Enugu – Agbani – The Vice-Chancellor of Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT), Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie has made a passionate plea to the National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation team, imploring them to approach the crucial exercise as a peer review mechanism aimed at improvement rather than punitive action. The VC stressed the immense pressure on the team, who are the first of 23 programmes slated for accreditation in the 2025/2026 academic cycle.

The VC made the call NUC Accreditation teams paid him a courtesy visit in his office during the week.

The Vice-Chancellor used his welcome address to the NUC team to lay bare the turbulence facing the Nigerian university system, including the ongoing fallout from the recent ASUU strike, which he acknowledged as a fight for a just cause. He confessed that the NUC itself was in “serious problem” trying to adjust the accreditation schedule after the interruptions.

The VC emphasized the critical nature of the initial visit, warning that a poor result would create a “nasty” domino effect that would “flow down to the other 21 programmes.” He reminded departments under review, Architecture and Mass Communication, of their historical strength, noting that the latter had previously scored over 70 percent.

To ensure continuous readiness, the university has adopted a unique, proactive funding measure: allocating ₦10,000 from every school fee paid into a dedicated “accreditation account” for constant facility upliftment and repairs.

Acknowledging the persistent challenge of underfunding in public universities, the VC lauded the intervention of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for helping to improve infrastructure. He highlighted significant investments in the university’s library, noting that millions of books are now available online through subscriptions like EBSCO and Terra, ensuring students and faculty have access to global resources.

While the VC joked that the Mass Communication Department’s biggest problem was having too many students subscribing, he voiced serious concern for the Insurance and Risks Management programme, which suffers from low enrollment across Nigerian universities. He appealed to the NUC experts to use their experience to offer recommendations on how to attract more students, stating it would be a “suicide” to strike out the program.

The Vice-Chancellor concluded with an open-door policy, challenging the team to point out any deficiencies they could fix within their arrival and promising a proactive, bureaucracy-free response from the university team. He referenced a religious metaphor of forgiveness, stating the NUC team was there to help, not to “vilify us or punish us.”

Already, Mass Communication, Insurance and Risks management and Public Administration Departments have undergone accreditation in the last six days

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Three staff of the ENUGU StateUniuversity of Science and Technology (ESUT) are currently in Frankfurt, Germany attending a one-month Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor due to join them on Monday.

ESUT Monitor gathered authoritatively that the three lecturers were selected for the training based on advice of the organisers of the workshop, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

According the the DVC in an exclusive interview with ESUT Monitor in his office on Thursday, the four staff include the Director of Research and Innovations, Professor Harmonay Nwobodo-Nzeribe, Dr. Celestine Nwobodo and Dr Thomas Onah and the VC

He noted that the training which begn on September 8 will last till October 3rd adding that ESUT Staff were selected from among 21 university staff from Enugu State and Nigeria at large.

“This trip is arranged by GIZ, a German based agency which has office in Abuja, to train those in selected higher institutions in Nigeria. We have some people coming from Lagos, Abuja and Enugu, attending the workshop in Germany on skills acquisition and youth empowerment.

“There are four selected staff from ESUT based on special areas they indicated that the staff should come from. They mentioned Mechatronics, and that is why Dr Onah Thomas was selected, he was the former HOD of the department. They mentioned Biomedical and Engineering Computer, so Prof. Harmony Nwobodo-Nzeribe was selected and the third staff is Dr. Celestine Nwobodo fron Civil Engineering

“The fourth person, according to the letter should come from Management, preferably the Vice-Chancellor but because of other engagements, the VC now asked me to go on his behalf. Those are four of us selected for the training,” the DVC explained.

He noted further that the participoants were grouped into two – Teachers and Advisory Groups – stressing that while Teachers Group’s workshop started on September 8 and will end on October 3rd, the Advisory Group’s workshop will commence on 15th and end on 26th September.

“They grouped us into two – Teachers  and Advisory Groups.In the Advisory Group, there are about 13 of us all over the country, five of us from Enugu State.In the Teachers Group, eight persons were selected from Enugu whereas ESUT has three.

“The Advisory Group Workshop began from 15th and will end on 26th of September. The Teachers Group will run from 8th September to 3rd October, 2025. The three slected staff are currently in German recieiving the training.”

Speaking with ESUT Monitor from Franfurt, the Director of Research and Innovations and Head, Department of Biomedical Scoiences, Professor Harmony Nwobodo-Nzeribe said the aim of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training, (TVET) is to promote innovation through practical, hands-on, and competent-based, ultimately, the programme enhances employability and entrepreneurship opportunities for learners by equipping teachers to provide education that prepares students for real-world work environments.

