A university lecturer, Professor Umezurike Hughes Okafor has called for the establishment of kidney centre in Enugu State.

Prof Okafor made the call on Thursday while delivering the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT’s 38th Inaugural Lecture at the College of Medicine, Parklane Enugu.

Discussing the topic: “Would you like to live a healthy life? Then keep the Purifier Purified” Dr Okafor lamented the increasing wave of kidney transplant tourism by South East residents to countries such as India, UK and US.

While explaining the concept of kidney as the body purifier, Prof Okafor opined that lack of adequate care, healthy live mechanisms has exposed the kidney to dangerous ailments which when not detected early could lead to chronic outcomes

“Recently we carried out a study among kidney transplant patients in South East Nigeria with the aim of determining the frequency and pattern of transplant in the region. We found out that 99% of patents had their transplant in India with majority of them using commercial donors. We observed that 6 were carried out in Nigeria, 4 in UK and 113 in India.

“India was also the country with cheapest cost. This bring us to the fact that out of 126 patients studied, Nigeria had only 6. This is not as a result of lack of qualified personnel of doctors, but lack of establishing kidney centers.

“It is important to emphasize at this point and this is also a call, on the Enugu State Government to establish kidney centre in the state that will take care of kidney related issues among the people in the region, particularly. When kidney infirmities are detected earlier, survival rate is high,” he said.

Prof Okafor who highlighted instances of kidney cases he has handled both at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and currently at the ESUT College of Medicine, gave explanations on why he chose the topic and advised Nigerians on what to do to keep the kidney healthy.

“The title of this Inaugural Lecture stems from the fact that the kidney is the purifier and contributes immensely to our healthy living. Through my sojourn in renal medicine, I have seen people with ill health, hard stories of woes, torment, truncated/unfulfilled dreams, shattered relationships, and families thrown into poverty whenever the purifier is not healthy or purified.

“To live a healthy live and keep the Purifier Purified, you need to take at least two litres of water daily, avoid high salt or sodium intake, be cautious with sugar, take fruits and vegetables, keep fit and active, do not smoke, be cautious or avoid using unprescribed medications, be sure of that herb and supplements you want to take, report any abnormality to your health practitioner,” he advused.

Earlier while declaring the lecture opened, the Vice-Chancellor, ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, said that the current management of the university pays premium attention to Inaugural lecture adding that the momentum will be sustained.

He explained why the 38th Inaugural Lecture was held at the College of Medicine instead of Agbani, the main campus of the university.

“It is important for us to broaden our spectrum. When the decision to host the 38th Inaugural Lecture was made, some persons kicked against it, but one thing we discovered today is the fact that this auditorium has become too small to accommodate the people in it. This leaves us with the decision to now start talking about expansion.

“In UNN where I came from, if Inaugural Lecture is being held and the lecturer comes from UNEC, it holds in UNEC. If from Nsukka, it holds in Nsukka. It is important for us to balance the situation and give each campuses equal stake.

“After today, the next Inaugural Lecture, the 39th edition, will hold in two weeks’ time at Agbani. Before the end of the year, we are going to design a new robe for all Inaugural Lecturers so that only those who have delivered their inaugural lectures will wear it,” he concluded.

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The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Weert Borner will on Friday deliver a public lecture in ESUT

Themed: “German-Nigeria Cooperation in the Global Energy Transition”, the public lecture will hold at the prestigious Prof Julius Onah Auditorium at the university’s main campus, Agbani in Nkanu West local council commencing from 9am.

 The public lecture is part of the ESUT management’s effort to establish corporate relationship with Germany and also enhance collaboration between the university and the German Consulate in Nigeria.

ESUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie told ESUT Monitor why the lecture is important

“On Friday the 9th, the German Ambassador to Nigeria will be coming to ESUT to present a paper, students are invited because these are the critical people we want to share our problems with to seek for interventions.

“We’ve already set up a committee to prepare for that lecture which will take place in this University, we are looking at options and the lecture is a step in the direction,” the VC said. 

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The Vice-Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, will lead the management team of the university to commissioner the equipment procured by the Business and Entrepreneurship Education Department on Thursday.

Scheduled to commence by 10am, the visit would also afford the management the opportunity to interact with the board of the department as well as the students.

Speaking in an interview, Head of the department, Dr Felicia Nwokike said that the department is poised to welcome their August visitors adding that the commissioning will enable the board to interact with the management on their achievements and challenges.

