policymakers, and students to discuss strategic pathways toward improving community health standards and national wellness.

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The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has warned students against hostel racketeering, including the unauthorised sale, transfer, exchange or trading of hostel spaces and allocations.

The university, in an internal memorandum dated September 22, 2026, by the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Ifeoma Okwo, said students found engaging in hostel racketeering, impersonation or any other form of malpractice in securing accommodation would face appropriate disciplinary action.

The memorandum, titled “Information on Hostel Allocation for 2026/2027 Academic Session,” stated that hostel allocation would be conducted online.
It added that only students who had paid their school fees for the 2026/2027 academic session would be eligible to apply for hostel accommodation.

The university also prohibited impersonation in the process of obtaining hostel accommodation, warning students against using another student’s name, registration number or other personal details to secure hostel allocation.

According to the memorandum, any student found violating the regulations would be disciplined in accordance with the university’s rules.

The institution said the commencement date for hostel applications would be communicated to students in due course, advising them to await further information.

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For top corporate executives across Nigeria, pursuing postgraduate education usually means navigating unpredictable academic strikes and rigid physical lecture schedules. But under the six-year stewardship of Professor Fred Eze, the ESUT Business School has broken the traditional mold.

By deploying multi-million Naira hybrid magic boards and enforcing a calendar “cast in stone,” Eze has successfully turned the school into a global learning hub.

In this exclusive interview with ESUT Monitor, the Professor of Public Administration and Vice President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo pulls back the curtain on a transformational tenure that has quadrupled institutional revenue, eliminated academic disruptions, and fully funded a ₦1 billion multi-purpose Civic Center with zero government subvention.

Background and Tenure

My name is Professor Fredrick Eze. I was appointed to this position in July 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an incredibly challenging time, but through the magnanimity of the Vice Chancellor, I am still serving in this role today. Despite the initial hurdles, we have managed to double our impact.

Professionally, I am a Professor of Public Administration. I attained the rank of Professor in 2006, marking 20 years of professorship this year.

Evolution of ESUT Business School

ESUT Business School was established in 1995 during the tenure of Vice Chancellor Professor Julius Onuora. It began as a landmark collaboration between the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) and the private sector, driven by captains of industry.

Originally founded in Marina, Lagos, political and logistical shifts eventually required us to relocate back to Enugu between 2005 and 2006. Though the transition period was difficult, the school stabilized and has become a definitive success story. In spite of the odds, we have not only survived, but thrived.

Designed for Industry Leaders

The post-lockdown period brought unique challenges, particularly regarding regional insecurity, which made it difficult for students to attend physical lectures. In response, we strategically transitioned to a hybrid and primarily online model.

Because our offerings are executive programs, our student body consists of busy, top-tier executives who are scattered across the country. These individuals are already established employers and leaders; they do not come to ESUT Business School merely to acquire a certificate for job-seeking. Instead, they join us to upgrade their status, acquire advanced knowledge, and network.

This distinct student profile differentiates us from the regular postgraduate programs run at the main campus’s College of Postgraduate Studies. ESUT Business School occupies a unique niche in the Nigerian educational market by catering explicitly to the convenience of senior professionals who may have missed the opportunity to pursue regular programs earlier in life.

Academic Programes and Faculty Structure

It is important to note that these academic programs are not independently owned by the ESUT Business School itself. Instead, they are owned by the mainstream departments and faculties of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology; we simply house and administer them here. Consequently, the Heads of Departments at the main campus also serve as the Heads of Departments for our programs.

Our curriculum is heavily tailored toward management and administration. We offer programs in: Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Insurance, Engineering Management and Environmental Management

Global Faculty and Flexible Lecture Delivery

We recruit the absolute top echelon of academic talent. Our lecturers are drawn from the cream of ESUT staff, alongside top-tier minds from institutions like the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and Ebonyi State University. Where there is quality, we pick it—including international scholars from the University of Ghana (Legon), the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Because our delivery model is online, geography is no barrier. Lectures are fully recorded and provided directly to the students. This means busy executives can learn from anywhere—their car, kitchen, or living room. If a student is too preoccupied to attend live, they receive the full recording on their phone or laptop. The only thing they miss out on is the live Q&A session; the core knowledge remains entirely accessible.

