Posted by By Tony Edike on
THE Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), yesterday, commenced formal movement to its multi-million naira permanent site at Agbani following the dedication of the gigantic structures at the new site.
ENUGU - THE Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), yesterday, commenced formal movement to its multi-million naira permanent site at Agbani following the dedication of the gigantic structures at the new site. At the colourful occasion which featured an open air interdenominational service held at the Institution's permanent site and attended by a wide spectrum of residents of the state, Governor Chimaroke Nnamani vowed to use the institution as a change agent to transform education in Nigeria.
The governor, who was accompanied at the occasion by his deputy, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, members of the executive council, traditional and religious leaders, members of the state House of Assembly and local government chairmen, expressed determination to ensure that all the apparatus needed for effective operations of the university was procured to enable it rank among the best in Nigeria.
Also at the occasion were the Methodist Arch. Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Dr. Michael Ogo, Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Revd. Emmanuel Chukwuma and other religious leaders drawn from various denominations.
Nnamani said, 'It has become clear to all of us that we are indeed a change agent. God has made us change agents and that is the essence of life. God has given us an opportunity to implement change, change in human resources, change in infrastructure. So as change agents, we pledge our humble role to see to the completion of the University and permanent relocation of its organs."
He stated that the 600 hectares of virgin land donated two years ago by four communities of Obe, Amuri, Umueze and Agbani for the university's permanent site project, had been transformed into 162 units of buildings, four hostels, eight faculty buildings, medical centre, Vice Chancellors quarter, Senior Staff quarter, Junior staff quarters, road, water and electricity.
The governor, however, asked the authorities of the institution to make good use of facilities already on ground, stressing that the administration embarked on the project based on its conviction that education was a necessary tool for societal transformation.
Also speaking, Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ikechukwu Chidobem, said that the realisation of the movement of the institution despite the lean revenue available to the state from the federation account had endeared the governor to the people and an eloquent testimony to the nomination of the governor as the best performing governor by international donor agencies.
The movement, he said, was strategic as it had provided ultra modern infrastructure that could facilitate the accreditation status of the university for more than 45 percent.
He expressed the administration's desire to restore the institution to a first class in the pursuit of academic and administrative excellence comparable to the best in the world, adding that with the realisation of the university, learning, teaching and research could now be conducted with dedication and excellence under a convivial atmosphere.
Chidobem disclosed that in an effort to encourage productive scholarship, his administration had established linkages with academic, industrial, donor and international agencies and asked other stakeholders to join in the effort of re-engineering and repositioning of the institution to achieve sustainable academic excellence.
Dedicating the buildings earlier, Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Revd. Emmanuel Chukwuma, commended the governor for his vision in providing the permanent site of the university, saying that he has proven his commitment to the rapid development of the state and improvement of the life of the people.