Dr Nwokike noted that the Department has been in the forefront of producing cosmetics products such as soap, confectionaries, meat pie recipe, chin chin, hair cream, among others.

Below are pictures of what the department has produced already

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The Vice-Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie has commended the Department of Accountancy of the university on its maiden International Conference.

The Department of Accountancy held her first international conference between 2nd and 3rd July 2024 at the Prof Julius Onah Auditorium at Agbani, Enugu State.

Themed: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sustainability Reporting: Implications for the Accounting Profession and Stakeholder Value Creation”, the conference drew creme de la creme in financial and accounting sectors in in Nigeria including the President of ICAN, DCS Alaribe; the Executive Secretary, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Dr Rabiu Olowo 2ho was the key-note speaker as well as the Director-General, College of Accountancy, Jos, Dr Friday Akpan.

Declaring the conference open on Tuesday, the Vice-Chancellor said that he has glad to see that his directive that departments and faculties are conducting either national or international conference at least once every year is yielding fruits.

While commending Accountancy Department for their efforts in organising their maiden international conference, Prof Okooie noted that the only two departments that have keyed into the programme are headed by women.

“I want to say it loud and clear, that I am very much happy with Accountancy Department. You have been able to justify the management’s stand on the need for departments and faculties to organize at least one national or international conference each year. So far, the two departments that have held theirs are headed by women. This is perhaps an indication that next time we will be shopping for those to head departments, we would give priority to women because they are setting the pace,” he said

He commended the head of the department, Prof Uche Onyekwelu for being able to sustain the department’s two journals and promised to upgrade them to TetFund funded journals.

“I want to thank the HOD for sustaining the journals. I promise you that we are going to upgrade the two journals so that they will be Tetfund funded. This is part of the things I want to be seen and do as a member of the Tetfund Research Committee.”

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Head of Department, Accountancy, Professor Uche Onyekwelu said the essence of the conference was to draw all the players in the accounting and financial sectors to chart a new part on how to maximize the opportunities inherent in Artificial Intelligence (AI), checkmate the threats it poses on Human Intelligence (HI) and be able to put accounting profession on a good pedestal for effective and efficient financial accounting prudence.

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The Vice-Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Prof Aloysius- Michaels Okolie has felicitated with the first Registrar of the university, Emeritus Prof. Festus C. Eze, on the occasion of his 55th year marriage anniversary and launching of his autobiography.

The Vice-Chancellor in his message to the family, noted that the Registrar served the university meritoriously and efficiently from inception till 1998.

Prof Okolie at the occasion on Saturday stressed that, Prof Eze’s “legacies and footprints in ESUT have continued to speak eloquent volumes of his rich and outstanding contributions which has shaped and continued to steer the university towards the direction of greatness”.

He prayed God to grant the couple “sustained fruitful and blissful years of life together”.

In his goodwill message, the current Registrar of ESUT, Chief Ambrose Ugwu described his predecessor, Emeritus Prof, Eze as a foremost University administrative guru and icon who nurtured and mentored many past and present Registrars of Nigerian Universities to the glory of God.

He emphasized that Emeritus Prof Eze is a beacon of light to all who come in contact with him. And like a towering colossus exhibits “wonderful sterling qualities, exemplary and intimidating integrity”.

Prof Eze and his beloved wife marked their 55 years together on Saturday, June 29, 2024.

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The Burial date of late ESUT’s Vice-Chancellor’s Mother, Ezinne Lucy Okolie has been announced.

According to the burial arrangements released by the family and signed by Mr. Raphael Ndubuisi Okolie, Late Ezinne Okolie Onuzuluikewill be buried on May 16, 2024 at her country home in Umuhu Ezike Kingdom, Awgu Town in Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State.

A wife, mother, grandmother and great grand-mother, Ezinne Lucy Okolie Onuzuluike, (Nnemuruora) died on March 5, 2024

Details of the burial rites indicate that Wednesday, May 8, there will be wake and mass by 5pm at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Awkunanaw Enugu.

Tuesday 14th May, 2024 by 5pm there will be another wake and mass at St Michael’s Cathedral premises Awgu.

Two days later, May 16, her body will leave Eastern Nigeria Medical Centre Mortuary to her home, Awgu town by 8am. It will be followed by lying in state by 10am.

Her Funeral mass will be held at St. Michael’s Cathedral Awgu Town, Awgu L.G.A by 11am to be followed by internment.

