By Amaechi Agbo and Chiekezie Emmanuel

As Part of its strategic plans to promote experiential learning, the management of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) on Monday hosted a delegation of Qatar-based technology company, Vertex Labs, for the establishment world-class Artificial Intelligence Centre

Vertex Labs is a global player with heavy investment in advanced digital technologies and application of AI

In his opening remark on behalf of Vertex Labs, the leader of the delegation, Abdulaziz Alichag, accompanied by the company’s Director of Technology, Mohammed Rasheed Alshammari and Director of Innovation, Sampson Eneje, said the visit was aimed at assessing the University’s facilities and engaging with management on how to strengthen their partnership with a view to making the collaboration efficient and effective

Alichag expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure and level of preparedness at ESUT, describing the University as well-positioned for the successful take-off of the AI Centre. He also commended the University’s Management for its passion, vision and commitment to the project.

He explained that the partnership would expose students to cutting-edge AI technologies, equipping them with the skills and innovative capacity needed to address real-world challenges. He added that leading AI professors from different parts of the world would participate in the initiative through knowledge transfer programmes and a specialised platform to be jointly developed by Vertex Labs and ESUT.

“Our coming here is to share our thoughts with you on how to build a real environment for the students to get the best results, especially now we are bringing the best professors of AI from different universities, either the universities in Qatar or outside the UK, Spain, America, different countries, to teach this academic programme to the students here. And step by step, we will also develop by expanding the number of professors we have, by collaborating with some universities in Qatar or worldwide, to bring the best practice to the university here.

“It’s not only the programme that we will manage also the dream that we create a model that will be followed later on, either in the country or on the other countries in Africa.” he said.

According to him, the collaboration will have far-reaching benefits across critical sectors, including education, technology, innovation and economic development.

Receiving the delegation in his office alongside members of the University’s Management, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, said the proposed AI Centre would strengthen the experiential learning model being championed by the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah.

Professor Okolie disclosed that AI education would be integrated into the University’s curriculum as a compulsory course across all disciplines to ensure that every ESUT graduate acquires practical knowledge of artificial intelligence, irrespective of his or her field of study.

He explained that the practical nature of the programme would produce globally competitive graduates while also supporting the Enugu State Government’s Smart Green School initiative. He assured the visiting team of ESUT’s commitment to implementing the partnership with transparency, integrity and professionalism.

According to the Vice Chancellor, the AI Centre is envisioned to serve not only Enugu State but the entire South-East Region as a flagship hub for artificial intelligence research, innovation and capacity development. He added that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has already identified ESUT as the institution to champion the establishment of an AI Centre in the South-East.

Professor Okolie further revealed that ESUT has secured the approval of the National Universities Commission (NUC) to run programmes that will support the proposed collaboration. He also noted that the Enugu State Government has approved the use of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) Digital Bridge Institute in Enugu as the temporary base for the AI Centre.

Earlier, the Director of Academic Planning, (DPP) Professor Chike Anibeze, said the University would utilize the 30 per cent curriculum flexibility permitted by the NUC to incorporate AI-related courses across academic programmes.

He explained that a University-wide committee would be constituted to integrate recommendations from Vertex Labs into the curriculum before forwarding the revised programmes to the NUC for approval, in line with ESUT’s vision of producing globally competitive graduates.

In his vote of thanks, the Registrar of ESUT, Mr Ambrose Ugwu, appreciated the Vertex Labs delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to implementing the partnership in accordance with the agreed terms.

It could be reclled that ESUT delegation led by the Vice-Chancellor were equally in Doha, Qatar in June , 2026 to initiate the partnership agreement.

Highlight of the visits was inspection of critical infrastructure in ESUT by the Qatar delegation

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Doha, Qatar – The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vertex Labs, a technology, artificial intelligence, and innovation specialist based in Doha, State of Qatar, for the establishment, development, and operation of an Institute of Applied Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Computing at a new campus.

The technology infrastructure and academic partnership agreement follows extensive consultations, culminating in the finalisation of a comprehensive framework for the proposed institute.

The ESUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aloysius-Michael Okolie, expressed confidence in the agreement, describing the university’s position in the Memorandum as its finalised position for the partnership.
According to the Director of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), ESUT, Dr. Egwuagu Onyekachi, “the decision to locate the South-East Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Cyber Security at ESUT followed a rigorous merit-based assessment process conducted by TETFund.”

As part of its national initiative to establish Centres of Excellence focused on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Coding, Machine Learning, and Cyber Security across the country’s six geopolitical zones, TETFund designated one institution in each zone to host the programme. ESUT was selected to serve as the South-East Centre.

