Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Vice Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, has said that Nigeria’s university system would have collapsed without the intervention of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
Professor Okolie made the statement at ESUT’s permanent site in Agbani during the inauguration of several TETFund-sponsored projects. The inauguration was led by Dr. Esther Ukachukwu, a member of the TETFund Board of Trustees representing the South-East, alongside the South-East Coordinator of the Fund, Catherine Onuoha, and other officials.
According to the VC, most of the iconic structures and essential facilities in universities across the country were made possible through TETFund’s support.
“TETFund has invested massively in Nigerian universities. Without it, the entire university system would have collapsed,” he said.
He highlighted the completion of the university’s Pharmacy Building—described as the largest in the country—as well as the Entrepreneurship Development Centre and a 500-capacity Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre, all funded by TETFund.
“We have vowed to rid ESUT of abandoned projects. That’s why we’ve applied for the completion of the ESUT Press, which is also a TETFund-supported project,” he added.
Professor Okolie also appealed for a multipurpose laboratory to enhance hands-on teaching, experiential learning, and research at the institution.
In her remarks, Dr. Ukachukwu commended the university for its efficient use of TETFund resources.
“I am quite impressed with what ESUT is doing. I’ve visited several institutions in recent days, and ESUT stands out. I encourage other universities to emulate the leadership and vision of ESUT’s management,” she said.
She assured that the Fund would consider further project applications from the university, subject to available resources.
Projects commissioned during the visit include the Pharmacy Building, the 500-capacity CBT Centre, and the ESUT Entrepreneurship Development Centre.