Sunday outing/thanksgiving mass will hold on Sunday May 18, at St. Michael’s Cathedral, Awgu Town.

Aged 81, Ezinne Okolie until her death, was
a community women leader, a virtuous-kind-hearted matriarch, mostly referred to as Nnemuruora – mother for all.

She is survived by her children, brothers, sisters, grand children, great grand children and many other relations.

Among her children is Professor Aloysius-Michaels Nnabugwu Okolie, the Vice-Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT.

Below is the Full Burial Programmes As Released By The family

Wednesday, 8th May, 2024 , 5.00pm, wake, mass and entertainment

Venue: St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Awkunanaw Enugu.
Tuesday 14th May, 2024,
5.00pm, wake, mass and Entertainment
Venue : St Michael’s Cathedral premises Awgu.

Thursday, 16th May 2024
8.00am, body leaves Eastern Nigeria Medical Centre Mortuary to her home, Awgu town.

10.00am: Lying in State at her Husband’s Compound, Awgu Town.

11:00 am:Funeral mass at St. Michael’s Cathedral Awgu Town, Awgu L.G.A.
Internment follows thereafter.

2.00pm, Reception of guests and Condolences remained at the cathedral premises.

Saturday,18th May, 2024
Condolence visit continues at her compound Awgu Town.

Sunday, 19th May, 2024
8.00am: Thanksgiving Mass at St. Michael’s Cathedral, Awgu Town.

She is survived by;
Her children, brothers, sisters, grand children, great grand children and many other relations.
May her soul rest in peace and her legacy continues to inspire generations to
come.

Signed:
Mr. Raphael Ndubuisi Okolie,
for the Family.

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The Vice Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, has reiterated his commitment to academic excellence and capacity building through practical engagements

Prof. Okolie made this known on Wednesday when a delegation of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), led by its Zonal Director, Mrs. Ijeoma Obodo, paid him a courtesy visit in his office at ESUT Agbani campus, after inspecting the new ESUT Radio complex situated at the old Afrihub building in the university

The VC explained that his administration, has been on the move towards making the institution one of the world’s best, with the aim of providing students with the best education to compete globally.

He posited that the new ESUT Radio has been designed to effectively deliver the world’s best radio content, as it has been furnished and equipped with all the necessary materials.

According to him, “You are welcomed to ESUT, where academic excellence is revered.

“This is a university of science and technology that focuses so much on capacity building.

“I am glad to have you in my office because we want you to help us give our students the best by making it possible for our radio station to be back on air.

“As you can see, the equipment is almost ready and waiting for approval from your office to kickstart.

“We have made provisions for 24/7 power supply with the acquisition of Lista, an ultra-modern fuel-powered generator, a 10kva inverter, as well as lights from the national grid,” the VC said.

Prof. Okolie also commended NBC for their commitment to service, urging them to maintain the station’s frequency of 106.5 FM.

“I want to beg you to tell your national leadership not to relinquish our frequency to others.

“Though we have been off-air for a while, we know that NBC can help us by reactivating our frequency.

“We hope to get the approval as soon as possible.”

Earlier, the Zonal Director of the commission, Mrs. Ijeoma Obodo, had expressed her satisfaction with the level of work done so far by the university’s management in getting the radio station back on air.

She stated that NBC is committed to restoring the radio station back on air, assuring the school’s management that approval would be granted as soon as the request for such gets to their office.

The courtesy call also had in attendance the Registrar of the institution, Mr. Ambrose Ugwu;
Head, Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Chidiebere Ezinwa; the Deputy Director of ICT ESUT, Dr. Uche Okafor, the Principal Monitoring Officer of NBC, Enugu Zonal Office, Mr. Cyril Udora and Mr. Sebastine Okafor of the Mass Communication Department of the school, amongst others.

The South East Zonal Director, NBC Mrs Ijeoma Obodo, visited ESUT Radio for inspection. She explained that the purpose of the visit was to see things for herself as a prerequisite for the renewal of the station’s license having been off air for some years following a fire incident. She emphasized that she would not rely on hear say or what she was told to make recommendations to her Director General in Abuja.

She expressed happiness with the level of efforts put in place to restore the station. But noted that few things need to be put in place for the actual take off of the station. She further noted the importance of a functional Radio station to the teaching and learning of Mass communication, Engineering and ICT.

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Two years administration of the Vice-Chancellor, ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Nnabugwu Okolie has been described as “tremendous and rewarding”.