The university’s selection was influenced by several factors, including its status as one of Nigeria’s first-generation state-owned universities and the country’s first University of Science and Technology. The institution’s existing technical capacity, infrastructure, and readiness to commence operations also contributed significantly to its emergence as the preferred host.

A committee established by TETFund for the assessment of prospective host institutions visited ESUT twice in 2025 to evaluate its facilities and technical capabilities. The committee inspected the university’s infrastructure, including the Digital Bridge Institute, which is designated to house the Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Cyber Security Sciences.

Following its assessments, the committee submitted a favourable report, leading to ESUT’s selection as the host institution for the South-East zone.”

Other institutions selected through the same merit-based process include Gombe State University for the North-East, Federal University Lokoja for the North-Central zone, the Nigerian Defence Academy for the North-West, the University of Calabar for the South-South, and Lagos State University for the South-West.

According to the Director of Innovation at Vertex Labs, Chekwube Eneje, “at the planned new campus, Artificial Intelligence will be integrated and applied in the teaching and learning of all courses taught at the institute, including Health, Law, Business, Engineering, Medicine, Journalism, and others.”

Earlier, as part of its engagements in Qatar, the ESUT delegation undertook strategic visits to Qatar University and the Meeza Data Centre to explore partnerships that will support the university’s technological transformation agenda and strengthen its capacity for research, innovation, and digital infrastructure development.

At Qatar University, one of the region’s leading institutions for research, innovation, and higher education, the delegation held discussions on potential areas of collaboration, particularly in relation to ESUT’s vision of establishing a world-class Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Innovation.

The Vice President for Research and Innovation at Qatar University, Dr. Ayman Arbid, expressed the institution’s willingness to collaborate and support the initiative. He noted that Qatar University is also expanding its AI programmes and emphasised that one of the key challenges in the development of artificial intelligence globally is the availability of highly skilled talent.

Speaking during the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Aloysius Okolie, stated that the university’s objective is to improve graduate employability by equipping students with adaptable, future-ready skills aligned with emerging global technological trends.

Following the meeting at Qatar University, the delegation proceeded to the Meeza Data Centre, a leading technology partner and managed services provider supporting critical digital infrastructure across Qatar.

The delegation was received by the Senior Data Centre Manager, Mohammed Meraj Ali, who led a guided tour of the facility and showcased the advanced infrastructure that supports modern digital ecosystems, enterprise technology solutions, and innovation-driven institutions.

During the visit, officials of Meeza Group pledged support for the future development of ESUT’s proposed data centre through consultancy services, design, construction, rack and hardware supply, and data lifecycle management solutions. The company reaffirmed its commitment to building a long-term and sustainable partnership with the university.

Professor Okolie commended the Government of Enugu State for its commitment to innovation, infrastructure development, and economic transformation, noting that the state’s development agenda is creating an enabling environment for investment, technology adoption, and knowledge-driven growth.

Meeza officials also highlighted the company’s successful partnership model with Qatar Foundation, explaining that its approach is founded on long-term collaboration, capacity building, and sustainable institutional development rather than short-term engagements.

Speaking on the importance of digital infrastructure, Meeza’s Sales Director, Alaa Ayad, emphasised the sovereignty, security, and operational control institutions gain from owning dedicated data centres rather than relying exclusively on public cloud platforms. He further noted that the company works with leading international technology partners and remains open to strategic collaborations that advance innovation and digital transformation.

The engagements with Qatar University and Meeza represent important milestones in ESUT’s ambition to develop a world-class ecosystem for artificial intelligence, innovation, advanced computing, and digital research.

The university delegation is expected to consolidate the outcomes of the visit and present recommendations that will support the advancement of technology-driven education, cutting-edge research, and digital infrastructure development in Enugu State upon its return to Nigeria.

The signing of the MoU with Vertex Labs and the positive engagements held with notable institutions in Qatar mark a major step forward in ESUT’s vision of becoming a leading centre of excellence in artificial intelligence, advanced computing, innovation, and technology-driven learning in Nigeria.

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As part of ongoing efforts to position Enugu State as a leading centre for technology-driven growth and innovation, Governor Peter Mbah has intensified his administration’s push for experiential, skills-based education that prioritises practical knowledge over conventional classroom learning.

In furtherance of this vision, a high-powered delegation from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has arrived in Doha, Qatar, for a strategic academic study tour focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), innovation, applied learning, and technology implementation frameworks.

The delegation, led by the Vice-Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, is engaging in a series of visits to leading academic institutions and innovation centres across Qatar to gain firsthand insight into globally recognised models of experiential learning and technological advancement.