“This is Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme organised by GIZ. The purpose of the GIZ TVET programme for teachers is to build the capacity of educators by strengthening their professional skills and pedagogical methods, modernising teaching in line with current industry standards, and ensuring that vocational training remains relevant to labour market needs.

“It aims to promote innovation through practical, hands-on, and competency-based approaches while improving the overall quality of TVET delivery. Ultimately, the programme enhances employability and entrepreneurship opportunities for learners by equipping teachers to provide education that prepares students for real-world work environments.

“In line with this, the revised teaching method of 30:70 is needed to make learning more practical, relevant, and learner-centered. By devoting 30% of the time to theory and 70% to practice, it increases active participation, strengthens understanding, and enhances retention. This approach emphasizes application over rote learning, enabling learners to develop problem-solving abilities, hands-on competence, creativity, and confidence. It ensures that classroom lessons are linked to real-world situations, thereby promoting innovation, critical thinking, and employability,” she siad.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, (GIZ) is Germany’s leading development cooperation organization, implementing projects in sustainable development, employment, energy, and peace for the German government and other partners. Founded in 2011 from a merger of previous agencies, it focuses on partner-oriented, transparent, and efficient support for change and the implementation of sustainable development goals worldwide. 

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The Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, is set to expel three medical students for their involvement in Examination Malpractice.

Although the names of the affected three students were not made know to our reporter, ESUT Monitor reports that the decision to expel the students followed a report presented at the 274 Regular Senate Meeting of the University on Wednesday.

Provost, College of Medicine, Professor Uchenna Ekwochi gave the report on the assessment of the MBBS – Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery – examination in the College.

Professor Ekwochi noted that the recommendation for expulsion followed thorough investigation and the affected students found culpable.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie commended the Provost and his board in the College for their proactiveness nipping the examination vice in the bud.

The VC reiterated the management commitment in upholding examination ethics and re-echoed that any student found wanting in examination ethics would have shown the way out.

After much deliberations, the Senate ratified the report ordering the expulsion of the students from the university with immediate effect

Prof Okolie further informed the Senate  that some students who planned to beat up a lecturer who was stopping them from engaging in exam malpractice during last semester were handed over to the police adding that students who also planned to beat another student after the exam were also handed over to the police.

On the alleged delay in dispensing examination related cases, the VC said going forward, it would not be business as usual and directed  the Exams and Ethics committee to ensure that every examination Malpractice cases is decided within 21 days.

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Agbani – A first year student of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Miss Jennifer Eze, has disclosed her reasons for choosing to read Mass Communication in in the university.

 She disclosed this in an interview with ESUT Monitor.

She stated that ESUT is a very nice place for learning, which has a conducive environment and dedicated lecturers who portray their high level of professionalism while discharging their duties.

“There are things that were done in the boarding secondary school I attended, but are not done in the university and there are things done here that you cannot see in the secondary school I attended.

“You can’t come with gadgets, kitchen utensils, why, in secondary school, but in university, you can.”

 She posited that for the fact that ESUT offered her admission to study her dream course, Mass Communication, she is proud and happy.

“I got to know ESUT from my mother’s younger sister who graduated from Microbiology, here, with a very good grade. I like the woman she has become. This made my dream school to be and my preferred course journalism,” she concluded.

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The final year students of Mass Communication, ESUT on Thursday celebrated their sign out from the university with pomp and music to mark their final examinations in the school

Shortly after their final degree examination the students gathered in front of the department’s complex to share their joy and excitement having passed through the four walls of a great university.

They were accompanied by lively sounds of cultural musics such as ogene group, among others.

The students couldn’t hide their joy, beaming with smiles and laughter as they danced and sang to the music, sharing drinks and food to celebrate their mileage.

Family and friends no doubt came to share in their joy.

ESUT Monitor captured their merriment and had interactions with few of them starting with our Editor-in-chief, Timothy Nwobodo who spoke about his times and days in the department.

Excerpts

Tell us about yourself

My name is Timothy Nwobodo, I just graduated from the Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Management Sciences, of this prestigious institution,.ESUT

How was your last paper?

“A great day, no doubt. I feel excited. We finished all our exams today. To my greatest surprise the lecturer was a bit considerate in our final paper. She understood that we were going to sign out today, the questions were a little bit easy.

What paper did you write today?

Print Media and Management.

How do you feel about the sign out?

“I’m so overwhelmed with joy, I can’t describe it, looking back few years ago when I stepped into this school as a fresher, I was wondering when I will graduate and its just like yesterday, I’m so happy to be here this moment.

What is your advice to those you are leaving behind?

Keep working hard, do the right thing at the right time, face your studies and you will come out with flying colours.

Stay focus, do what you have to do on time, stop procrastinating and you will be good.

Another student who identified herself simply as Unoma also shared her excitement with us.

