By Amaechi Agbo

In this exclusive interview, the new University Librarian of ESUT, Dr Uzoamaka Ogwo, shared her plans, with ESUT Monitor. Her elation after her appointment as well as plans for the Library and challenges it’s facing.

The Interview was anchored by Amaechi Agbo. Excerpts.

Profile

My name is Dr. Uzoamaka Ogwo, by the special grace of God, the new University Librarian of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Library.

I am a professional and certified librarian with over 15 years of experience in librarianship. I have Masters and Doctorate degrees in Library and Information Science.

Before my appointment as ESUT University Librarian, I was the Librarian, National Center for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka,  a research institute domiciled at the UNN and also a Senior Lecturer, in the Department of Library and Information Science, UNN.

I have skills in general library management and my passion in librarianship is to bring digital transformation in libraries, a platform that can enable users have seamless access to information anywhere, anytime without physical boundary.  I have strong passion for the development of an innovative library environment that will be able to serve the university community, the students and faculty members for teaching, learning and research.

Resuming Work In ESUT As The University Librarian

I felt so much elated and grateful to God to have assumed office as the University Librarian of ESUT. No doubt, it is a privilege and an opportunity to serve the university community. I saw it as a privilege and a call to serve in this capacity, to bring new innovations, developments and digital transformation in ESUT library; so it is an opportunity and a privilege to serve.

Contrast between ESUT Library and UNN Library

What I find different from ESUT Library when contrasted with UNN library is the fact that ESUT is a State University Library while UNN is Federal. ESUT library still have a lot to be done in terms of digital/e-library development which is one of my missions, to see that the library is elevated to the level that anybody can access it from any parts of the globe.

There are a lot to be done here starting from identification of the library to having a functional digital library system. Fundamentally, there are obvious needs and they are my priorities and assignments of being here, such as Web OPAC (Online Public Assess Catalogue), Institutional Repository, functional databases, mobile  library system that could enable users to have unrestricted access to the library from any parts of the world anytime, anywhere without any physical boundaries. The library is the center, the academic hub of every university and we have to elevate it to that standard.

Work Environment

I must tell you the truth, I had a very warm welcome to ESUT Library. The staff have been very friendly and supportive. There is an ambiance of good working environment and cooperation that one would want to navigate to contribute more to improve on what is already on ground.

Challenges?

Of course, every establishment has its own challenges and ESUT library is not an exception. Fundamentally, funding is the major challenge we are facing. There are a number of digital transformations, innovations and services that we need fund to deploy such as computers softwares, web OPAC, functional databases,  learning commons, Makerspace, smart technologies such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), AI Tools, maintenance of the library building, landscaping of the library environment etc.

The  whole library environment needs a touch – renovation – because the library is the image of every academic institution, it is the centre, the heartbeat  and the pivote point around which every academic activities revolves. Hence, the library needs a facelift, and all those things require fund.

The good news is that our indefatigable Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie and the entire management have been so supportive and making frantic efforts to seeing that all these challenges are being fixed gradually. Recently, the issue of signage system, internet access, has been fixed and we are very optimistic that every other needs in the library will be a thing of history in no distant time by God’s grace.

Environment Cleanup

When I came in, the library environment was not what a library vicinity should be like. However, with the approval of our Talk-and-do Vice Chancellor, the library environment has been cleared and graded. Very importantly, we now have signage system for easy identification of the library.

Plan To Landscape The Library Environment

Having graded the environment, which is one step, we are still very optimistic that the management will plan towards landscaping of the library environment to improve its aesthetics and maintain a serene environment conducive for our users.

UNN Dominating ESUT on Appointments

(Laughs). That is because we are Super Lions and Lionesses and the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) products are always the best. I am not just looking at the issue of dominance as you pointed out but on the impact. Dr Jonas Ezema (former University Librarian) did his best as well as my other predecessors. Not forgetting Professor Jacinta Eze who handed over to me.  The VC is currently transforming the university to a global standard with his disruptive innovative agenda, infrastructural development and digital transformation. I am also here to make my own impact of introducing digital transformation to the library.

Extending it beyond that front, you also have to give the Enugu State Government trumps up for always getting the best for ESUT particularly when you realize that these people are “Ndi Enugu”. It is a plus to the University, to Enugu State and to humanity.