Renowned for its world-class educational institutions and strong commitment to applied learning, Qatar offers a valuable platform for the delegation to study best practices that can be adapted to strengthen higher education and innovation in Enugu State.

A major objective of the visit is to advance plans for the establishment of a Centre for Artificial Intelligence Studies, Research and Innovation at ESUT. The proposed centre is envisioned as a catalyst for cutting-edge research, industry collaboration, innovation, and hands-on learning opportunities for students and faculty.

Speaking during the visit, Professor Okolie emphasised the importance of learning from successful global models.

“We must understudy proven systems and engage with leading experts to ensure that our academic programmes align with international standards in Robotics, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering, and other emerging technologies,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that members of the delegation were carefully selected to support Enugu State’s broader education and innovation agenda. He also commended Governor Mbah for his commitment to transforming education through technology and positioning the state as a knowledge-driven economy.

Representatives of the host institutions reaffirmed their willingness to support the initiative, stressing that while technology offers immense opportunities, its impact depends largely on responsible application, governance, and ethical considerations.

As part of the programme, the delegation toured several innovation hubs and educational facilities where experts delivered presentations on global education trends, AI deployment strategies, and emerging technology ecosystems.

During one of the sessions, Dr. Dhamir Mannai, a Cloud and Cyber Security Systems specialist, highlighted the growing importance of integrating Artificial Intelligence into contemporary academic curricula. According to him, universities must continually adapt to technological advancements to remain relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving global environment.

The team also visited prominent educational institutions, including Al Maha Academy for Boys, with further engagements scheduled at leading tertiary institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University Qatar.

Officials involved in the initiative said the proposed AI centre at ESUT is expected to emerge as a centre of excellence, offering industry-oriented training, research opportunities, innovation support, and professional development programmes for students, academics, and technology practitioners.

Deliberations in Doha also examined the opportunities and challenges presented by Artificial Intelligence. Stakeholders underscored the need for responsible adoption and robust regulatory frameworks to address concerns relating to ethics, misinformation, and AI-generated content.

They further pledged technical support, expert guidance, and collaborative partnerships aimed at ensuring the successful establishment and operation of the proposed centre.

The delegation comprises key academic and administrative officials of ESUT, including the Director of Academic Planning, Professor Chike Anibeze; Registrar, Ambrose Ugwu; Chairman of the MoU Committee, Professor Titus Enudu; Director of Physical Planning, Professor Frank Iloeje; Director of TETFund, Dr. Onyekachi Egwuagu; Dr. Jonathan Okolie from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor; and Qatar-based technology expert, Samson Eneje.

Beyond enhancing institutional understanding of AI and emerging technologies, the visit is expected to yield strategic recommendations that will strengthen the integration of Artificial Intelligence into teaching, research, innovation, and overall educational development in Enugu State.

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Enugu – The Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, and the People’s Republic of China, have initiated modalities for partnership in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, vocational education, new energy and digital economy.

The proposed partnership which was the outcome of healthy interactions between ESUT authorities and Chinese delegation led by the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Nigeria, Yan Yuqing will equally include cultural exchanges, research collaborations and staff and students exchange programmes.

Addressing ESUT Management, weekend, the Consul General Yan Yuqing who came in company of her Protocol Officer, Hua Yihe and the Director of Bilateral Relations, Xu Fan, described Enugu State as a City of hospitality and a modern City with great potentials and opportunities in business and agriculture.

The Consul General equally emphasized that the partnership with ESUT would include seminar opportunities for the staff of the University as well as training and scholarship opportunities for the students of ESUT through the Chinese Ministry of Education.

She further stated that China, leveraging on her technology advantage has announced zero tariff for all African products as a way of enhancing her diplomatic relations with Nigeria, adding that it would benefit businessmen, especially those from southern Nigeria.

In his response, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, who received the Chinese envoy along with principal and key officers of the University, stated that the visit was timely as the University was about to start Foreign Languages Department, adding that Chinese Language would be at the flagship of the department.

He said that the partnership would deepen staff and students exchange programmes especially in the area of experiential learning model being championed by His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.

While thanking the Managing Director of Enugu State Investment and Development Authority, Hon. Kenechukwu Nnamani for leading the Chinese team to ESUT for collaboration, the Vice Chancellor noted that the focus of his administration was on hands-on learning and certification education model which would enhance the employability status of ESUT products.

Prof. Okolie pledged to explore the partnership agreement to enhance security in ESUT using the Chinese model, adding that it would equally help the Management to knock-off the University from the national grid and its attendant problem of frequent grid collapses.

