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

The post My First Interview with ESUT VC: From Apprehension to Excitement, Memory to Treasure appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

The Head, Department of Mass Communication, ESUT, Barr Dr Chidiebere Ezinwa has on behalf of the Editorial Board of the ESUT Monitor Newspaper, expressed gratitude to the readers of the University’s flagship newspaper, the management and entire university community for their sustained readership and support in the outgoing year.

The HOD who disclosed this in his Christmas and New Year message on Wednesday, expressed gratitude to the student-reporters and all who are working tirelessly particularly behind the scene to sustain the ESUT Monitor Newspaper.

Dr Ezinwa acknowledged that without the expanding readership of the newspaper and unquenchable support from the management, the ESUT Monitor Newspaper (EMN) wouldn’t have attained its status as “the authoritative voice of the university community”

“On behalf of EMN, the HOD, Mass Communication Department extends his gratitude to our numerous readers, staff, students and entire management of Enugu State University of Science and Technology for their kind support to EMN which accounts for its gradual growth from strength to strength.

“We thank you immensely and will never relent in our efforts to serve you better as we look forward to further expansion in the coming year,” he said.

He further expressed his thankfulness to the board of the department, staff, colleagues and students for their steadfastness in ensuring that the quest to reposition the department is yielding desired results and also thanked the university management for the restoration of the ESUT Radio.

“We have been on a journey to reposition the department and make it the best not just in the faculty but in the university. This destination, though still a work in progress, have already achieved measurable targets which wouldn’t have been recorded without the maximum support of the Departmental Board, my colleagues/staff and the students who work collaboratively to ensure that we are pushing to attain our targets.

“Most importantly, I want to appreciate the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie and his team in ensuring the restoration of our radio station, ESUT Radio, 106.5FM.

“The restoration of the radio station, ESUT Monitor Newspaper and other activities geared at giving the students first-hand experience in journalism aligns with the vision of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Barr Dr Peter Ndubisi Mbah on the need for enthronement of Experiential Learning in our curriculum.

“With your continued support, we hope to take over the airwave and regain our position as the best campus radio station East of the Niger and beyond.

“While we are grateful to all for the support in the outgoing year, it is our firm hope that the New Year would be better.”

He also acknowledged the support of the Dean Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof Uche Ugwuanyi who while as the Director of Entrepreneurship Development Centre, EDC, identified with ESUT Monitor and has consolidated it as the Dean of faculty.

“Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year,” Barr Dr Chidiebere Ezinwa said.

The post Mass Communication HOD Thanks ESUT Monitor’s Readers, ESUT Management For Support appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

In its effort to encourage students to take news reportage and coverage serious, the Editorial Board of ESUT Monitor Newspaper has doled out ₦8 000 to four year one students for writing publishable stories.

In handing over the rewards to the four best students on Monday at the year one classroom of Mass Communication Department, Mr. Amaechi Agbo, ESUT Monitor Staff Adviser also gave seven students free copies of the ESUT Monitor Newspaper for their efforts.

Mr Agbo noted that he was encouraged by the level of commitment shown by the students in writing the stories.

The class was held on July 22nd, 2024, for the Thirty-three (33) first-year students who attempted the assignment given by Mr. Agbo, which involved writing news reports about the orientation programme they witnessed on July 11, 2024.

During the class, their news reports were reviewed with remarks and corrections.

Four students- Ani Ruth, Agu Oyekachukwu, Lawrence Joy and Ali Hope Onyinyechi – had their news reports intrigue the Staff Advuser and were rewarded with ₦2000 each for reporting publishable news stories.

Seven other students who performed well were given a free copy of the ESUT Monitor’s second edition newspaper each. The rest were encouraged and taught how to improve their news stories.

“The rewards given to the students were from the ESUT Monitor newspaper,” said Mr. Agbo adding that the board after reviewing the 33 stories was happy that the students, despite their shirt period in the department, are keying into the ESUT Monitor Newspaper. He also encouraged the students to keep up the good work and promised that the Editorial Board will train them next semester to become good journalists.

It could be recalled that the Department of Mass Communication held it’s orientation for year one students on Thursday, July 11, 2024.

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