Is that to say that ESUT is not producing capable hands as well? NO! To the contrary, remember that few months ago, the former Dean of Faculty of Law in ESUT, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, was appointed the Vice-Chancellor of UNN. And he made history as the first Nsukka person to head the University. My take is simple, Ndi Enugu nwere mmadu (Enugu has capable people) in all ramifications and I am happy and grateful to the Governor, the council members, the Vice-Chancellor, the management and the entire university community. Together we will propel ESUT and Nigerian educational system to greater heights.

The post EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: “My Appointment As University Librarian a Privilege, Opportunity To Serve” – Dr. Uzoamaka Ogwo, New ESUT Librarian  appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

The National Vice President and Zonal Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) Engr. Dr Okechukwu Animba has congratulated the newly elected zonal executive members of the union.

Dr Animba congratulated the newly elected Zonal Secretary, Treasurer, and Women Coordinator at the Senate Chamber, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) after the successfully conducted their bye election on Friday

Dr Animba who is also the Chairman SSANU ESUT, said that the new members of the Executive Council, (EXCO) are comrades with track records and urged the zone to remain united in their fight for their welfare.

The election conducted saw Comr. Dr. Peter Linus Akata from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Zonal Treasurer; Comr. Onyeabuchi Mpanuga from Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Zonal Secretarywhile the position of Zonal Women Coordinator went to Seline Uzoamaka from Micheal Ọkpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State.

“We thank God for a day like this, as the most peaceful zone in Nigeria, having conducted this election free and fair with the people’s choice. Indeed, power belongs to God; He chooses who He wishes to give. By the grace of God, they will help in escalating the South East SSANU,” Dr Animba said

The Vice President noted that he was elected on 23 October 2023, at Imo State University of Science and Technology. “To God be the glory, we are able to get a new (ZACK), and our promise to our members is that we are not going to fail them. The union is all about welfare and services; any other thing is not part of it. As we promised, we are going to work with a committee system, whereby professionals in their divergent fields will showcase what they have.”

He positioned that the meeting of the South East Zone will be more organized because they have the capacity and capable hands to pilot the affairs of the the union in the zone.

“Considering the fact that the National President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has escalated the image of the Association nationwide, he urged them to follow his footsteps in seeing that the Association becomes more strong and peaceful.”

He told the ESUT Monitor that in the next possible six months, they will grant another interview, and the public will see the position of the Association. “Because we are going to follow the footsteps of the National President in terms of legacy-making, he has created a wonderful image nationwide, and the South East will not be left behind,” he said.

The newly elected members who expressed appreciation to their members for the trust they reposed in them, were sworn in-to office shortly after taking their oath of office.

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On the 4th of April, 2022, the Enugu State Government announced the appointment of Professor Aloysius-Michaels Nnabugwu Okolie as the new Vice-Chancellor of Nigeria’s premier Science and Technology University, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). The appointment was contained in a letter signed by the then Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya. The appointment was with effect from Monday, April 4, 2022.

Upon assumption of office, Prof. Okolie anchored his administration on restoring the old values setup by founding fathers of ESUT with a purpose of making the citadel of learning to be reckoned with as one of the first-class and highly competitive universities East of the Niger with administrative and academic excellence comparable to other global top-class tertiary institutions.

“The first vision I have for ESUT is to restore the basic values of scholarship and research and to turn the minds of the academia, including the non-teaching staff into believing in themselves and getting the internal orientation arising from reflection. I will make them to believe that they are cut out to perform specific functions which have to do with promoting teaching, research, collaboration and networking between groups, trans-groups and inter-groups with a view to extending frontiers of knowledge and building a very virile community of scholars in ESUT,” Prof Okolie disclosed on his first day in office.

Since assuming office as Vice-Chancellor, he has been on a mission to transform the university into a centre of excellence that serves not only the state of Enugu, but the entire nation and beyond.

With over twenty years of academic experience, Professor Okolie is no stranger to the world of academia his research interests spanning a wide range of topics, including political theory, human rights, conflict resolution, and international relations. He has authored several books and numerous academic papers, and his work has been widely cited by scholars and policymakers alike.

Invariably, ESUT was not a novel ground for him to explore.

