The Dean, School of Postgraduate School of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Charles Chime, has revealed a significant rise in student enrolment and major reforms aimed at strengthening postgraduate education in the institution.

One of the reforms, according to him, is upgrading the School of Postgraduate Studies into College of Postgraduate Studies which he said would give the PG school independent to operate and be more functional considering the enormity of work carried out by the Vice-Chancellor as head of the school.

Prof. Chime, who assumed office in August 2023, disclosed that the postgraduate population stood at about 1,200 students when he took over, explained that postgraduate studies operate as a dynamic process, with students graduating on a monthly basis.

According to him, during the 2024/2025 academic session, 1,300 applicants were offered admission into various postgraduate programmes, while 980 registered describing it as a “tremendous” situation.

Speaking on the student performance, the Dean emphasized that postgraduate programmes are different from undergraduate studies, noting that students at this level are highly focused and intentional about completing their programmes within the stipulated duration.

He explained that the Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) programme runs for one academic session, with a maximum of three years; the Master’s degree spans 18 months, with a maximum of four years; while the PhD programme requires a minimum of three academic sessions. “Our students are extremely hardworking and serious because they do not want to overstay. We are intentional about our policies here and the target is to make the School of Postgraduate Studies more relevant globall.. Our visibility is growing and that is why the number of enrolment has increased tremendously over the period of time I am here.” he stated confidently.

Despite the progress recorded, Prof. Chime acknowledged several challenges facing the PG Studies. His Major challenges are administrative oversight, infrastructure lack, and the absence of essential facilities such as a dedicated postgraduate library and hostel accommodation for the students.

He revealed ongoing considerations to upgrade the Postgraduate School into a College of Postgraduate Studies. According to him, such a transition would provide a level of financial autonomy, enabling the college to manage its own budget and potentially employ staff independently. He added that if the structure changes, the head of the college would bear the title of “Provost” instead of “Dean.”

To address infrastructure challenges, the Dean disclosed plans to seek support from prominent individuals and political figures to establish a dedicated Postgraduate Library and an AI/ICT Hub. The proposed hub would provide students with internet access and digital learning facilities, easing academic stress and improving research productivity.

Describing his role as both prestigious and demanding, Prof. Chime noted that the Dean of Postgraduate School is often referred to as the “Dean of Deans” because other faculties operate under the postgraduate structure. He also acknowledged the Vice-Chancellor, Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, as the head of the Postgraduate School Board.

Rounding up the exclusive chat with ESUT Monitor in his office, Prof. Chime offered advice to Mass Communication students, urging them to be proactive and entrepreneurial even before graduation. Citing Nigerian media entrepreneur Linda Ikeji as an example, he encouraged students to leverage digital platforms to create opportunities for themselves.

“There is no job waiting for you after graduation because you have not failed until you quit to try. Journalism is an all-encompassing profession such that as a graduate, you can fit into many sectors of the economy. ”

He commended the Department of Mass Communication for sustaining the production of the ESUT Monitor Newspaper which he said has become the “go-to for news on happenings in the university. You are not only giving the university visibility globally, the paper is also training you students in the practice of the profession,”

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Professor Charles Chime has been elected as the substantive Dean, ESUT School of Postgraduate Studies, SPGS.

Prof Chime was elected unopposed during the Senate meeting on Thursday, March 28, 2024 with all 110 members of the Senate in attendance.

Professor Chime has prior to his election today been on acting capacity since August 2023.

Regarded as Dean of Deans, Prof Chime promised to take the SPGS to a greater height. And assured the VC and the senators that he will not disappoint them.

He described the VC as his role model in his transformation agenda in ESUT.

Under his watch, SPGS has witnessed tremendous improvement including digitalization of the school, ensuring prompt and timely graduation of students as when due, streamlining the PG Programmes to be in line with global best practices and more.

It is expected that with his election concluded, that more innovative and pragmatic leadership direction will enhanced.

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Comrade Johnpaul Ani on Thursday emerged the new president, ESUT Postgraduate Students Union Government, SUG.

Comrade Ani was elected the new president after he garnered a total of 47 Votes to defeat his closet rival, Com Chukwudi Agụ who got 22 votes.

