“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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