Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) on Saturday, at it’s 18 convocation at Agbani, conferred different degrees on 25, 609 graduands. honorary degree awards to six distinguished personalities, just as the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, urges the institution to re-invent it’s founding objectives to engender development and transform financial standing.
In his welcome address, ESUT Vice Chancellor, Prof.Aloysius-Michael Okolie said the convocation covered five years set of graduands, from 2016 to 2021 and that 21, 523 was conferred with first degree, 924 was confered with Postgraduate Diploma, 2,901 was confered with Master Degree and 261 with Ph.D.
Okolie who also represented the Chancellor, Dr. Hassan Adamu said the event was significant to the council management of the University Community and indeed the graduands.
He appreciated the presence of the Enugu state governor, Rt. Hon.(Dr) Ifeanyi Ugwsuanyi at the event, pointing out that his fatherly role and wisdom have continued to direct and impact meaningfully on the growth and development of “the first University of Science and Technology in the country.”
The ESUT Vice Chancellor appreciated Governor Ugwuanyi “for all his support and encouragement to keep ESUT in the global race for academic excellence”, revealing that “his (Ugwuanyi) non-interference in the administration in the university is a sufficient proof that he wants to enthrone objectivity, and level playing ground devoid of bias and nepotism in the University.”
In his address, Enugu state Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi commended the ESUT Vice chancellor for breaking the jinx of convocation stagnation at the institution.
He said,” I commend you for breaking the jinx and bringing forth the five years of the University convocation.
“Now that the VC has started the move, I therefore urge graduands to apply what they learnt to whatever they do in life for a better society,”Governor Ugwuanyi said.
The Governor stressed the need for ESUT to re-invent and re-commit itself to it’s founding objectives to engender development and transform the financial standing of the institution as a citadel of knowledge founded to drive global science and technology projects.
Governor Ugwuanyi pointed out that the founding objective of ESUT which appeared realisable at the early stages of the University’s existence, when it earned accolades for fabrication of motor pistons, mace, computer panels and solar panels, seemed relegated subsequently.
Governor Ugwuanyi stated that in view of the alarming disparity in the cost of university education between public and private universities, inadequacy of government funding of public universities, and other challenges, the public universities that would survive and remain competitive are those that strategically explore and leverage alternative funding opportunities through research grants and earnings as well as economically rewarding projects and partnerships.
He said, “ESUT should deploy her intellectual resources to fuel research and creativity and ultimately drive innovation of products and services,” stating that “this would attract huge income through patents and royalties to the University and complement government funding.”
In his address, the Pro-Chancellor of ESUT and Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Most Rev. Prof. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah expressed gratitude to Governor Ugwuanyi who is the Visitor to the University, for “his commitment to funding and improving the condition of service of the staff of ESUT”, revealing that “through the Governing Council the governor has been faithful to his promises and the promises of the government.”
He said that, within the first quarter of this year, the governing council painstakingly interviewed and appointed the members of the new management team.
“They were charged to get the university to the top level of intergrity and academic scholarship and one of the fruit is what we are plugging today.
“Just six months after, the members of the council, within the sense of modesty, can affair that, the right team of management was appointed to pilot the affairs of the institution,”he said.
One of the graduates, Dr Maureen Ikpeama who was conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy degree, said,” I am happy and I thank God that today is reality as the journey we started years ago has ended in praise.”
She advised students to be serious with their studies, be prayerful , committed in what they do and persevere in trubulent time.”With hard work, prayers and perserverance they will excel”, she said.
An awardee, Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana), who was conferred with a degree of Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) said he is fulfilled for the honour.
Iyiegbu said it is a thing of joy,” I feel fulfilled because I had been noticed without knowing and rewarded.
” Whatever that I have been doing that made the University to honour me today, I will do it in double folds because it is worthy of emulation”.
Iyiegbu advised youths to always make hardwork, dedication and focus thier watchword in everything they do in life.
Other awardees were Michael Ikebudu , Doctor of Administration, Justice Chima Nweze ,Doctor of Law, Dr. Jude Ozah, Doctor of Science, Ike Nwokolo, Doctor of Public Finance, and Agatha Obiekwugo Doctor of Business Administration.