As part of its avowed disposition for the advancement of experiential learning, the management of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) on Monday received 400 desktop computers from the Enugu State Government and deepen scholarship in the University.

Receiving the commuters along with the university management, the Vice-Chancellor Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, expressed appreciation to the Enugu State Governor,  Barr Peter Mbah for his continued efforts in repositioning the University

The Vice-Chancellor stated that the 200 of the computers will be deployed to the ESUT College of Medicine, while the reaming will be installed in the 500-capacity ICT building at the University’s Main Campus, Ebeano City, Enugu State.

Expressing his great delight over the donation, the Vice Chancellor stated that the computers would help to activate the 500-capacity ICT Centre in the main campus, noting that the centre would be used for internal and external examinations such as JAMB’s computer-based examinations, NECO, and Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board, JUPEB examinations.

“We thank His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for this noble and generous support to ESUT, which would enhance scholarship in our university. The students of this university would make effective use of these computers and the dream of actualizing experiential learning would be actualized in the University.

“We have decided to activate the experiential learning model in its academic and practical form in the University starting from the 2026/2027 academic session. We have already mandated the Director of Academic Planning, Professor Chike Anibeze, to set up several committees that would further review the 30% component of CCMAS in order to infuse AI, Cyber Security, Data Science and other new courses with approval from the NUC into our curriculum, so that whatever course you are studying in ESUT, you will learn new knowledge of what would make our graduates to be globally competitive and market-ready upon graduation,” he said.

Prof Okolie said that ESUT would serve as a complementary ground for producing smart teachers who will drive the Smart Green Schools initiative of the Enugu State Government. He said ESUT would be the signpost for the revolution of education sector in Nigeria in providing solutions for the challenges of our time.

Speaking in an interview, the Provost, ESUT College of Medicine, Prof Uchenna Ekwochi described the donation as “the game changer” adding that it would upscale activities in the College particularly their e-library.

Prof Ekwochi who expressed deep gratitude to the Governor of Enugu State and the ESUT management, further stated that the computers would be judiciously deployed, monitored and used.

“When we received the set of computers, our joy was exceedingly high because we requested for it. We are going to deploy them in our e-library where students are going to optimally make good use of them because already we have internet connectivity in the College. The computers will also be useful in some offices that critically needed it for their secretariat works.

“Having said that,, I want to express, on behalf of the College, our deepest appreciation to His Excellency, Barr Peter Ndudbuisi Mbah for always coming through for us. There is no request that we have made that he didn’t approve and implemented. We are assuring him and the university management that the computers will be judiciously deployed, professionally maintained and effectively protected,” he said in a telephone interview.  

The computers were delivered to ESUT by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Enugu State on Legal Matters and Intergovernmental Affairs, Juliet Okonkwo.

The post ESUT Receives 400 Desktop Computers from Enugu State Govt. to Advance Experiential Learning appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

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.

The post Experiential Learning: ESUT Delegation Arrives Doha to Explore Artificial Intelligence Innovation appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

The Vice-Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie has disclosed that the Nigeria’s premier science and technology university would champion experiential learning not just in the state but beyond.

Professor Okolie while delivering a Keynote Address during the training workshop for staff of the university held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu on the topic “Transformational Leadership, Innovation and Creativity in Tertiary Institutions” charged the senior staff to adopt leadership model and attitude that would enhance the academic excellence of the institution.

He noted that as the premier science and technology university in the country, ESUT will be at the vanguard of experiential learning by ensuring implementation of hands-on-practical-based teaching and learning.

“ESUT must lead the way in the 21st century experiential learning, beyond the shores of the state. It is time we established ESUT block and paint industries. It is time we offered the students hands-on training that would make them job creators and not job seekers after graduation. We must continue to build the capacity

“Four of our staff just returned from Germany where they participated in one-month vocational training. Let me also announce that six staff of ESUT will be going to Texas, USA in the first quarter of next year for another impactful training.

“Another set of staff will at the same period be in China to acquire more knowledge in experiential learning. The key thing about this workshop which is for selected leaders and managers in the university, is that we must emphasis the practical aspect of what we are teaching and learning. We must effectively implement the 30% theoretical and 70% practical pedagogy model. Other universities should learn from us.

“Let me reiterate that students, beginning from the new academic session which starts on Monday, must be divvied into research groups right from their year one. Each group should be given research topic to explore so that by the time they are in final year, they would have come up with a research work that would be helpful to our society,” he said.