Enrollment Figures and Programme Durations

Our annual enrollment figures reflect a healthy, sustainable demand. This academic year, our registrations include:

• Doctorate Programs (DBA and PhD): 86 students
• Master’s Programs (MBA and MSc): 330 students
• Postgraduate Diploma (PGD): 50 students

The duration for each tier of study is structured as follows:

• Postgraduate Diploma (PGD): 1 year and 6 months
• Master’s Programmes: 2 years
• Doctorate Programs (PhD/DBA): 3 to 5 years, depending on the individual capacity and progress of the student.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Gaining admission into ESUT Business School is a straightforward process. Prospective students can obtain an application form physically at our campus or apply online. The application fee is 20,800 Naira.

Once an applicant meets the criteria, we forward a recommendation to the university. The university authorities review the qualifications, and upon Senate approval, a formal admission letter is issued.

The “Cast in Stone” Academic Calendar

A defining feature of ESUT Business School is absolute certainty. Unlike regular university programs—where a two-year program can drag on for three to five years due to disruptions, bureaucracy, or strikes—our schedule is cast in stone. We do not experience or acknowledge ASUU strikes or internal institutional pauses.

At the start of the year, we set a rigid academic calendar. By January, students know the precise dates of their first and second-semester exams, as well as their project defenses all the way through December. Because our students are top corporate leaders who must secure formal permission from their organizations well in advance, we never alter these dates once published. The day you register is the day you know you will graduate.

Academic Quality Control and Semi-Autonomy

Operationally, we maintain a semi-autonomous status to shield our students from calendar disruptions. However, we adhere strictly to the academic processes and regulations of the main ESUT body to guarantee that our degrees hold identical weight and prestige. To ensure absolute quality control, we do not appoint our own external examiners. We explicitly utilize the external examiners appointed by the University Senate, maintaining flawless parity with the main campus.

Examinations and Physical Requirements

While our learning delivery model is highly flexible and digital, our examinations are strictly physical. Students must come to our designated location in person to sit for their assessments. This hybrid approach ensures the utmost academic integrity while offering maximum day-to-day convenience.

The Director’s Upcoming Inaugural Lecture

On the 15th of next month, marking exactly 20 years since my elevation to the rank of professor, I will stand before the university to deliver my inaugural lecture. Far from being late, it arrives at the perfect time. Life is about timing, and I spent previous years chasing other vital dreams.

An inaugural lecture represents the ultimate distillation of a scholar’s lifelong research and teaching endeavors. My lecture is titled: “Beyond the Autonomy Question: Resource Allocation and Utilization in Nigeria Local Government System – Changing the Narrative.” It will directly confront the perennial challenges of local government administration in Nigeria, moving past basic discussions of autonomy to address how resources are practically distributed and managed to change the developmental narrative.

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By Ugwu Ijeoma, Ndubuisi Daberechi, Ugoji Chinwendu and Ozoagu Chimkama

When Hon. Dr. Felix Nnamani assumed office as the Enugu State Commissioner for Labour and Employment, he inherited a critical mandate: to transform the state’s human capital and bridge the unemployment gap. One year on the saddle, Nnamani has systematically turned that mandate into actionable policy.

From pioneering the Enugu State Employment Action Plan to executing massive job initiatives like the recruitment of 10,000 smart teachers, his administration is fundamentally restructuring how the state approaches workforce dignity and youth inclusion.

In this exclusive interview with ESUT Monitor, the Commissioner opens up about his first 365 days of aggressive labour reforms, the mechanics of sustainable job creation, and his blueprint for turning Enugu into the economic hub of the South-East

The journey so far

There is no resting here. I was serving in the Ministry of Water Resources, and then by August of last year, I was redeployed to serve in the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Because we didn’t start early in 2023, it was kind of challenging. Every ministry at the state level has an interface with the Federal Ministry, which is the parent body. You can actually do a lot of things independently, but it must be in line with federal policy.

Policy Domestication and the Employment Council

The Employment Policy of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), but it has not been domesticated. Just last month, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment—the Minister himself, the International Labour Organization (ILO), GIZ (German Development Association), and the Labour Unions (NLC and TUC)—came to Enugu. Enugu was selected as one of the pilot states to domesticate the employment policy.