He used the opportunity to announce that the University had already signed off 21 Memoranda of Understanding with other reputable institutions across the globe, adding the proposed partnership would be mutually-beneficial to both parties.

In order to enhance Chinese Friendship, the Vice Chancellor announced the desire of the Management to establish Chinese Village with its accompanying cultural centre in the University in order to network other southern states with Chinese culture

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As part of its efforts to strengthen academic relevance and align higher education with global trends, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved Artificial Intelligence, Nuclear Science, Telecommunication Science and 10 other new degree programmes for Nigerian universities.

The commission announced the addition of the programmes to the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) in a circular signed by the Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu addressed to all vice-chancellors.

According to the commission, experts drawn from the Nigerian university system participated in the development of the 70 per cent national component of the new programmes in March 2025.

Universities are expected to develop the remaining 30 percent institutional component in line with CCMAS provisions.

The newly approved programmes include Artificial Intelligence, Classical Christian Education, Human Kinetics with a focus on sport management, Geomatics Engineering, Community Health Science, Intelligence and Security Studies, Islamic Economics and Finance, Parasitology and Entomology, Telecommunication Science, Water Sanitation and Hygiene, Cooperative Economics and Management, Nuclear Science, and Nuclear Engineering.

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Enugu – A University don and renowned Paediatrician at the Enugu State University College of Medicine (ESUCOM), Professor Ikenna Ndu has revealed that many newborns fail to survive their first month due to preventable causes such as prematurity, birth asphyxia, and infections.

He also noted that children under the age of five continue to die from avoidable illnesses including malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, malnutrition, sepsis and other conditions that can be effectively managed with timely intervention.

Professor Ndu made these revelations while delivering the 47th Inaugural Lecture of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), titled “From Cradle to Crisis: Advancing Paediatric Survival in Our Challenged Healthcare Landscape.” The lecture was held at a packed auditorium of the ESUT College of Medicine, Park Lane, Enugu, on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

He emphasized that the causes of neonatal and childhood mortality are not only preventable but also predictable and manageable if addressed promptly and effectively.

Professor Ndu further attributed the worsening child survival rates to delays in seeking medical care, poor policy implementation, inefficiencies within the health system, and financial barriers.

He highlighted that rural and underserved populations bear the brunt of these challenges, with limited access to skilled birth attendants, neonatal intensive care units, paediatric emergency services, and life-saving interventions.

“The persistence of common causes of childhood mortality remains an urgent concern—neonatal deaths from asphyxia, sepsis, and prematurity; under-five deaths from pneumonia, malaria, and diarrhea; and emergency room fatalities from preventable conditions all call for sustained efforts in maternal and child healthcare,” he said.

Despite the constraints in resources, he observed that advancements in neonatal and paediatric emergency care in Nigeria show that significant improvements are possible through strategic innovation, local adaptation, and strong commitment.

He also pointed out the stark disparities between Nigeria and developed nations in paediatric emergency care, survival outcomes, and healthcare infrastructure. This, he said, underscores the urgent need for equity-focused policies and the implementation of scalable, cost-effective interventions.

“Emerging technologies such as AI-driven diagnostics, predictive modeling, and personalized treatment are poised to transform child healthcare, much like gene therapy is redefining treatments for genetic disorders. Equipping paediatricians with these modern tools will be crucial,” he stated.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, encouraged the university’s professors to cultivate strong mentorship capacities, noting that such efforts will create enduring value in the academic system.

He reiterated the need to discourage merchandising of core academic activities including Inaugural Lectures in the University in order to save the image, sanctity and respect of the Ivory Tower, emphasizing that “money is not everything.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of the ESUT Inaugural Lectures Committee, Professor Mellitus Ezeamaenyi, congratulated Professor Ndu and remarked that frequent academic events like inaugural lectures have significantly boosted the university’s visibility and improved its webometric rankings.

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The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Weert Borner will on Friday deliver a public lecture in ESUT

Themed: “German-Nigeria Cooperation in the Global Energy Transition”, the public lecture will hold at the prestigious Prof Julius Onah Auditorium at the university’s main campus, Agbani in Nkanu West local council commencing from 9am.

 The public lecture is part of the ESUT management’s effort to establish corporate relationship with Germany and also enhance collaboration between the university and the German Consulate in Nigeria.

ESUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie told ESUT Monitor why the lecture is important

“On Friday the 9th, the German Ambassador to Nigeria will be coming to ESUT to present a paper, students are invited because these are the critical people we want to share our problems with to seek for interventions.

“We’ve already set up a committee to prepare for that lecture which will take place in this University, we are looking at options and the lecture is a step in the direction,” the VC said. 

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