ESUT VC with Amaka Okoli

What began as a routine academic engagement quickly transformed into a remarkable and exciting experience as my first visit to the Vice-Chancellor’s office turned into an atmosphere filled with warmth interaction and unexpected delight.

On the 23rd of March 2026, being Tuesday. There was an interview session which was scheduled by ESUT Monitor to have an interaction with the Vice-Chancellor of ESUT, Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie,  which took place in his office. That very day, I was not just apprehensive about the interview, the thought of entering the VC’s office for the first time (would there be a second time? Why not…) being faced to face with the man so revered within and outside the university. The Most Outstanding VC in Nigeria!  

I was also proud of myself because I had to count it as a great opportunity to sit with the Vice-Chancellor of the university, in total control.  

Though I would also count it as an achievement in my field as a student trying to build myself because not everyone has gotten the opportunity to have a face to face discussion with the Vice Chancellor, which will forever remain a memory that I can never erase out of my mind.

The interview session which took place in his office was initially approached with a sense of nervous anticipation because I kept wondering how the atmosphere would look like.

As it was my first time, my expectation was to see a possible intimidating environment where strict protocols and serious expressions would dominate, though I was questioned by some officials on uniforms on the purpose of my visitation  but the reality proved to be entirely different because they sound friendly. Particularly when I told them “I am a reporter with ESUT Monitor, we have interview with the VC”. Their faces beamed with more friendliness I was accorded much respect and ushered into the expansive office of the VC.

Upon my arrival at the Vice Chancellors office, the calm and organised environment immediately gave me a tone of professionalism most especially when I was directed to the door step of his office by the secretary

Beyond the setting was a welcoming and friendly reception from staff members who created the atmosphere that helped to ease my tension and nervousness. At first, entering inside his office I didn’t just meet with the Vice Chancellor, I also met the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chike Nwoha and the Registrar Mr Ambrose Ugwu who both watched and listened carefully as we “interrogated” the VC

The Interview session itself began as it gave me an unforgettable memory because I felt that the interaction would be a strict one but it evolved into a lively and engaging conversation. The Vice Chancellor demonstrated not only an administrative authority but also a personable approach throughout the session.

In a surprising twist, moments of humour and laughter became part of the discussion as I threw a question concerning the date of resumption.

“My Vice-Chancellor, Sir, when will the school vacate for Easter celebration and when will the second semester resume?” I asked him

His response at first came in a friendly manner which made us all to burst into laughter and that made a unique blend showing me the act of professionalism and friendliness. It also allowed for a more open and confident exchange of ideas.

Of course my experience also highlighted the importance of human connection and taught me that communication involves inclusiveness.

After the session, I described my experience as an enlightened and enjoyable one and that was “within me”. Though I didn’t just go alone, I had the honour of being in company of the ESUT monitor News Editor, Onyekachukwu Agu who led the and our amiable lecturer, but not just a lecturer but a man filled with determination and integrity in person of Mr Amaechi Agbo (MC Mazi), the Staff Adviser of ESUT Monitor

The Visit concluded on a positive note, leaving a lasting memory as I personally took a photograph with the Vice Chancellor while the others joined in. a picture I would treasure

As a student of Mass Communication, practicing my field of profession, such encounter serves as important milestones, not only academically but also a personal experience because it built my confidence and communication skills.

Indeed what started as a simple interview with nervousness became a memorable one that inspired my confidence on my future academic pursuit because I know that i have not failed until I quit to try.

And the unique attribute about all this is the fact that it was my first assignment as an ESUT Monitor reporter, an honour I am appreciative of, always.

Amaka Okoli is a 300 level student of Mass Communication and a member of ESUT Monitor Newspaper Reportorial Team

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