To domesticate that in Enugu, we started with a two-day engagement with stakeholders to review the action plan called SEAP (State Employment Action Plan). We looked at it together in collaboration with all Commissioners in Enugu. The Governor directed that all Commissioners, heads of MDAs, and Agencies must attend. We ended up constituting what we call the Employment Council. Part of our achievement this year is that there is now an Employment Council in Enugu State, comprising all relevant employment-generating agencies and ministries.

Cross-sectoral Job Creation

In the past, individual ministries worked in isolation. Take the Ministry of Education: I represented His Excellency today at a function where about over 2000 trained smart teachers were inducted to man the Smart Green Schools. Over 10,000 were recruited last year, and this second phase brought in more than 2000 this year. That is a programme by His Excellency to ensure clean jobs are generated in education across the Smart Green Schools scattered in all 260 electoral wards.

In the transport sector: from the ultra-modern bus terminals, the introduction of CNG buses, Enugu Air, and the concessioned international wing of the airport, clean jobs are continuously being create by His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah.

It goes the same for the health sector with the 260 Type-2 health centers, continuous recruitment and deployment of medical personnel, and the upcoming international hospital. These are huge employment opportunities created by the Governor, but previously there was no synergy or central coordination.

Centralized Job Database and TVET Reform

Even in Science and Technology—with the Tech Festival held three times now, the digital economy initiatives, the Tech Hub, and MSME support—opportunities are created, but they were scattered. The essence of the Employment Council is to bring coordination. If the press asks how many decent jobs this administration has created, I can go to a unified database and present exact numbers instead of isolated figures.

Beyond the formal sector and civil service e-governance upgrades, our focus is also on the informal sector. Education is now compulsory and free from ages 3 to 15 (Kindergarten to JSS 3) with a daily feeding programme in Smart Schools. However, youth in the informal sector who lack skills pose a major concern, as unemployment leaves them exposed to crime and social vices.

It is unimaginable that for building projects in Enugu, people still travel to Western Nigeria or Delta State to hire carpenters, masons, plumbers, or painters. The government wants to train, skill up, and certify youths between 18 and 35. With official certification, they become employable and can be engaged by the Ministry of Works to maintain public infrastructure.

We are shifting technical education (TVET and Government Technical Colleges) away from pure theory toward practical, experiential learning. Our target is to ensure our people—including undergraduates—acquire practical skills. Having parents pay university fees is no longer enough in today’s economy; everyone needs a fallback skill to survive.

Operational Challenges and Data Collection

The challenges are numerous. People mistakenly believe that the Ministry of Labour and Employment is a place to drop off a CV to automatically get a job. Far from it. The Ministry exists to formulate policies, create enabling environments, and build opportunities for engagement.

We opened an online portal for people to submit CVs so the government can interview and recruit candidates on merit from a clean talent pool. However, given the population of unemployed people in Nigeria today, managing that massive influx of applications remains a major operational challenge.

What is the unemployment rate in Enugu?

As of today, I cannot give an exact figure. Gathering accurate data is part of the policy we are currently implementing. Opening the job portal is the first step toward building a comprehensive database of unemployed citizens so we can plan effectively.

Security Upgrades and Strategic Projects

We want to ensure strong visionary leadership continues beyond 2027. Look at security: before May 29, 2023, Okpara Square in front of Government House was barricaded due to severe insecurity. Today, Governor Peter Mbah has transformed security through the Command and Control Center, advanced technology, deployment of drones, and continuous patrols by the Distress Response Squad (DRS). Incident rates like kidnapping have drastically dropped, making routes like the Enugu-Nsukka road safe for students and travelers. Additionally, the Governor established the state’s first DNA Forensics and Investigation Research Center.

Infrastructure, Tourism, and Work Ethic

In tourism, landmark achievements include the rehabilitation of Nike Lake Resort, the restoration of the iconic Presidential Hotel, and ongoing developments for two new five-star international hotels alongside the International Conference Center to host major national events.

On infrastructure, thousands of projects are documented in a public compendium. Entire urban areas like Emene, New Haven Extension, Obioba, and connecting roads to Nsukka have been paved with proper drainage systems, alongside major flyover projects across the state.

The work ethic of this administration is unrivaled. The Governor, Chief of Staff, and Secretary to the State Government (SSG) are in the office by 7:00 AM daily and frequently work past midnight to treat files and resolve state issues immediately, such as intervening in judiciary workers’ (JUSUN) welfare claims.

