Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Unveils Ambitious Plans for Technological Revival and Global Collaborations
In a groundbreaking announcement, ESUT Vice Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, revealed the university's commitment to a technological renaissance and commercialization of products during a press briefing ahead of the 19th convocation ceremony on November 18, 2023.
Mary Nwaeze 
The Vice Chancellor of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), declared yesterday the institution's commitment to rejuvenate its focus on technological fabrications and the commercialization of products.
Speaking during a press briefing to kick off preparations for the 19th convocation ceremony scheduled for November 18, 2023, Prof. Okolie revealed that ESUT has inked Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with esteemed organizations and vendors. These partnerships are aimed at fostering entrepreneurial reinvention within the university, aligning with a broader strategy to revitalize the institution's technological prowess.
Highlighting the management's dedication to enhancing teaching and research, Prof. Okolie emphasized a 60% emphasis on capacity building and bolstering the employability of ESUT graduates. The Vice Chancellor disclosed plans to sign an MoU with the Council of Entrepreneurs for Africa (COEFA) in Ottawa, Canada, focusing on entrepreneurial reinvention. Additionally, an MoU with a U.S. service provider on engineering automation is in progress, leveraging the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Engineering.
"The whole idea is to return to the old good days of fabrications, generation of patents, and commercialization of our products," stated Prof. Okolie. He also announced collaborative efforts with the East-wing Aviation Institute, Cyber Infrastructure Ltd. for e-library services, and a forthcoming MoU with a Canadian university for staff and student exchange programs.
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Addressing challenges faced by ESUT, the Vice Chancellor highlighted porous boundaries, encroachments, and land grabbing issues, appealing to Governor Peter Mbah for support in re-establishing ESUT's boundaries and securing the campus.
ESUT is grappling with infrastructure deficits, inadequate funding, poor street lighting, and inconsistent power supply, according to Prof. Okolie. Despite these challenges, the Vice Chancellor announced the selection of five distinguished individuals for Honorary Awards, recognizing their significant contributions to society.
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During a project display featuring research projects from 11 faculties, Prof. Okolie affirmed the management's intention to collaborate with consulting firms to commercialize the research works. The Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Chike Anibeze, commended the university's capacity to translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications, with plans for entrepreneurial interventions to bring research works to the public domain.
The Director of Research and Innovation, Associate Professor Emeka Nze, described the exhibitions as the inaugural edition, aimed at unveiling the university's research endeavors for collaborative solutions to societal problems.
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With a total of 11,377 graduands set to receive degrees in the upcoming 19th convocation, ESUT is poised for a transformative journey marked by technological innovation, global collaborations, and a renewed commitment to excellence in education and research.