On his part, the Co-facilitator of the Workshop and Director, Academic Planning, ESUT, Professor Chike Anibeze, described experiential learning as the oldest traditional system of education akin to the apprenticeship system established by Igbos in Nigeria which is based on hands-on training and practical application of knowledge.

“Experiential learning emphasizes learning through action, reflection, and application of knowledge in real-world or simulated scenarios, rather than just passively receiving information. It is our oldest traditional system of education – much akin to the apprenticeship system established by our forefathers – whereby knowledge is transmitted through practice, and knowledge thus gained, fostered innovation and growth”

“The minimum competencies that Enugu State-owned tertiary institutions are expected to accomplish by leveraging experiential learning to advance innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development. In November 2024, at ESUT, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, announced the Enugu Experiential Learning Policy, which charged each State-owned tertiary institution to: align education with Sustainable Development Goals, equipping students with skills to innovate solutions for Energy, Agriculture, ICT & Technology. This is the line we need to adopt and swiftly too to be the pacesetters not just in Enugu but beyond,” he said

The post ESUT Will Lead 21st Century Experiential Learning Beyond Enugu State – VC appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

By Amaechi Agbo

Determined to promote teaching efficiency, effective assimilation for the good of the staff and students, the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) is partnering with a United Kingdom-based university, Lancaster University in order to enhance experiential learning.

This was on the table when the management team of Lancaster University visited their ESUT counterparts at the Agbani campus of the university on Wednesday, last week

The Lancaster University delegate was led by the Director of International Research, Prof Kirk Semple who had with him the Director of African Studies, Dr. Akanimo Odon.

The meeting which took place in the VC’s office saw both management teams interact on areas of mutual collaboration with a view to promoting teaching and learning with practical knowledge so as to help the staff better be equipped and offer the students the needed skills to face the larger society after graduation.

The Lancaster University team was introduced by Dr Okwuchukwu Ani, ESUT Coordinator of FCDO, SSETS and ICCP projects of the university.

In his introduction, Dr Ani said the visit by the UK varsity is to collaborate with ESUT in delivering experiential learning through intensive and impactful training in career enhancement and enterprise development for both staff and students in two key programmes.

He noted that ESUT is among the 14 universities in Nigeria selected for the two programmes which include “Stimulating Sustainable Entrepreneurial Thinking (SSETS) for all academic staff and International Career Coaching Programme (ICCP) for all students.

He appraised the just concluded pilot programme for ESUT staff and students as highly impactful stressing that as much as entrepreneurial thinking skills have been inculcated on ESUT staff and students

Dr. Ani appreciated Lancaster University for choosing ESUT as a hub for the pilot phase.

Participants during the pilot programme were trained on the strategies of effective collaborative network and partnership with other professionals from other disciplines, other Nigerian universities and colleagues from other universities globally.

Lecturers were taught on how to activate and increase activities on their LinkedIn social media accounts to enhance their global visibility for possible impactful collaborations and research partnerships. Students in ICCP were taught how to package a wonderful curriculum vitae, how to build the CV while on campus by rendering volunteer services to their lecturers. Students were also educated on how to enhance their Curriculum Vitae even while on campus by joining in volunteers services

In his remark, the Director of International Research, Lancaster University, Prof Kirk Semple appreciated the VC and ESUT for embracing the FCDO programme. He informed the management that Lancaster University was ready to go into extended partnership with ESUT for the delivery of the needed and relevant practical training of ESUT staff and students on career enhancement and entrepreneurial thinking.

Responding, the Vice Chancellor, ESUT, Professor Aloysius Michaels Okolie commended Dr Okwuchukw Ani for his foresight in bringing the Lancaster University to ESUT. He described the collaboration as a catalyst to technological and entrepreneurial path.  

“First and foremost, let me start by thanking Dr Ani for thinking home. For keying into the vision of the management in enhancing staff and students welfare in learning. To our August visitors and partners from Lancaster University in UK, you are welcome to ESUT. Your visit here highlights the importance of collaboration and partnership in promoting education across the globe and I want to assure you that you are in the right place.

“At ESUT, career development is critical both for the staff and students and we are channeling resources in this regard. Therefore, this collaboration on experiential learning is not just timely but very critical as it will help us in championing effective and all-round education for the students which is in line with the State Government’s vision of ensuring that all tertiary institutions in Enugu State embrace experiential learning to foster employability of the graduates of higher institutions in the state,” the VC said.  