Addressing Meritocracy and Inclusivity

Enugu is a land of opportunity, but many young people miss available opportunities due to distractions like social media.

For instance, when Enugu Air was established and international airport concessions were announced, the Chairman of my local government, Dr. Beloved Anike, sponsored over 100 youths to aviation school in Lagos so they would be qualified when positions opened up.

Opportunities exist across healthcare, education, and digital technology, but candidates must actively pursue them with boldness. Higher education is meant to make you confident enough to defend your qualifications and pursue roles directly, rather than waiting passively. Furthermore, Enugu State does not discriminate based on origin; non-indigenes serve in key roles, including Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants. Success depends on what you have to offer.

Framework for Vocational Training

Following the adoption of the State Employment Action Plan (SEAP) and the establishment of the Employment Council, all MDAs are submitting representatives for structured training programmes.

We are partnering with institutions such as the School of Practical Skills at Godfrey Okoye University (supported by the European Union), Ofuobi Academy (CIDJAP, anchored by Monsignor Obiora Ike), and GIZ. Once the final framework is approved by the Governor, we will launch public registration for practical training in masonry, POP installation, plumbing, welding, and other

Academia vs. Public Service

The primary difference comes down to passion. Academics is my passion—I love reading, researching, and self-development. Being in government is a call to public duty for the wider society at the state level.

While people address you as “Commissioner,” I am not moved by titles. What matters to me is the ability to touch lives, intervene for people in need, solve community problems, and extend goodwill. However, my heart remains rooted in academia.

So when are you going to return to ESUT?

As soon as His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, permits me to return, I will go back. I still attend university functions, inaugural lectures, and events whenever the Vice-Chancellor invites me. I am still part of the university and obviously i miss the classroom, however, we are still serve the people in different spheres now.

Appreciation to ESUT Monitor

I appreciate ESUT Monitor work you are giving the university global visibility with your daily reportage of activities in the university. Keep up the good work; the flag is flying high, and we remain proud of our alma mater and the state administration.

The post One Year on the Saddle: How Hon Felix Nnmani is Driving Labour Reforms, Employment Creation in Enugu State appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

By Ijeoma Ugwu

The Coordinator of the Postgraduate Programmes in the Department of English and Literary Studies, ESUT, Dr Justus Chidi Ugwu in this exclusive interview with ESUT Monitor highlights the academic excellence and moral standards the programme has attained in just 24 months.

Dr Ugwu also pointed out how lecturers with diverse background and institutional probity have ensure the growth of the department thereby expanding its frontiers to the global community.

Profile

My name is Dr. Justus Chidi Ugwu, the Postgraduate Coordinator for the Department of English and Literary Studies at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).

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Origins and Timeline of PG Programme

The postgraduate programme began during the 2024/2025 academic session. So far, we have admitted two cohorts: the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 sets of postgraduate students. The postgraduate programme is still very young, much like the department itself, but we have been making significant progress.

​Academic Programmes Offered

We offer Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master’s, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programmes. Coordination has been top-notch. Our guiding principle in the department is that we do not simply aim to award postgraduate degrees; we ensure our graduates can stand anywhere across the globe and confidently defend their qualifications.

Furthermore, we strive to ensure that no student is unnecessarily delayed. Once you enroll in our postgraduate programme and are ready to work, we are fully committed to working with you to ensure you graduate on schedule.

​Enrollment Figures and Growth

For the first intake, we had about five postgraduate students—primarily Master’s candidates—as we were just starting out. However, during the second enrollment, there was a noticeable increase in applications. We admitted five Ph.D students, nine Master’s students, and three Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) students. This reflects a significant increase in our enrollment percentage, and given our current trajectory, we expect future intakes to be even higher.

​Departmental Legacy and Academic Strength

The Department of English and Literary Studies at ESUT is a department that people naturally wish to identify with. Our pioneer Head of Department was Rev. Prof. J. I. Obasikene, who established a very solid foundation built on both morality and academic excellence. Combining high moral standards with academic rigor forms the bedrock upon which our department is built.

Additionally, our department comprises an impressive assembly of scholars drawn from prestigious institutions across Nigeria, including Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the University of Ibadan (UI), and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

Academic Diversity and Student Impact

We have faculty members who joined us from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) and the University of Jos. This assemblage of diverse academic backgrounds directly benefits our students. As a result, the department is achieving significant progress and success, including increased student enrollment.

