Education
ESUT flags off construction of 1,600-capacity ultramodern students hostel
The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has flagged off the construction of a 1,600-bed ultramodern students’ hostel as part of efforts to tackle the growing demand for accommodation driven by rising student enrolment.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, disclosed that the project had a completion timeline of 12 months, describing it as a strategic intervention aimed at improving students’ welfare and enhancing academic productivity.
He attributed the university’s recent strides to what he termed the “disruptive innovation” model of Governor Mbah’s administration, noting that ESUT’s management had aligned with the vision to deliver measurable results rather than mere promises.
“This is a management driven by demonstration and practicality. We have keyed into the governor’s philosophy of innovation, and that is why we are recording visible progress,” Okolie said.
The Vice Chancellor particularly lauded Governor Mbah for his forward-looking investments in technology and education, highlighting the approval of an Artificial Intelligence Application Centre at the former NCC facility in Nike.
According to him, the centre will serve as a practical hub for research, training, and certification in emerging technologies, positioning ESUT at the forefront of digital transformation in Nigeria’s tertiary education space.Nigeria investment guide
He further disclosed that, with the governor’s backing, the university had commenced plans to send selected academic staff to leading global centres in cities such as Doha and Dubai for specialised training in Artificial Intelligence, adding that the initiative would enable the institution to import global best practices and build a critical mass of experts capable of driving innovation and research.
Okolie also commended the governor for providing consistent and massive support to the institution, including funding for critical infrastructure, recruitment of academic and non-academic staff, and ongoing interventions at the College of Medicine and Teaching Hospital.
According to him, ESUT has witnessed a sharp increase in its admission quota, rising from about 2,842 in 2022 to over 8,700 currently, a development that has intensified the need for expanded accommodation facilities.
Okolie added that the university was repositioning itself as a model of a modern institution, citing ongoing reforms, completion of previously stalled projects, and a renewed focus on quality delivery.
In his goodwill message, the TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, said the hostel project reflected the agency’s commitment to strengthening tertiary education through impactful interventions, noting that the initiative would significantly improve student accommodation and enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
Echono, who was represented by the South East Zonal Coordinator, Mrs Catherine Onuoha, also commended the governor for fostering an enabling environment for educational development and urged contractors to adhere strictly to approved standards and timelines.
Also speaking, the representative of Africa Plus Nigeria Ltd, Dipo Lawore, described the project as part of a broader national programme to address the acute shortage of student housing across tertiary institutions, stressing that the ESUT hostel would feature modern facilities including reading rooms, a cafeteria, 24-hour security, laundromat, and en-suite rooms designed to provide comfort and safety for students.Nigeria investment guide
The firm noted that the project was being funded through a partnership involving TETFund, Family Homes Funds Limited, and Africa Plus Partners, with TETFund providing 25 per cent of the funding, while the private partners cover the remaining 75 per cent.
The Student Union Government representative, Comrade Okeke Raphael, praised both the governor and the Vice Chancellor for their commitment to transforming ESUT into a world-class institution.
He noted that the new hostel would significantly ease the burden of rising accommodation costs on students and improve their learning environment.
In a similar vein, the host community, represented by the traditional ruler of Umueze Community, Igwe Emeka Ani, described the project as timely and inspiring.
He commended the governor’s developmental strides across the state and assured the university management of continued support and cooperation from the community.
Performing the foundation-laying ceremony, Governor Mbah lauded the Vice Chancellor for what he described as proactive and result-oriented leadership, noting that the university’s progress was a reflection of effective alignment with his administration’s vision.
“I must commend the Vice Chancellor for being a strategic game changer. The success stories we have heard today show clear alignment with our governance philosophy,” the governor said.
He also expressed appreciation to TETFund and other development partners for their contributions, assuring that his administration would continue to prioritise education by providing the right infrastructure and support systems.
Mbah added that the project underscored the state’s commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and community development, expressing optimism that ESUT would continue to evolve as a hub for knowledge, research, and progress.
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The Senate of the University of Port Harcourt Rivers state has approved a special two-year amnesty for students admitted between the 2010/2011 and 2018/2019 academic sessions who were unable to complete their programmes within the stipulated period.
This was contained in a statement by the university public relations officer,Dr Sammy Kpenu and made available to the tide over the weekend in port Harcourt.
The statement stated that eligible students are expected to submit formal applications addressed to the Vice Chancellor through their respective Heads of Department for review and necessary consideration.
