“At the ESUT convocation where 7,991 students received degrees and postgraduate awards, Nkanu West Council Chairman, Mr. John Ogbodo, hailed the university’s academic excellence and commended Vice Chancellor Prof. Alloysius Okolie for transformative leadership. Ogbodo urged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the state and leverage their training for global competitiveness. The ceremony marked ESUT’s steady academic progress across 13 faculties.”

Enugu | Sunday, November 23, 2025

The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) on Saturday (yesterday) conferred degrees on 7,991 students in a vibrant and memorable ceremony at the institution’s convocation arena, marking one of the university’s largest academic celebrations in recent years. The event attracted top government officials, members of the academia, traditional rulers, and families who gathered to witness the milestone achievements of the graduating students.

Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Alloysius Okolie, in his address, applauded the graduands for their “diligence, patience, and hard work,” noting that the convocation covered academic accomplishments from the 2023/2024 session across 13 faculties. He explained that the ceremony produced first-degree holders, postgraduate diploma recipients, master’s graduates, PhD awardees, and other doctorate honorees, reflecting the university’s broad academic footprint and evolving scholarship.

According to the Vice Chancellor, the institution has sustained a rigorous academic culture that prioritizes quality teaching, research innovation, and capacity development. He expressed confidence that the graduates were well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to society, emphasising that the university continues to strengthen its curriculum and professional training to meet global standards.

“Today’s milestone is not just a personal achievement but a tribute to ESUT’s resilient academic culture. The university pushed us to think beyond limits, and I am proud to emerge from an institution that is steadily redefining excellence in Nigeria’s higher education,” said Dr. Onyebuchi Nnaji, a doctoral graduate.

Nkanu West Local Government Chairman, Mr. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, who was present to receive the Governor of Enugu State-represented by the Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, Esq., praised the university’s leadership for what he described as a “steady and visible transformation” in the institution. He commended Prof. Okolie for championing reforms that have “positioned ESUT as a centre of academic excellence.”

Speaking to journalists shortly after the ceremony, the council chairman stated:
“The transformation we are witnessing in ESUT today is a product of purposeful leadership. The Vice Chancellor has implemented policies that strengthened academic delivery, enhanced discipline, and expanded the university’s reputation. He is truly an excellent scholar, and ESUT’s progress reflects his commitment to quality education.”

Mr. Ogbodo noted that ESUT has continued to earn respect locally and internationally, attributing this to the credible performance of its graduates across professional sectors. He stressed that ESUT graduates are increasingly competitive globally due to the solid academic exposure they receive.

“ESUT products are now in high demand because of the strong academic performance that the university has built over time,” he said. “Across fields-from engineering to management sciences, law, agriculture, medicine, and environmental studies-graduates of ESUT are taking leading positions in reputable institutions. This international recognition is a testament to the quality of training happening here.”

The chairman also highlighted the growing number of first-class graduates emerging from the university, describing it as evidence of both student dedication and the renewed seriousness of the academic environment. He emphasized that excellence is now a defining culture at ESUT.

The Chairman further charged the graduands to approach life beyond campus with discipline, integrity, and resilience. He encouraged them to uphold the values of the university and the state while remaining committed to personal and professional development.

“My advice to the graduands is simple: be worthy ambassadors of ESUT and of Enugu State,” he said. “The world you are entering will reward hard work, innovation, and integrity. Make your families proud, make your lecturers proud, and continue to strive for excellence.”

He added that graduation should not be seen as the end of academic pursuit but as the beginning of a broader journey that requires continuous learning, exposure to new ideas, and readiness to compete in an increasingly dynamic economy.

The convocation ceremony featured academic processions, award presentations, recognitions of outstanding scholars, and cultural performances that added colour to the event. Families expressed pride and relief as they celebrated the achievements of their loved ones, many of whom completed their programmes amidst economic challenges and shifting national circumstances.

As the graduating class disperses into different spheres of life-industry, public service, entrepreneurship, and postgraduate studies-the university reiterated its commitment to sustaining high educational standards while expanding research and developmental partnerships.

The 21st convocation not only celebrated academic achievement but also reaffirmed ESUT’s growing reputation as a vital contributor to national development, technological advancement, and human capital growth.

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The Federal Government has ordered immediate Nigeria school closures across 47 Federal Unity Colleges over escalating security threats. The move comes days after the Trump administration listed Nigeria as a CPC state, raising international attention to the deteriorating safety conditions. The directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, mandates principals to enforce compliance without delay.

Abuja – Saturday, November 22, 2025

The Federal Government has directed immediate Nigeria school closures across 47 Federal Unity Colleges following a new wave of security threats sweeping several regions of the country. The decision aligns with rising global concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating safety environment, amplified by the Trump administration’s recent designation of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) – a label that signals heightened scrutiny over governance, human rights conditions, and national stability.

The circular, dated December 21, 2025, was issued by the Federal Ministry of Education through the Office of the Director, Senior Secondary Education Department, and signed by Hajia Binta Abdulkadir for the Honourable Minister of Education. It cited the “recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches” as the immediate basis for the mass shutdown.

Education authorities fear that continued exposure of boarding schools, especially those in vulnerable corridors, could deepen national insecurity and expose students to avoidable danger. The closures also reflect the government’s attempt to respond proactively to security intelligence warnings amid growing international pressure to strengthen internal safeguards.