The high standards of education students would expect from anywehere in the world is offered here, as our lecturers bring the direct experience and academic orientation of those institutions. Consequently, our department holds a distinct advantage, and our students are much better off for it.

​A Solemn Tribute to Associate Professor Oby Nnamani

May her gentle soul find eternal peace in the bosom of the Lord. Her passing was deeply sobering and represents a monumental loss to our department, the university community, and the state as a whole.

As a lecturer and former Head of Department, she carried out her duties with profound dedication, reverence for God, and an unwavering commitment to serving humanity. She was truly selfless. To genuinely understand the caliber of person she was, one had to have a personal encounter with her. She was someone who refrained from ever causing harm to anyone. In terms of faith, she was a practical, Christ-like Christian whose actions were constantly guided by her deep faith. She was an immense blessing to the department, particularly to the students.

Her death serves as a poignant reminder of how thin, shadowy, and vague the line between life and death truly is—making it difficult to pinpoint where life ends and death begins. It reminds us that, as mortals, we are merely passengers in an ill-fated vehicle that could crash at any moment, while the journey of the world continues unchanged. No single individual’s death brings the world to a halt. Coming from Opi, I personally felt that everything ought to have paused—perhaps for two native market weeks—so nature itself would mark the passing of such a great person to the other side of existence. Yet, life moved on as usual.

We take solace in the firm conviction that she lived a good and meaningful life, and that she is now with her Maker, resting at the right hand of God Almighty. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

The post How Dr Justus Ugwu is Driving Academic Excellence in ESUT’s English Department PG Programme appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

The ESUT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, will today be invested as a Fellow of the College of Biomedical Engineering and Technology (Hon CBET.)

The  ceremony is scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2026, at the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences (FUAHSE), Enugu.

The Vice-Chancellor of  ESUT has equally appointed the university’s Director of Research and Innovations, Prof. Nnenna Harmony Nwobodo-Nzeribe, to represent him at the investiture.

The ceremony is scheduled to commence at 11:00 a.m.

The appointment was conveyed in a letter dated September 18, 2026, with reference number ESUT/VC/G.7, and signed by the Deputy Registrar (VC), Dr. Mrs. Maryrose Chikeleze.

According to the letter, Prof. Nwobodo-Nzeribe is to stand in for the Vice-Chancellor during  his investiture as an Honorary Fellow of the College of Biomedical Engineering and Technology.

The post ESUT VC to be invested as Fellow, College of Biomedical Engineering & Technology Today appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

By Amaechi Agbo

The past two years in the Department of Industrial Physics, ESUT, under the headship of Dr Chima Iheanyichukwu, were transformational.

Serving as the Head of the Department of Industrial Physics at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) from 2024 to 2026 has been both an absolute privilege and a deeply rewarding experience.

His stewardship follows a long foundation of service; between 2010 and 2024, he was privileged to work closely under three distinguished predecessors: Professor Ugwoke (2010–2015), Professor Onyia (2016–2020), and Professor Nnabuchi (2020–2024). The invaluable institutional insights gained from serving the academic leaders contributed immensely to the successes recorded during his two-year tenure.

Over the past two years, the Department underwent a massive transformation in its student demographics and physical infrastructure to support a rapidly expanding academic community.

Through deliberate repositioning, the undergraduate student population skyrocketed from fewer than 50 students in 2024 to over 200. Similarly, postgraduate enrollment witnessed a significant surge, growing from just 10 students to more than 50. To accommodate the burgeoning student population and fix urgent structural needs, the administration executed several infrastructure interventions;

Reconstructed over 80 classroom seats to support the growing student populace, made possible through the swift backing of the Faculty Dean.

Under Dr Chima, the department successfully reroofed a major section of the Postgraduate (PG) classroom following severe storm damage in April 2025. He aslo attracted a key sponsorship from distinguished alumnus Dr. Patrick Otiji to fully furnish the PG classroom, which was officially commissioned by the Vice-Chancellor on April 15, 2025.

He further attracted an alumni grant to completely rewire the Department and procure a brand-new Fireman Eco 4990ES generator, ensuring a reliable power supply for departmental activities.

