By Chiekezie Emmanuel

Miss Nwokolo Chinaza has emerged as the Best Graduating Student (BGS) of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), with a 4.51 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).

The immediate past head of the department, Associate Prof. Uche Ogbuke, confirmed in a phone call with ESUT Monitor that Miss Nwokolo emerged as the overall best graduating student for the 2024/2025 academic session with a 4.51 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).

Also, during an online interview with our reporter, Miss Chinaza stated that emerging as the overall best graduating student in her department, and possibly in the faculty as well, is a dream come true. She emphasized that when she first gained admission into ESUT, she aimed at graduating with a first class.

“I think in my Year 1, there was a Pharmacy student I was looking up to, King David. He was the overall best graduating student in Pharmacy. I didn’t know about the overall best graduating student of the school and then the set before mine, a friend of mine, Ezenwa Ikenna who also graduated with first class and over all best graduating student in the University from English and Literary studies Department,” she said.

“That was when I said, ‘No, I must get this,’” she added, coupled with the fact that she sees a career in lecturing. So, she started working towards achieving her goal and dream from 100 level.

“My 100 level result was good, but in 200 level I had several distractions which reduced my CGPA. And what worsened this factor was over happiness with my 100 level results.” She further stated that the 200 level results drew her back, so she embarked on burning more midnight candles and buckled hard.

Miss Chinaza appreciates some of her lecturers who supported her during her university days. A few to mention are Dr. Nwonovo and Dr. Stella. They would always look forward to knowing when she was in the class. This built her confidence and charged her to do more. She stressed that what encouraged her more were her mentors.

“I had people that always encouraged me, especially in my 300 level, where I was having double mind on whether I could still graduate with my dream grade, considering how bad my 200 level results were.”

“My Year 3 results came out and they were perfect again. I was like, ‘Oh, okay. Achievable.’ Then I’d say my highlight of the entire journey in school was my four hunderd level.”

She reveals how difficult it was for her to manage academics, work, and social life and still come out as a first class product.

“I had to put my entire life together. I had to manage doing business, surviving as a student, living as a human, interacting with my society, and all that.”

“So, it was really overwhelming but I don’t know how I did it. I believe that God is the pioneer of my journey so far.”

“My 400 level results were the highlight of my entire school, and it was what boosted my grade. I hit 5.0, like the normal proper first class I have been chasing. That should be what even boosted the whole thing. If there were mistakes, I would have been a normal 2:1 student,” she said.

“It’s just God, let me put it that way, and I’m grateful to God and my team. Of course, it’s a dream come true, and it’s also a medium to encourage people to just keep pushing, no matter what. No matter what, there’s no way you can’t pick up. No matter what the result is, you can always pick up, you can always do better.”

“And then, the gift of men too. Don’t try to isolate or look down on anyone because collaboration and teamwork help achieve a common goal. People will help you, and whenever you are called to do something, try to do that thing and do it well,” she said.

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By Amaechi Agbo

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Dr Stellar Ugwu, of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, had prepared her lecture for the final year class.

Stepping into her office on that very day in her simple and modest attire, she had no inkling of what was planned for her – her students have prepared a surprise ambush that will live with her.

Midway into the lecture, Dr Ugwu was unexpectedly interrupted by the students students as they began to file out in numbers to present various gifts to her on the podium

The heartwarming incident, which went viral on social media, has sparked widespread admiration across Nigeria for the unique bond between the teacher and her class.

The gifts were: a stylish black handbag, multiple packs of bottled water, various household goods, Curated gift envelopes and presents.

Visibly shocked by the gesture, the lecturer stood frozen at her pulpit before completely breaking down in tears as she processed the surprise. The lecture hall erupted into loud cheers, applause, and chants of appreciation from the students, who celebrated her like a hero by encircling her with hugs

ESUT Monitor can report that the presentation was organized as a token of gratitude for her “motherly care,” unwavering commitment, and the massive impact she has made on their academic journeys and personal lives.

At one point during the emotional exchange, the lecturer even attempted to draw out cash from her own pocket to give back to the students, but they warmly turned it down

In a short telephone interview with ESUT Monitor on Saturday, Dr Ugwu simply said “it was the shock of my life. I have not recovered from it. I was only doing my job with passion and everything in me,”

We will bring you more details of this noble gesture from the final year students of Sociology and Anthropology Department subsequently

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The Head of Department of Sociology and Anthropology ESUT, Dr Martha Uchenna Ogbuke has been inducted a fellow of her professional body, Nigerian Anthropological and Sociological Practitioners Association (NASA)

The Induction took place during the NASA 29th Annual Conference held at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) Ogun State from 10th to 13th November, 2024

As a fellow, Dr Ogbuke who was recently promoted to the rank of Associate Professor in ESUT, is now a full member of the association.

Speaking in an interview with ESUT Monitor, Dr Ogbuke described her elevation as a product of hardwork adding that her position as a NASA Fellow will open up avenues for her to continue to impact humanity.

“I am delighted for this honour. Indeed, this is a product of hardwork and an opportunity to continuity to support humanity in my own little way

“As a NASA fellow, you have the full rights as a member, can contest elections and be involved in all activities association,” Dr Ogbuke said

To become a fellow of NASA, the members must have risen to the rank of an Associate Professor in his/her institution.

The Nigerian Anthropological and Sociological Practitioners Association (NASA)) is the body established for the regulation of teaching and practice of sociology in Nigeria.

NASA as a professional body was inaugurated on March 20, 1971 in the Drapers Hall, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan.

The objective of the Association is to organize and enlighten Sociologists, Anthropologists and interested persons in related disciplines to abide by appropriate ethical conduct in the teaching, research and practice of sociology and anthropology and to stimulate them to contribute sociological insights towards scholarship and national development.

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