The university Registrar, Chief Ambrose Ugwu who stayed this in a chat said the oast two years in ESUT under the VC have witness recorded achievements both at infrastructure and humanitarian levels.

“As someone who has been in the system for several years, I think this two years anniversary of our VC has been something that is very tremendous and rewarding; because of a lot of things that he has put in place. It is unusual to see staff going to rest for a week or two but he came around and saw that at times all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. For the past one week or thereabout every staff of the university has been in vacation except those in essential duties.

“The Pharmaceutical Faculty is the highest pharmacy building in Nigeria, the same thing with the Department of Nursing, very soon MedLab will equally come there because the modules will contain all these department.

“Do we talk about Regularisation and Confirmation of Appointments? Before the arrival of the VC, we have not been following the work list of Regularisation and Confirmation of Appointments.

“Another thing we have to thank him for, is the issue of staff registering with their professional bodies. So many people don’t know that they belong to professional bodies but now, everybody is now having a professional certificate.

“He is not somebody that is interested in where you are coming from his interest is can you deliver and he will give you time and opportunity to try your luck and equally assist you.

ESUT is very happy and bless even though he brought Disruptive Innovations. Why I said so is that you know formerly staff in ESUT have been retiring in the same month 30th of September, but when he came, he said no. ‘We are not born the same day and it is not done I’m a civil service; you will retire on your date of birth or assumption of duty. It has brought sanity within the system.

“He also handled the issue of Election unlike before one phone call will just disturb whatever will are doing but now phone calls are restricted and no manipulation from anywhere we had a seamless Students Union Election.
Moreover, unlike before, 10 o’clock you won’t see staff in the offices but now before 7: 30 am to 9 o’clock, all the offices are open and it’s not longer an issue of when it is 3 o’clock you see people standing at the NCC building looking for vehicles they now stay till 4 o’clock.

“Talk of the increase in quota in Medicine, we met it at 50 but now it has been increased to 240, the same with Nursing, we met it at 50 but now it has increased to 100; Medlab we met it at 30 but now it has increased to 180, what we are planning is to increase Nursing to 200 and law. In the aspect of collaboration, we have them.

“His two years in office has been a great moment for everyone and we pray God to continue to sustain him. I didn’t talk about regular payment of salary because within the management level, we don’t regard it as achievement because it is the cardinal principle of the VC that a labourer deserves his wages. As we say in Igbo, onye rụọ, orie. (He who works, eats)”

Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie was appointed ESUT Vice-Chancellor on April 4, 2022 by the Enugu State Government.

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By Timothy Nwobodo

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists, (NAAT) ESUT branches have commended the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie on his evidential two years administration and promised to sustain their respective support.

The two unions through their various leaders made the commendations in separate interviews with ESUT Monitor.

 ASUU Chairman in ESUT, Professor Chinedu Aguba described Prof Okolie as a “God sent” to ESUT disclosing that his two years in office have helped to consolidate unionism in the institution.

He noted that as the former chairman of the union in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof Okolie has brought his wealth of experience to bear in ensuring a smooth and healthy relationship between the management and the ASUU through timely release of their checkoff dues, regular payment of staff salary, and promotion of deserving staff as well as inclusive administration.

“I am surprised that the Vice-Chancellor has clocked two years in office, I feel like he just started yesterday. The fact is that I regard him as God sent in ESUT because the past two years have been pragmatically evidential in ESUT. The Vice-Chancellor has left no one in doubt about his vision for ESUT.

“As a former chairman of our union in UNN where he came from, he understands the structure of ASUU and has been able to create a smooth and healthy relation between the management and the union. For the past two years, our checkoff dues are released timely, our members’ salaries are paid and those who are due for promotion have been elevated, we have not been owed a dime. These are evidential and the cardinal principles that sustain effective unionism in ESUT unlike what we used to have before. He is a visionary leader and ASUU will always be by his side to sustain the momentum” he said.

On her part, the Chairperson, NAAT, ESUT Branch, Comrade Onyia Anthonia Nkeiruka, lauded the ESUT Management under Professor Okolie in the past two years in sustaining the dreams of the founding fathers dreams as well as bringing innovations to the school.

Comrade Onyia noted that in the past two years, unlike what were obtainable prior, her members have not been owed their monthly remuneration adding that their checkoff dues has also be regularly released to enable them sustain their association.  