The statement further stated that the approval provides a renewed opportunity for affected students to return, regularize their academic status, and successfully complete their studies.
According to the statement the amnesty also offers a fresh opportunity to students who had issues related to overstaying or other challenges that forced them to discontinue their programmes, to return and complete their academic pursuits.
The statement however said that the deadline for submission of applications end on 31st May, 2026 and therefore urge the affected students to take full advantage of the window the amnesty provided to realise their academic dreams.
The River State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor has called on media practitioners in Rivers State to deploy their various communication platforms toward promoting government programmes and policies aimed at achieving sustainable development in the education sector. Dr. Nwagor made the appeal when members of the Etche Ethnic Practicing Journalists (EEPJ) paid him a courtesy visit in Office in Port Harcourt. The Commissioner emphasized the strategic role of the media in shaping public perception, promoting government initiatives, and supporting policies capable of improving the quality of education and human capital development in the state. According to him, constructive media engagement remains essential in creating public awareness on educational reforms, students’ welfare, infrastructural improvements, and other interventions being implemented by the state government. Speaking on the recent appro
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education will hold its 44th Convocation Ceremony on May 8 and 9, 2026, the University Senate has announced.
Executive Governor of Rivers State and Visitor to the University, Siminalayi Fubara, approved the dates.
The award of First Degrees and presentation of prizes will hold on Friday, May 8, while Postgraduate Degrees will be conferred on Saturday, May 9.
Chairman of Senate, Okechuku Onuchuku, announced the schedule during an emergency Senate meeting on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the University’s Postgraduate Hall, Rumuolumeni.
Onuchuku also said the University Council had ratified the promotion of 35 academic staff to the rank of Professor and 41 others to the rank of Reader.
*The newly promoted professors are:*
*Administration and Management Sciences*: Ikechi Prince Obinna, Consumer Behaviour and Sustainability Marketing; Chukwu Godswill Chinedu, Consumer Behaviour and Sustainability Marketing; Joy A. Mekuri-Ndimele, Consumer Behaviour and Sustainability Marketing; Dumo Nkesi Opara, Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour; Lawrence Amadi, Entrepreneurship and Strategic Marketing.
*Agriculture*: Eunice Ngozi Ajie, Agricultural Economics; Godswill Ibom Wilcox, Production Economics.
*Education*: Emmanuel Okwu, Library and Information Science; Love Nwamadi, Counselling Psychology; Ali Beatrice Onyebuchi Amadi, Early Childhood and Primary Education; Jerome Ibejika Wosu, History and Policy of Education.
*Humanities*: Grace Hart Lawrence, African Religion and Cultural Heritage.
*Natural and Applied Sciences*: Worokwu China Roland, Science Education (Chemistry); Constance Izuchukwu Amanah, Algorithms and Software Engineering; Comfort Emma-Elechi, Community Health Education and Promotion; Wokocha Gideon Azubuike, Science Education; Glory Godspower-Echie, Science Education; Nwala Longinus, Science Education (ITS); Daso P. Ojimba, Mathematics Education; Nchelem Rosemary George, Mathematics Education; Dagogo Franklin Ibim, Applied Geophysics.
*Social Sciences*: Leelee Nwiibari Deekor, Development Economics; Nzidee Williams, Development Economics; Iwarimie B. Uranta, Political Theory and Methodology; Dennis Reuben T. Ukpere, Rural Development and Resource Management; Poroma Lekia Celestine, Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management; Ngeh David Baride, Sociology of Development; Ebenezer Levi Odike, Sociology of Development and Social Work; Goodnews Wabah, Medical Sociology; Nwikpugi Bright Poronakie, Regional Development Planning; Ikechi Omenihu Okwakpam, Environmental Management.
*Vocational and Technical Education*: Paulinus Emennu, Industrial Technical Education (Mathematical Option); Joseph Onwuakalaegbule.
*Print style notes:*
1. *Lead first*: Who, what, when upfront — dates in para 1
2. *Dateline*: PORT HARCOURT in caps
3. *Numbers*: Figures above nine written as numerals, per AP style
4. *Attribution*: “said” used, titles before names on first reference
5. *Tight lists*: Semicolons separate full entries to save space
6. *No fluff*: Cut “executive”, “dedicated to”, “featured” — verbs carry weight
By: Akujobi Amadi
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