Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Founder and first Visitor of former Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH) now Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Sen. (Chief) Jim Nwobodo, has commended the management of the institution for steering the ship of the university back to excellence in tune with his vision for the institution.
Nwobodo made the commendation when the Management team and key officers of the university led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, paid courtesy call on him at his country home, Amechi, in Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The elder statesman recalled that his intention at the onset was to make ASUTECH, now ESUT one of the best universities in Nigeria.
He urged the present management not to allow politics to thwart the pursuit of excellence in scholarship and administration in the university.
“I want ESUT to be one of the best universities in Nigeria. ESUT must not die and nothing should be politicised in the University.
“Everything should be done according to merit. The VC should do the best thing people should talk about because the greatest thing that has happened to Ndi Enugu is ESUT,” Nwobodo said.
On ESUT Management’s proposal to bequeath a deserving honour to him as the founder of the University, Chief Nwobodo expressed delight and appreciation while at the same time stressing his disappointment over the seeming neglect over the years.
“I am disappointed with ASUTECH/ESUT for neglecting me these past years. What makes me happy is that anywhere I go in the world, I see products of ESUT doing well,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Okolie, informed the former governor that the purpose of the visit was to thank him for having the foresight to establish the university, which he said was serving the people of the state and Nigeria at large.
Okolie said that the legacy could not be wished away.
He said: ”ASUTECH gave birth to Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, Ebonyi State University, (EBSU), and ESUT.
“I have discovered that you have been honoured by NAU, and EBSU, but ESUT which is at your backyard has not deemed it necessary to honour you.
“On the strength of that, ESUT has decided to honour you during the next convocation scheduled to take place on November 18, 2023.
“The University Management would be glad to confer an honorary award on you.”
The Vice Chancellor also noted that strategic roads in the university would be named after great sons and daughters of the state, starting with Chief Jim Nwobodo.
He also informed the premier visitor that ESUT, now made up of 11 Faculties, has graduated 12 batches of Medical Doctors among other laudable achievements.
Some of the Principal and key officers of ESUT present during the visit include the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof Chike Nwoha; Provost ESUCOM, Prof Frank Ezugwu; Registrar, Ambrose Ugwu among others.
