ESUT PG Dean Advocates for Transition to College Status Amid Surge in Enrolment
ESUT PG Dean Advocates for Transition to College Status Amid Surge in Enrolment
UmarFarouk123 
The Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Charles Chime, has proposed a strategic structural upgrade of the school into a College of Postgraduate Studies to enhance operational autonomy and global relevance.
Speaking with ESUT Monitor, Prof. Chime outlined how this transition would streamline administrative processes, granting the unit financial independence and the capacity to manage its own budget and staffing under the leadership of a "Provost."
Since assuming office in August 2023, Prof. Chime has overseen a "tremendous" increase in student numbers.
Enrolment Surge: From a baseline of 1,200 students, the 2024/2025 session saw 1,300 new applicants, with 980 successfully completing registration.
Strict Timelines: The Dean emphasized a commitment to graduation timelines, noting that PGD programmes (1 year), Master’s degrees (18 months), and PhDs (3 sessions) are strictly monitored to prevent students from overstaying.
Global Visibility: Policies aimed at international best practices have significantly boosted the school’s profile, attracting a more "intentional and focused" student body.
To match the growing population, Prof. Chime identified critical gaps in infrastructure and revealed plans to engage prominent stakeholders and political figures to fund:
A Dedicated Postgraduate Library: To provide a specialized research environment.
An AI/ICT Hub: A digital center designed to provide high-speed internet and modern research tools to ease academic stress.
Postgraduate Housing: Addressing the current lack of dedicated hostel accommodation for advanced students.
Affectionately referred to as the "Dean of Deans," Prof. Chime also used the medium to challenge students—particularly those in Mass Communication—to embrace entrepreneurship. Citing digital pioneers like Linda Ikeji, he urged students to remain proactive, stating, "You have not failed until you quit trying."