Considered the “a huge battle” between Faculties of Education and Management Sciences which the two candidates represents respectively, Comrade Ani’s massive votes signposted a new beginning for the PG students union body.

The election held at the Professor Julius Onah Auditorium was monitored by the Dean, Professor Charles Chime who was on hand to observe the process.

Apart from the Presidency which was huge contested by three candidates, including Comrade Okeke Herbert Sunday from Engineering Faculty who stepped down for Com Ani on the floor of the election, every other position had sole candidates

The newly constituted ESUT Postgraduate SUG Executive Council is as follows:

Johnpaul Ani – President
Ozioko Josephine – Vice President
Ajah Emmanuel Uche – Secretary
Okeke Emmanuel – Financial Secretary
Ejilibe Elizabeth – Treasurer
Ogbu Emmanuel – Public Relations Officer
Nebo Ekene – Welfare Officer

The new EXCO members will be sworn-in at a late date.

Comrade Ani replaces Comrade Ekene Odoh, the Out-going president.

In his acceptance speech, the new President, Comrade Ani thanked his fellow students for the confidence reposed on him and promised to carry out a transparent, open, inclusive administration for the good of all.

Speaking after the election, the Dean, Postgraduate Studies, Prof Chime called for peace and common front, reminding both contestants and voters that the era of politicking is over, and it’s time to embrace peace and unite for the common good.

He appreciated all present for their maturity in making the election seamless, transparent, free and fair adding that he is open for support at all times.

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No fewer than five hundred (500) applications for admission to study various Postgraduate courses at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) have been received, just as the management has announced 31st January, 2024 as deadline for the submission of online applications for the various postgraduate programmes in the institution.

The Acting Dean of the SPGS, Professor Charles Chime disclosed this in an exclusive interview with ESUT Monitor in his office.

The over 500 applicants are being considered for admission into the Postgraduate Diploma, PGD; Master of Science, MSc as well as Doctor of Philosophy, PhD programmes

“We have offered admission to over 100 applicants in a first batch admission, out of the over 500 applications so far received for the 2023/2024 academic year. We have also set 31st January as deadline for acceptance of applications. Once the portal is closed, candidates would not be able to access the online application for admission for the 2023-2024 session,” the Dean said.

Prof Chime emphasized that although the portal would be closed on the deadline day, the list of those offered admission will be published thereafter adding that the second batch of admission will be published in a few days.

“The second batch of the admission is coming out this week. When the portal closes on 31st, there would still be an admission list that will be published for candidates that applied close to the deadline. So, you will be expecting an admission list after that 31st because we would consider everybody that was able to purchase the form.

The Acting Dean added the era of admission letters not being issued immediately after publication of admission list is over as admission letter can now be printed online once the necessary payments have been made. He warned that students who failed to register on or before February 22, 202r will forfeit the admission.

“Candidates who have been offered admission can now print their admission letters online after paying acceptance fee. Candidates who have printed their admission letters should proceed to the portal, generate invoice for school fees, pay and proceed to SPGS to complete their registration.

“Candidates who were offered admission but failed to register before 22nd of February 2024 would lose their admission.”

 On the issue of overstayed PG Students, Prof Chime said that the School of Postgraduate Studies Board convened on Thursday, December 14th, 2023 and reached the following decisions regarding PG students who were admitted between the academic years of 2004 and 2019 but have yet to graduate.

“Students who were admitted between 2004 and 2016 will be required to withdraw from their respective postgraduate programmes, as their admissions have now lapsed. Therefore, they are no longer considered ESUT PG students from the academic year of 2023/2024.

“However, PhD students in this category with 2016 registration numbers are given until 30th September 2024 to tidy up and graduate. Overstayed PG students who were admitted between 2017 and 2019 are granted until September 30th, 2024 to fulfil all necessary obligations and complete their studies. Failure to graduate within this timeframe will result in the loss of their status as ESUT PG students.

“The admission procedures for the academic session of 2023/2024 are currently underway and will conclude on January 31st, 2024. Those who have overstayed from either category aforementioned are welcome to re-apply for admission.”

He noted that orientation for the newly admitted postgraduate students is expected to hold before the matriculation ceremony on February 23, 2024.

Professor Chime expressed the university’s commitment to providing a seamless transition for new and returning students.

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