The post ESUT Partners Lancaster University UK on Experiential Learning appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

By Chiekezie Emmanuel

The Head of Mass Communication Department, ESUT, Barr. Dr. Chidiebere Ezinwa, has pledged to incorporate experiential learning into the department’s curricula which uphold Governor Peter Mbah’s new policy with emphasize in experiential learning in the state.

Dr. Ezinwa revealed this during the Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival (ENIFF) three-day Film Production training for the students of the department in Enugu

During an interview with the ESUT Monitor, the HOD noted that, “This event is an eye-opener, which incites what happens in the film industries. I am sure that those students who paid proper attention to the Programme will benefit greatly.”

He stated that what they film training is in line with what the Governor of Enugu State, Barr Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has instructed – “experiential learning, people learning things practically, not just reciting theories and concepts, but actually doing things with practical knowledge,” he emphasized.

The programme organizers are using films to bring about social change in different sectors. For example, the issue of gender-based violence has become rampant in society. However, the film training aims to enlighten students on how to use documentaries and films to change some situations in society.

“I am really happy we are doing something that aligns with the dream of His Excellency, which our VC, Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie has also inculcated in the staff.

“I have succeeded in using one stone to kill two birds; we are talking about unbundling the department. We have an interest in including Film and Multi-Media Studies as one of the departments. With this contact, we have gained now; we will try to see how we can collaborate with people already in the film industries.

The organizers promised to support the department in training the students who have interest in film-making.

One of the students, Edennaji Ezinne, from the Mass Communication Department, 200 level, expressed gratitude and happiness to the HOD for giving them the privilege to be in the programme.

She stated that the event is a “mind-blowing and impactful one because it is here to teach people who do not have the knowledge or who want to know more about storytelling and film production. I am happy and honored to be here,” she said.

While the ENIFF Film Production training ends today in Enugu with many students from the department attending from Thursday, it is important to emphasize that Dr Chidiebere Ezinwa ‘s leadership of the department has reinvigorated and repositioned it to be the pacesetter among others.

Dr Ezinwa has consistently exposed the students to practical aspects of journalism including visiting AfiaTV where a collaboration between the department and the company was reached; ensuring their participation in the second edition of the ENIFF training where the students are tutored on how to use their smartphones to creat and make movies and tell stories; reviving the ESUT Monitor Newspaper and also playing integral role in the restoration of ESUT Radio, 106.5FM, among others.

It could be recalled, that His Excellency, Barr Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah while delivering the first ESUT’s Distinguished Personality Lecture on Tuesday, 19th November, charged tertiary institutions in Enugu State to Implement Experiential Learning in their academic curricula as the bedrock for equipping the students with requisite knowledge to become productive before and after their gratulation.

The post Dr Ezinwa Implementing Experiential Learning As MASS Comm. Students Conclude Film Production Training appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed satisfaction with the speedy transformation of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, which is fast restoring the institution’s glory as a centre of excellence.

Mbah spoke at the 20th Convocation Ceremony of ESUT at Agbani where he was also conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration and Corporate Governance at the weekend.

The governor announced his administration’s plan to build a Centre for Experiential Learning in ESUT to boost innovation as well as a N50m grant to Prof Cyprian Mgbachi, who stunned the world with the invention of a cooking stove cell phone battery charger, to perfect his technology, while also promising support to other innovators he identified in the university.

This was even as the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, announced the graduation of 8,437 students of the institution with First, Post-graduate, Master’s and Doctorate Degrees, noting that nine students made 1st Class.

He also said 97 per cent of ESUT programmes had been accredited through the huge investments of Mbah’s Administration in the education sector.

In the words of Governor Mbah, “Indeed, I saw technology deployed in the cause of service as I toured an exhibition pavilion showcasing a diverse range of products from biotechnology to pharmacology.

“Universities are meant to spur technological advancement. It is in line with this philosophy that I announced a new policy requiring all state-owned tertiary institutions in Enugu State to henceforth deliver Experiential Learning to our students. This change will reflect in planning, budget, curriculum reform, assessment and promotions, as well as research.

“We are also committing substantial funds for research purposes next year. These would be made available to state-owned tertiary institutions.

“We have committed over N1.6 billion to carry out structural expansion at ESUT to compensate for the space constraints at Park Lane.

“We have equally provided funds worth hundreds of millions to this institution for various programmes, including the letting up a multi-purpose laboratory at the College of Medicine, water reticulation at the College of Medicine, rehabilitation of Anatomy building at the College of Medicine, procurement of equipment for re-accreditation of Nursing Sciences, Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory Sciences and procurement of equipment for resource verification of Public Health, Radiography, Human Nutrition and Dietetics as well as Biomedical Engineering in addition to other major interventions to transform the institution.