Bridging the gap between rigorous classroom theory and industrial application was a central pillar of Chima’s 2024–2026 agenda. Through external funding, academic publishing, and landmark institutional partnerships, the Department’s visibility expanded exponentially. During the Year One student orientation on November 18, 2025, the Department secured a ₦1,000,000 donation from Dr. Patrick Otiji. The generous fund allocated ₦500,000 to cover the operational costs of hosting the programme, while the remaining ₦500,000 was distributed directly as welfare grants to the first 100 freshmen in attendance.

He facilitated and signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Abuja, and ESUT on November 13, 2025. The MoU gave birth to  building of a multi-billion naira project to ESUT—the establishment of the Advanced High Energy Cosmic Ray Laboratory by NASRDA in November 2025.

For the first time in the history of the department and in the South East region of the country, Dr Chima through hosted the 15th Annual Conference of the Astronomical Society of Nigeria (ASN) from November 11–15, 2025. This historic event made ESUT the first university in the entire Southeast region to host the conference.

This mileage was swiftly followed by securing funding to sponsor selected undergraduate and postgraduate students to attend the Nigerian Institute of Physics conference at Rivers State University (May 12–15, 2025), fully covering their transit, feeding, registration, and four nights of hotel accommodations.

Furthermore, the past twenty-four months witnessed three separate industrial excursions to give students practical workplace exposure. Additionally, under the new Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) guidelines, the Department authored two new textbooks and successfully reviewed four existing titles.

On September 1 2026, `Dr Chima handed over to his predecessor with renewed commitment to support his administration at all times and expressed gratitude to the university management, staff and student of the department for their support during his tenure.

“This successful journey would not have been possible without collective effort. I extend my profound gratitude to our visionary Vice-Chancellor for the privilege to serve under his watch. My deepest thanks also go to the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Gabriel Ugwu, and to my esteemed departmental colleagues—most notably the senior Professors who, despite differences in age brackets, extended immense patience, commitment, and wisdom to my administration. My dedication to this institution remains unchanged. I stand fully ready to assist the new leadership in any capacity required.

“It is my distinct honor to formally hand over the leadership of the Department of Industrial Physics to my successor, Dr. Nwobodo Anthonia. I wish her a remarkably successful, peaceful, and productive tenure as she takes the Department to even greater heights.”

DuriDr Chima’s stewardship as Department of Industrial Physics in summary:

1. Increased the total number of undergraduate students from less than 50 in 2024 to over 200 students and number of postgraduate students also increase from 10 to over 50.
2. Reconstruction of over 80 seats for student use due to increase in students’ populations with the support of the Dean.
3. Attracted a grant of five hundred thousand  naira only(500,000) during the orientation of year one students which was given to first 100 student that attended the orientation program on 18^th November 2025 and another 500,000 for hosting of the programe all donated by Dr Patrick Otiji whose is an alumnus of the Department.
4. Reroofed a section of Postgraduate (PG) class destroyed by rains in April 2025
5. Attracted the furnishing of PG class by an Alumnus of the Department (Dr Patrick Otiji) which was commission by Vice chancellor on 15^th April 2025.
6. Rewired the Department and bought a brand-new Fireman Eco 4990ES generator to power the Department with a grant attracted by another alumnus of the Department.
7. Attracted funds and sponsored some selected undergraduate and postgraduate student to attend Nigerian Institute of  Physics conference in River State University from 12^th to 15^th of May 2025 (this covers transportation, hotel accommodation for four nights, feeding and registration).
8. Attracted the signing of MOU between Nigerian Space Research Development Agency Abuja and ESUT on 13^th November,2025.
9. Hosted 15^th Annual Conference of Astronomical Society of Nigerian from 11^th to 15^th of November 2025.ESUT became the first university to host this conference in Southeast.
10. Attracted a multibillion project to ESUT which is the establishment of the Advanced High Energy Cosmic Ray Lab by Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency Abuja in November 2025.
11. Embarked on three different excursions to close the gap between classroom learning with the industry experience.
12. Under my watch two new books were written by the Department and four books reviewed according to CCMAS.
13. Facilitated partnerships with industry stakeholders, enhancing students’ practical exposure and employability.

These efforts have collectively contributed to the growth and visibility of the Department of Industrial Physics within and beyond the institution.

The post From Classroom to Cosmos: Dr. Chima’s 24-month Transformation of Industrial Physics at ESUT appeared first on ESUT Monitor.