What’s your name?

My name is Unoma

How do you feel about your sign out today?

I feel so good and excited, it wasn’t easy but we are done.

How do you feel departing from your coursemates and friends?

I don’t feel so good, but at the end of the day, you just have to do what you have to do.

Are you prepared for the labour market??

I am not, nobody is ever ready, but I will get there.

Advice those that are yet to graduate

Stay focus, do what you have to do on time, stop procrastinating and you will be good.

Although the students are through (for those who may not have carryover papers to write next session) they will still be around the school for their project defence.

Final degree examinations marks a departure from the classroom lectures but the students will still come back for the Convocation ceremony which will be announced by the university.

Most final yet students of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT had their final degree exams in Thursday while some, including Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, FANS had theirs on Friday, August 9, 2024.

Below is the link to watch the sign out party by final year students in ESUT on Thursday

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/dAoifWyF2SHGi8fn/?mibextid=oFDknk

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A university don, Dr Chidiebere Ezinwa has raised the alarm that journalism practice in Nigeria could go into extinction.

Dr Ezinwa who is the Head of Mass Communication Department at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) disclosed this during his opening remark at a one-day capacity building workshop organised for the students of the department by Ikenga Media and Cultural Awareness Initiative.  

Dr Ezinwa who expressed joy and described the workshop as timely msaid he is concerned that universities in the country are producing graduates in journalism who end up not practising the profession.

“I want to express my delight over this workshop which is very timely because right now, from what we are seeing as lecturers and practitioners, journalism practice will soon go into extinction in this country.

“This is a fact. Majority of the students we graduate here end up not practising the profession and you wonder why. Many of them are here for the certificate and once they graduate, they go into something else. I am not saying there is anything wrong with that but just imagine a situation where all of us decide not to lecture or practise the profession. A society without the media is a society that doesn’t exist.

“So this workshop is timely because it will serve as a wakeup call to the students on why they should practice what they have been imparted. Journalism profession is dying in this country and we must wake up to fight for its survival” he said.

Early in his speech, the Editor-in-Chief, Ikengaonline, Mr Uche Ugboajah said the workshop is part of the organisation’s efforts in creating awareness about the practice of journalism and how to ensure that the students understand the essence of the profession they are studying.

He noted that Ikenga has already trained over 60 students.

With the theme: “Building a Satisfying Career in Journalism” the mentoring workshop was held at the final classroom of the department of Mass Communication with over 100 students in attendance.

Below are pictures from the workshop

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The Honourable lawmaker representing Enugu North/South Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon Chimaobi Sam Atụ has once again offered scholarships to fifty-one indigent but brilliant students in the State.

This is coming just three months after he earlier sponsored 106 students from 24 secondary schools across the constituency in February by paying their WAEC, JAMB examinations and school fees.

In consolidation of the excellent gesture, the lawmaker has now offered additional scholarships to 51 primary school pupils in his constituency for the 2024 National Common Entrance Examination for admission into government unity schools in Nigeria.

The scholarships are pioneered by Honourable Atụ’s foundation, Chimaobi Sam Atu Education Foundation chaired by a foremost university don, Dr Chidiebere Ezinwa of the Department of Mass Communication, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT

The chairman of the Chimaobi Sam Atu Education Foundation, Dr. Chidiebere Ezinwa, disclosed this to newsmen in Enugu on Monday through a press statement he personally signed and sent to newsmen.

He stated that the pupils were selected from both urban and rural schools in the constituency as part of the first phase of unity school registration embarked on by the lawmaker.

He noted that the lawmaker has expressed displeasure with the lack of interest in unity schools among students in his constituency, thus making the current gesture part of his resolve to create awareness on the need for his constituents to start getting admitted into unity schools.

It should be recalled that Hon Atu offered scholarships to over one hundred brilliant secondary school students in his constituency who could not pay their WAEC/NECO fees earlier in the year..

Dr. Ezinwa told ESUT Monitor in an interview that plans are underway to expand the scholarships programmes to over a thousand students.

“The current gesture is part of the lawmaker’s resolve to encourage scholarship in his constituency. It should be recalled that Hon Atu offered scholarships to over one hundred brilliant secondary school students in his constituency who could not pay their WAEC/NECO fees earlier in the year.

“Let me also inform you that plans are also in top gear to offer different scholarships to over one thousand two hundred secondary school pupils and prizes to schools in the constituency through a highly streamlined selection process later in the year,” he said.

In order to hit the ground running in actualizing his targets in this regard, Hon. Atu inaugurated a seven-man education board led by Dr. Chidiebere Ezinwa and charged them with the responsibility of awarding SSCE and tertiary institution scholarships, bursaries, and other interventions in public primary and secondary schools in Enugu North and South Federal Constituency.

