Innovative Leadership Recognized at National Level
The Vice-Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, has been honoured with the Most Outstanding Vice-Chancellor in Nigeria 2024 award.
The prestigious recognition was conferred on him by the Commonwealth Society of Nigeria during a ceremony held at the National Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, as part of activities marking Commonwealth Day celebrations.
Professor Okolie emerged as the recipient of the award after surpassing 272 Vice-Chancellors from universities across Nigeria in a rigorous selection process. According to the Commonwealth Society of Nigeria, his leadership and innovative contributions to ESUT placed him ahead of his peers.
A Visionary Leader Leading Institutional Transformation
“After a meticulous screening process conducted by our impartial panel of judges, as nominated by Hon. Monday Diamond Ani, JP [Odoziobodo], you were successfully selected as the ‘Most Outstanding Vice-Chancellor in Nigeria 2024’—a prestigious award to be presented during the 2025 Commonwealth Day Conference,” the Society’s General Secretary, Prince Musa Abubakar Abutu, stated.
Professor Okolie’s visionary leadership at ESUT has been credited with driving transformational and innovative reforms, positioning the university for greater academic and administrative excellence. His efforts have not only improved the quality of education but also fostered a culture of accountability and progress within the institution.
The 2025 Commonwealth Day Conference carried the theme: “Renewed Hope: Peace, Unity, Progress, and Development / Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, and Transforming.” This theme aligns with Professor Okolie’s commitment to fostering peace, unity, and progress through transformative leadership in higher education.
The Commonwealth Society of Nigeria is an organization dedicated to fostering awareness of ethnic and cultural values, addressing social and educational issues within the Commonwealth, and advocating for HIV/AIDS awareness in Nigeria. By recognizing Professor Okolie’s achievements, the Society highlights the importance of leadership in advancing educational institutions and societal development.
The award underscores the critical role of visionary leadership in driving institutional growth and national development. Professor Okolie’s success serves as an inspiration to other Vice-Chancellors and leaders in academia, emphasizing the potential impact of innovative reforms and strategic planning in transforming Nigerian universities into centers of excellence.
Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie’s recognition as the Most Outstanding Vice-Chancellor in Nigeria reflects his dedication to fostering academic and administrative innovation. As Nigeria seeks to enhance its higher education sector, such leadership provides a model for others to emulate in delivering quality education and contributing to national progress.