“The entire members of the National Association of Academic Technologist (NAAT), ESUT Branch felicitate with you, our amiable Vice-Chancellor, on your two years in office. You have made a landmark within these few years which include: payment of bulk of arrears of checkoff dues, promotion of our members and salaries owned to the unions and workers of ESUT.

“ESUT workers now come to work as at when due, and so many other innovative achievements. No wonder you are called “Talk and Do” Vice-Chancellor. Our Great leader, NAAT will always be supportive of your administration to take our university to greater heights,” she said.

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On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, the new Governing Council of ESUT members officially resumed duties following their inauguration by the Visitor to the University, His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah at the Government House.

Shortly after, the Council members in company of the management of the university led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie arrived ESUT where they were received by the workers, students and members of the University community.

Like a new sheriff in town and a Daniel who has come to judgement, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa known for his humility and unassuming disposition, left no one in doubt on what to expect from the new Council under him.

The workers and students had gathered at the VC’s entrance, earlier enough, defying the scorching 12noon sun to give the new council a rousing reception.

Arriving the university in a motocade, the new council members were taking round the university precinct for on-the-spot assessment of the school premises.

There was no doubt that the rigours of inauguration and the long journey down to Agbani from Enugu metropolis as well as the hot weather would have brought some fatigue on the chairman and his Council Members. But that was never the case.

Speaking to the workers shortly after alighting from the Coastal Bus, the new chairman addressed the university workers:

Action speaks louder than voice

In his first speech, the new Pro-Chancellor said he was not in ESUT to make speeches but rather to let his actions speak, instead.

“I am not used to flamboyant words, I believe that actions speak louder than voice. I believe also that the call of duty is a challenge to the brave. That is why when you see me as an accountant, I am being very careful with even words we make in public because if you are not able to back it with actions, one-plus-one will not give you two again. Because of that, let us see what is happening and see what we will do. Maybe as time passes, you may give us a name – talk and do,” he said in brevity

Rejection of umbrella

Aware that the new Chairman was sweaty, as a result the hotness of the weather, a staff of the university rallied round and produced an umbrella to cover the chairman while he was speaking.

Surprisingly, even without looking around, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa used his right hand to push the umbrella away. As he was doing so, instantly, he used his index right finger to remove the sweat that was almost covering his eyes.

The move, very emotional and sympathetic, was not unrecognized by the staff who applauded his gesture with ovation and declared “truly, Chinyeaka is a shepherd who understands the pains of his people.”

Ohaa’s disposition is uncharacteristic of the mindset of a typical Nigeria leader, who under obvious circumstances would have even requested for a shade over him not to talk of rejecting the umbrella under such intense March sun.

We Have A Forthright Council Chairman – VC

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie also poured encomium on the new chairman.

Speaking in an interview after the Council’s inaugural sitting, the VC told ESUT Monitor that indeed ESUT has got a father who understands the peculiarities of the institution.

”It was a great outing, we have a highly experienced and forthright Chairman who has shown a lot of passion in changing the narratives in ESUT.

“From this inaugural meeting, it was obvious that we are moving in the right direction and issues raised, the way he handled them and the expectations from the Council, is so encouraging.”

Although details of the resolutions and decisions of the Council were not made public, ESUT Monitor gathered that they centred on enhancing the physical facilities, staff welfare and ensuring that the face of ESUT is changed for the better.

Number of Council members

Currently, there are 8 external members while the internal ones will join them. The membership of the council is expected to reach 13 by the time it’s fully constituted.

The former Governing Council led by Most Rev Prof Bishop Godfrey Onah were inaugurated on March 11, 2020 with a membership strength of 13 councillors.

Duties and composition of the Governing Council

The Governing Council of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, (ESUT) is the institution’s top decision-making body. It is in charge of the university’s overall management and direction, ensuring that it works in compliance with its mandate and regulatory establishments.

The Council is comprised of a Chairman appointed by the Governor of Enugu State, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, and other prominent members from diverse fields of expertise.

The Council’s primary mission is to establish policies and make decisions affecting the institution’s academic, administrative, and financial issues. This includes approving the university’s annual budget, supervising staff recruiting and promotion, approving new academic programmes, and ensuring that the university functions in accordance with its goal and objectives.

The nomination of the Vice-Chancellor is one of the Council’s most important tasks. The Vice-Chancellor is the university’s chief executive officer and is in charge of the institution’s day-to-day operations. The Council is in charge of ensuring that the Vice-Chancellor is appointed on merit and that he or she is capable of providing the essential leadership to propel the university forward.

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