“We would be setting up a Centre for Experiential Learning here. It would be an experiential hub where professors will be wholly immersed in Experiential Learning, which would be passed on to their students,” Mbah said.

He urged the graduates to continually pursue excellence, keep pace with technology, and never severe links with the university.

“It is expected that ESUT will continually serve as a conveyor belt for the manpower necessary for the transformation envisaged in our society, from health to engineering, ICT, agriculture, etc.,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, according to the Vice Chancellor, 6,940 bagged First Degree certificates, 335 Post-Graduate Diplomas, 798 Master’s Degree certificates, while 364 received Ph.D Degrees.

Governor Mbah, who is the founder of Pinnacle Oil and Gas, the foremost company in Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas subsector, bagged an Honorary Doctoral Award in Business Administration and Corporate Governance, while Mr. Bernd Bergmair, an Austrian and a global investor with proven credential of integrity also received an Honorary Doctoral Award in Business Administration. This marks the first time a foreigner is receiving ESUT’s honorary doctorate degree.

According to Prof Okolie, Osita Tracy Ezinne of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences emerged the overall best graduating student with 4.88 CGPA, while Chukwudebe Pearl Ewere of Faculty of Biological Sciences and Odoeme Ogechi Eunice of Faculty of Environmental Sciences emerged as the second and third overall best graduating students, respectively.

Prof. Okolie explained that the university’s programmes were now oversubscribed, given the accreditation of virtually all the programmes of the university by the National Universities Commission, improved study environment and huge investment in resources through the support of the Mbah Administration, in addition to timely completion of programmes.

“I am pleased to inform you that 97 per cent of all programmes in ESUT have full NUC Accreditation. The allotted quota for most of the professional courses have been quadrupled and additional faculties mounted,” he said.

The highlight of the convocation also included the additional support in the sum of N52m for Prof Mgbachi from Mr Bergmair, making it N102m total sum received by the inventor.

The post 20th Convocation: Gov Mbah Hails ESUT’s Speedy Transformation into Centre of Excellence appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

The lecture provided an opportunity to address our educational model which is a critical issue at the heart of our nation’s development. I emphasised that Nigeria’s current education system, focused on rote memorisation, has hindered our progress, failing to equip students with the skills and competencies required for industrialisation and economic transformation. I called for a paradigm shift towards experiential learning, education that connects directly to real-world challenges and opportunities.

Nigerian universities seldom feature among the ranking of the world’s best universities and are yet to produce inventive graduates who can drive national development. This shortfall stems from an outdated system that does not prioritise productive skills or innovation. Experiential learning fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, empowering students to see themselves as problem-solvers and innovators.

As part of our commitment in Enugu State, we are leading this transition by allocating 33% of our annual budget to education, twice UNESCO’s recommended benchmark. This investment has facilitated the creation of 260 Smart Green Schools across our wards.

Through our Smart Green Schools, we have introduced the ‘cut-off point’, whereby we target children from age three, and begin to inculcate in them social habits, health habits, fine motor skills, and problem-solving competencies, introducing them to an experiential education system that helps them to navigate our rapidly evolving technological knowledge-driven world.

After three years of Early Childhood Education, having completed Nursery 1-3, our children complete Basic 1-9. During their twelve-year academic study in the Enugu Smart Green Schools, our children learn with interactive digital whiteboards, tablets, and computers; they are immersed in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual/Augmented Reality, and Internet of Things, among others.

Upon graduating from the Smart Green Schools, about one-quarter of our children will proceed to the eight Science, Technical, and Vocational (STV) schools already under construction, which will focus on key competencies like Industrial and Information Technology, Building and Fabrication Engineering, as well as Industrial Agriculture, with the objective to become respected and skilled professionals, highly valued for their expertise.

I also announced a new policy directing all state-owned tertiary institutions to adopt experiential learning models in their planning, curriculum, and research efforts. Education, after all, is not just about passing exams, it’s about preparing our youth for a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.

The transformation of our education system is not just a necessity; it is the foundation upon which we will build a prosperous and self-reliant nation. By prioritising experiential learning and investing in modern, skill-oriented education, we are equipping our youths to lead the charge towards a future defined by innovation, industrialisation, and sustainable development.

Tomorrow is here!

Barr Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah

Governor Enugu State

The post “Nigeria Universities Yet to Produce Inventive Graduates” – Gov Mbah appeared first on ESUT Monitor.