The shutdown affects Federal Government Colleges and Girls’ Colleges across the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and selected parts of the South, marking one of the most sweeping federal education interventions in over a decade. Principals of all affected schools have been instructed to enforce the closure directive without delay.

Below is the official order of the 47 Federal Unity Colleges affected:

1. FGGC Minjibir 2. FTC Ganduje 3. FGGC Zaria 4. FTC Kafanchan 5. FGGC Bakori 6. FTC Dayi 7. FGC Daura 8. FGGC Tambuwal 9. FSC Sokoto 10. FTC Wurno 11. FGC Gusau 12. FGC Anka 13. FGGC Gwandu 14. FGC Birnin Yauri 15. FTC Zuru 16. FGGC Kazaure 17. FGC Kiyawa 18. FTC Hadejia 19. FGGC Bida 20. FGC New-Bussa 21. FTC Kuta-Shiroro 22. FGA Suleja

Others are:

23. FGC Ilorin 24. FGGC Omuaran 24. 25. FTC Gwanara 26. FGC Ugwolawo 27. FGGC Kabba 28. FTC Ogugu 29. FGGC Bwari 30. FGC Rubochi 31. FGGC Abaji 32. FGGC Kazaure 33. FGC Kiyawa 34. FTC Hadejia 35. FGGC Potiskum 36. FGC Buni Yadi 37. FTC Gashua 38. FTC Michika 39. FGC Ganye 40. FGC Azare 41. FTC Misau 42. FGGC Bajoga 43. FGC Billiri 44. FTC Zambuk 45. FTC Ikare Akoko 46. FTC Ijebu-Imusin 47. FTC Ushi Ekiti

Nigeria’s education sector has historically suffered disruptions linked to insecurity, but analysts warn that recent patterns show a deeper structural decline. The CPC designation by the United States underscores global anxieties about Nigeria’s security trajectory and the government’s capacity to protect vulnerable populations, including schoolchildren.

The Ministry reiterated that the closures are temporary but necessary to prevent preventable tragedies. Further directives are expected as security assessments continue across regions.

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FG Opens Portal for Students’ Venture Capital Grant as New Innovation Era Begins

“Nigeria opens portal for the Students’ Venture Capital Grant, offering students up to N50m, mentorship, incubation and Google Gemini tools for startup innovation.”

The Students’ Venture Capital Grant has officially opened for applications, marking one of the most ambitious steps yet by the Federal Government to stimulate innovation, youth entrepreneurship, and economic diversification through student-led ventures across the country. Announced in Abuja by Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the launch signals a shift toward backing students with high-impact ideas capable of maturing into commercially viable enterprises.

According to Boriowo, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the Students’ Venture Capital Grant as a central pillar of the administration’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasised that the initiative is not merely a funding exercise, but a deliberate national strategy to cultivate innovators who can spearhead new industries, disrupt existing systems and redefine Nigeria’s economic trajectory.

Alausa explained that the President had challenged the Ministry to “look for the next Moonshot within our tertiary institutions,” stressing that the Students’ Venture Capital Grant was created to respond directly to this call. He added that government is not only seeking compelling projects but is actively scouting for future Nigerian Unicorns whose first roots will be planted in universities and polytechnics through equity-free support. “This is an equity-free seed investment in Nigeria’s future,” he said.

The minister stated that the Students’ Venture Capital Grant will award up to N50 million to student founders working on innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences (STEMM). However, he noted that financial support is only one layer of the structure. Successful applicants will be absorbed into a comprehensive ecosystem that includes intensive incubation, structured mentorship from accomplished entrepreneurs, and direct access to technical tools, platforms and professional resources required for product development, scaling and long-term sustainability.

Alausa noted that a major strength of the Students’ Venture Capital Grant lies in its strategic partnerships, particularly with Google. Through this collaboration, Google’s Gemini AI has been integrated into the application and evaluation process, enabling a custom-built set of “evaluation agents” that support objective, intelligent and efficient review of proposals. This ensures transparency, reduces bias, and guarantees that every submission is fairly assessed on merit.

He further disclosed that every applicant who completes a submission under the Students’ Venture Capital Grant will receive a one-year Google Gemini Pro license at no cost. This is accompanied by a suite of premium learning resources designed to strengthen entrepreneurial capability, enhance technical proficiency and equip students with real-world skills needed to compete in the global innovation marketplace.

The minister noted that this partnership ensures students are not only funded but are also empowered to begin their entrepreneurial journey with world-class digital tools. By embedding these resources into the programme, the Ministry aims to position Nigerian students at the frontlines of technological advancement, ensuring they can innovate confidently and compete with global peers.

Alausa encouraged all eligible Nigerian students in accredited tertiary institutions to apply through the official portal which remains the sole entry point for submissions. He advised applicants to prepare proposals that are scalable, market-ready and capable of solving significant national or global challenges, explaining that projects with clear pathways to impact will gain priority consideration under the Students’ Venture Capital Grant.

With this launch, the Federal Government signals an optimistic future built on homegrown innovation. By combining funding, mentorship, incubation and global technology support, the Students’ Venture Capital Grant stands as one of the most comprehensive youth-focused enterprise programmes yet introduced in Nigeria, and its outcomes could shape a new generation of innovators, founders and problem-solvers across the country.

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