Under his stewardship, the University has undergone a rapid transformation that has left many observers amazed at the speed and efficiency of the changes that have taken place. These transformations cut across physical development, staff and students’ welfare, discipline, research and innovation, scholarship, revival of committee system and return to the extant culture of the University among others.

Physical infrastructure: One of the most notable achievements of Professor Okolie’s administration has been the construction of a multi-million-naira asphalted pavilion for convocation, matriculation, and other ceremonies at ESUT. This has provided a much-needed upgrade to the University’s infrastructure and has given students and staff alike a sense of pride and belonging.

Chronicles of other modest achievements that fall under infrastructural development and improvement of existing facilities include but not limited to: replacement of seats at the Julius Onah Auditorium, ESUT; replacement of seats at the Senate Chambers; installation of solar energy in the Vice Chancellor’s office; improvement of electricity supply on campus by attracting the donation of additional electric feeder from stakeholders in the state.

Below are the list of THIRTY ACHIEVEMENTS, inter alia, recorded by the Vice-Chancellor in two years of his stewardship:

1.         Increment of Medical Laboratory admission quota from 50 to 240. The latest figure was confirmed during the Senate sitting on Thursday, March 28.

2.         Creation of Five New Departments – Mathematics, Statistics, Environmental Management, History and International Studies and Mechatronics Engineering

3.         Establishment of effective calendar for ESUT.

4.         Successful conduct of Biometric verification of staff members which helped to flush out tens of “ghost workers” and millions of naira saved.

5.         Successful conduct of Regularisation of staff members

6.         Regular Payment of staff salaries and entitlements

7.         Massive Promotion of deserving staff members as well as confirmation of appointment of workers

8.         Relocation of Pharmaceutical Faculty to its permanent site in Agbani

9.         Naming of Streets and major Roads in ESUT after prominent Nigerians

10.       Creation of favourable working environment with University staff/workers’ unions and associations.

11.       Buying over of Afrihub Building and converting same to Internet hub

12.       Re-establishment of ESUT Radio, 106.5fm which is 90 percent completion

13.       Improved webometric ranking of the University by the NUC in its 2023 rankings of the Nigerian Universities where ESUT was elevated to 29 out of 111 universities in Nigeria

14.       Digitalisation of ESUT records to enhance transparency and accountability in the system, reduce administrative bottlenecks, and improve the overall quality of service delivery to stakeholders of the University.

15.       Attraction of extra 30 plots of land from host communities for the building of ESUT Secondary School

16.       About 15 hectares of land have been mapped out for planting of oil palm seedlings and pawpaw trees. The project, which involves the planting of 25, 000 seedlings of hybrid palm trees, is in the offing with the aim of making the university a major supplier of palm oil and pawpaw fruits within the next two years in Enugu State and South-East region.

17.       Back-to-back conduct of ESUT Convocation in 2022 and 2023. The last convocation, prior, was in 2016. The date for the 2024 Convocation has been set already to hold on Saturday, November 23.

18.       Asphalting of ESUT Ebeano Convocation Arena.

19.       Clearing Pharmacy Graduates to embark on National Youth Service. Prior to his appointment on April 4, some past graduates of the department were not going on the mandatory one-year national service.

20.       Full accreditation of over 89% of programmes that had undergone the NUC verification/accreditation processes.

21.       Increment of number of admitted students into the university from less than three thousand to over six thousand in 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 admission years, respectively.

22.       Attraction of the construction of one kilometre road in ESUT to be carried out by the Enugu State Government.  The road construction is expected to commence soon.

23.       Installation of Solar Energy in various hostels in the university that cost over two hundred million naira.

24.       Bringing the first helicopter to touch down ESUT premises during the 2023 Convocation ceremony on November 18, 2023.

25.       Enthroning discipline, punctuality and probity among the staff.

26.       Employment of ten able bodied men from the host communities as security personnel 

27.       Ensuring and implementing his policy of zero tolerance for cultism, social vices and examination malpractice with some students either under investigation, expelled or are facing trials in courts for their offences.

28.       Partnership with Eastwing Aviation Institute, Enugu, for the development of aircraft engineering technology in the South-East and beyond

29.       Perhaps most importantly, Professor Okolie’s administration has not owed staff monthly salaries since he assumed duty. This has been a significant morale booster for staff, who have often had to go for months without pay due to financial constraints within the University.

