The Archbishop, Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Anglican Communion, Most Rev Sosthenes Eze, has commended the Management of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, for her unprecedented efforts in the development of the University.
Most Rev Eze, noted that the development at ESUT cuts across human, academic, and structural facelift, stating that the University has been positively transformed through prudent management of human and material resources.
He passed the commendation during his courtesy visit on ESUT Management with some priests of his province at Agbani, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State on Wednesday.
“If not that the Vice Chancellor position is for one term, I would have wished that the present Management of ESUT led by Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, continues to run the University to maintain this tempo of the ongoing development in the University.
“I will see the Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Peter Mbah, to advise him to make one of the principal officers of ESUT, the next Vice Chancellor of the University so that this team is maintained.
“If Nigeria’s socio structural development would be achieved, universities would normally occupy the driving seat through their research. That is the global standard and Nigeria should not be an exception,” he said.
He further stated that funding of tertiary institutions and proper moulding of character of individuals are needed to guarantee sustainable development of any society.
While extending his hands of partnership to ESUT, he urged the management of the University to propel her Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences to research on herbal medicine to help in finding solutions to some diseases that are prevalent in our society.
The Archbishop stressed the role of the church in nation building, noting that Christians should endeavour to carry the character of Jesus Christ into public space to ensure transparency, and love of one another in their official engagements.
In his response, the Vice Chancellor of the University , Professor Okolie, stated that ESUT was ready to partner the church in moulding the character of her students, adding that ESUT certificates were awarded only to those found worthy in character and learning.
Prof. Okolie who was represented by his deputy, Professor Chike Nwoha, further said that the Management of the University prioritizes welfare of its staff and students, adding that under the current Management, ESUT had maintained promptness in payment of workers salaries and promotion of her personnel.
He equally stated that ESUT has become the first choice University in the whole of South East due to the relentless efforts of the Management in upgrading its standards, adding that the National Universities Commission, NUC, recently increased the admission quota for Medicine and Surgery, and Medical Laboratory Sciences to 240 each. He also said that the admission quota for Nursing Sciences which was 35 , had been increased to 120.
While congratulating the Archbishop who is also an alumnus of of the Faculty of Engineering, ESUT, the Registrar of the University, Ambrose Ugwu, stated that unlike before, graduands of the University collect their original certificates before proceeding to the NYSC camps.
He equally noted that the University had maintained unhindered academic calendar due to her harmonious relationship with the labour and students’ unions in the University.