The committee fast-tracked the WAEC registration of over 100 students across public secondary schools in the constituency, with a goal of making it 1500, including the best brains from private secondary schools in Enugu North and South Federal Constituency during the forthcoming WAEC registration for Senior Secondary School students.

The 51 students were selected from different primary schools in the Enugu North and South Federal constituency. The lawmaker has expressed displeasure with the lack of interest in unity school among students in his constituency.

Below us the list of the benefiting primary schools in the constituency

Enugu South Local Government Area:

1. Central School Ugwuaji, Divine Victory Nursery /Primary School Ugwuaji
2. Community Primary School Amechi
   3 Central School Amechi – Awkunanaw
3. Community Primary School Ndiagu Amechi
4. Central School Akwuke

Enugu North Local Government Area:

1. Carter Street Primary School Ogui
   2 Asata Primary School
2. Ogbete Primary School

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Determined to ensure that the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT Radio is back on air on or before February 23, 2024, works on the reestablishment of the radio station will commence today, Thursday, February 8, 2024, ESUT Monitor can exclusively report.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Vice-Chancellor, ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie gave assurance that works would commence on the radio station today with a two-week completion deadline, adding that the radio would be on air on Matriculation day.

“The management has already approved it that the radio station should be back on air. In fact, the fund will be released tomorrow (today) to the vendor so that the work will start tomorrow (today, February 8). By the grace of God, if it works out, it would be ready on our matriculation.

“So when they arrive, we will give you (ESUT Monitor) a definite answer whether it will be in one week or two weeks, but they are coming on Thursday. We are not building new structure. They already have a structure where it can start.” he concluded.

Transmitting on 106.5 Frequency Modulation, the ESUT Radio has been off air for some years now due to the inferno that engulfed the former office in Enugu metropolis.

Since November last year, ESUT management has made the re-installation of the radio station a top priority with March 2024 timeline for completion.

However, the management is working assiduously in ensuring that the project is not only executed but completed far ahead of time. The 2024 ESUT Matriculation Ceremony will on Friday, February 23, 2024.  

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The management of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT has declared absentism from work on Mondays by the staff as “unacceptable” and directed those who absent themselves from work on Mondays to retrace their steps or face sanctions.

Recall that the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, a proscribed movement in Nigeria, in August 2021 declared that every Monday in the South-East region shall be observed as a sit-at-home day until the federal government released their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who has been in detention.

Consequently, markets, schools, banks and commercial activities have been either partially or totally shut in the region in the months after the declaration.

However, following much improvement in security in the zone particularly in Enugu State, normlcy have gradually returned with business activities, educational institutions, banks, etc, operating on Mondays.

In a Memo titled: “Regarding Persistent Absenteeism From Work On Mondays’
released on Thursday and made available to ESUT Monitor, the Registrar, ESUT, Mr Ambrose Ugwu directed that any staff who refuses to be on his/her duty post on Mondays without express permission, will face the consequences.

“Management has observed that some staff persistently absent themselves from duty on Mondays.

“This practice is unacceptable. For the avoidance of doubt, staff should note that Monday is one of the working days of the week.

“Any staff found to be absenting himself or herself from duty on Mondays and other working days without official permission shall be sanctioned in accordance with Subsisting Regulation,” the memo reads.

The University management mandated Deans, Directors and Heads of Department and Unit to
monitor the activities of staff under them and report to the management accordingly.

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In 2021, the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, had over one hundred new staff in their employment. 

The number did not only add to the wealth of staff in the institution but has also upgraded the productive output. The staff didn’t only integrate into the system but they are part of the core wheels that have continued to reshape the fortunes of ESUT.

Speaking in an exclusive interview in his office in Enugu, the man under whose administration the appointments of over 120 staff into various programmes, Professor Charles Eze, explained the rationale the management approved the intake of such number of new staff adding that the need for more hands in some departments particularly as a prerequisite for accreditation made the recruitment inevitable.  

“When we came on board, we met a situation where in many departments, we had shortage of staff both in academic and some administrative positions. It came about at a time we needed to do accreditations in many programmes. One of the prerequisites for passing accreditation is that you must have the right calibre of academic staff and other supporting staff in the right numbers. Without these requirements, you are likely to fail the accreditation.

“There are procedures for employment, so we applied and got the approval of the Council to employ the calibre of staff we needed to put in place in those programmes that were due for accreditation. Council graciously gave her kind approval and we went about the employment.

“We employed not less than a hundred and twenty staff, both academic and non-teaching. As I speak, those people we employed are doing excellently well in the various departments. In terms of staff welfare, they were well paid as and when due,” Professor Eze explained.

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