Nkanu West Local Government Chairman, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, has applauded the 7,991 students who graduated at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)’s convocation ceremony on Saturday, praising the institution’s strengthened academic standards and urging the new graduates to represent Enugu State with pride and excellence.
Held at the ESUT convocation arena, the event drew government officials, academics, traditional leaders, and families who gathered to witness one of the university’s biggest graduation ceremonies in recent years.
In his address, ESUT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Alloysius Okolie, congratulated the graduating class for their resilience and commitment, noting that the ceremony covered academic achievements from the 2023/2024 academic session across 13 faculties.
He explained that ESUT awarded first degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, doctorates, and honorary distinctions, reflecting the institution’s expanding scholarly impact.
Prof. Okolie highlighted ESUT’s continuous drive to improve teaching quality, research output, and professional capacity development.
He expressed confidence that the graduates are adequately prepared for societal contributions and global competitiveness.
Representing Governor Peter Mbah, the Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, joined the ceremony, with Nkanu West Chairman Ogbodo commending Prof. Okolie’s leadership for the
“visible transformation” across the university. He attributed ESUT’s rising reputation to strategic reforms and purposeful governance.
Speaking with journalists, Ogbodo said the Vice Chancellor’s policies have enhanced discipline, improved academic delivery, and boosted ESUT’s standing both locally and internationally.
According to him, ESUT graduates are increasingly sought after because of the strong academic foundation they receive.
He also noted the university’s rising number of first-class graduates, describing it as evidence of renewed commitment from both students and faculty.
Addressing the fresh graduates, Ogbodo urged them to embrace discipline, integrity, and perseverance as they transition into the wider world.
He encouraged them to uphold ESUT’s values and pursue continuous learning, adding that graduation marks the beginning of their professional journey.
The colourful ceremony featured processions, awards, cultural displays, and special recognitions, as families celebrated the accomplishments of their loved ones, many of whom navigated economic challenges on their way to completing their programmes.