30.       Engagement with MTN to provide 4G network to boost internet connectivity on campus.

The list is not exhaustive.

Professor Okolie’s two-year stewardship as Vice-Chancellor of ESUT has been characterized by a strong commitment to excellence, innovation, and reform. He has demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges facing Nigerian universities, and has taken decisive actions to address them. With two years down and additional three years to come in his five-year tenure, Prof Okolie has set a standard for himself and he cannot afford to lower the guard going forward. 

Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie’s Profile

Aloysius-Michaels Nnabugwu Okolie, born decades ago in Umuhu village of Agwu Local Government Area, Enugu State, is a Professor of Political Science and International Relations of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN.

Prior to his current appointment, he was Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, UNN and was also Chairman, UNN Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Regarded as Disruptive Innovator, Professor Okolie holds a Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc.) in Political Science/Administrative Studies; a Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in International Relations.  He was a Fulbright Scholar in 2004 at the prestigious American Studies Institute on United States Foreign Policy. He holds a postgraduate Diploma in Management of Higher Education from the Galilee International Management Institute, Israel.

As an erudite scholar, Professor Okolie was also a resource person to the National Defence College, Abuja, on Foreign Policy and National Security Round-table on Nigeria and her Immediate Neighbours.

He has held many leadership positions including: Chairman, Governing Council, Enugu State College of Education, Technical, 2021 till date. Vice President (2nd), Social Science Academy of Nigeria, 2021 – date. President, Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), 2018 – 2021. Pioneer Director, Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUBEB), UNN, 2014 – 2019.

He is a renowned international Scholar and Researcher with over one hundred and eight (108) publications to his credit. Professor Okolie belongs to several national and international scholarly and professional Associations and has served in several national and international Committees including: Member, Federal Government Committee on NEEDS Assessment of Nigerian Universities; member Committee on Bilateral Relationship between DAPAD Foundation of Japan and UNN, and member, Visitation Team to Public Universities. A devout Christian, Professor Okolie is a Knight of the Order of St. Mulumba, in the Catholic faith. He is married and blessed with adorable children

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In a remarkable show of talent and creativity, 45 students from the Mass Communication department, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) participated in the 4th East Nigeria International Film Festival (ENIFF) held at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC).

The conference, initiated in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, unfolded with an engaging series of events beginning on November 21. ESUT students actively joined on November 22, marking an enriching experience for all attendees.

Insights from key Speakers:

Chige Alice (Mrs) commenced the day by delving into the four elemental aspects of acting: water, air, fire and earth. She emphasized the significance of enrolling in programme classes, observing performances on social media or television, practising speech, choosing comfortable attire, and understanding the purpose behind acting.

The celebration of Chige Alice’s birthday added a festive touch to the proceedings, courtesy of ENIFF.

Mr. Agozie Ugwu took the stage to discuss character development, highlighting the process of creating complex, believable and dynamic characters that evolve throughout a story. He distinguished between flat characters lacking depth, and round characters, possessing dimension.

On Her part, the founder of ENIFF, Mrs. Ujuaku Nwakalor Akukwe explored the theme of creating social impact through art, culture and storytelling. She underscored the role of filmmaking in communication building, fostering a sense of belonging and emotional connection. During her session, a thought-provoking short movie showcased a social media influencer’s journey from living a fake life to promoting authenticity.

Engaging Activities:

Participants actively engaged in group discussions on mental health, generating stories that promoted awareness and action related to the crucial topic. The day concluded with the much-anticipated ‘item 7,’ leaving everyone in high spirits.

The presence of notable Nollywood actors and actresses added star power to the conference, making it an unforgettable day. Interviews with participants provided additional insights into the impactful programs offered at ENIFF.

ESUT’s strong representation and active participation underscored the university’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a dynamic learning environment.

As the 2023 ENIFF Festival climaxes on Saturday, it is hoped that apart from studying to become professionals in journalism, the EAST attendees could also feature in not-so-a-distance movie as the organisers expressed optimism on the potentials exhibited by the students stressing that if properly guide, some of the students could become super actors/actresses, directors, cinematographers, among others.  

Jonathan Naomi Somtochukwu, a 400 level student from Mass Communication, ESUT was the cynosure of all eyes as she produced a two-minute-forty-two second video report of the festival on Thursday.

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