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Tag: ESUT

  • Female undergraduate fakes own kidnap

    Female undergraduate fakes own kidnap

    A 28-year-old female undergraduate has been arrested over alleged involvement in a self-orchestrated kidnap plot designed to extort money from her own family to establish a business venture for her boyfriend.

    The suspect, a female student of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), was said to have carried out the act in a lodge located at UNIZIK Temp Site, Awka, Anambra State.

    It was gathered the suspect had stormed the lodge in the company of her male accomplice after contacting her family, informing them she was returning home from school but never arrived. 

    She was said to have switched off her phone throughout the day while her male accomplice called her family, claiming responsibility for her kidnap and demanding a ransom of ₦10million.

    The family reportedly initiated negotiations for ransom, which was reduced to ₦3million and a part payment of ₦1million later paid into the suspect’s bank account.

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    Luck ran out on the duo as they were rounded up by the police operatives following tip-off.

    Confirming the arrest, Anambra state Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said the duo, upon interrogation, confessed to staging the kidnap as a plot to extort money from the suspect’s family. 

    He said the female suspect, Chinecherem Nwaokoye, admitted she masterminded the plan after watching a movie and intended to give the money to her boyfriend to start a business.

    He said: “Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) acting on an intelligence-led investigation of a disturbing report of alleged abduction of Chinecherem Nwaokoye, a female student of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), stormed a lodge located at UNIZIK Temp Site, Awka, where the victim was found alive and in the company of her male accomplice. 

    “According to the report, Chinecherem had earlier contacted her family on Tuesday, 8th July 2025, informing them that she was returning home from school but never arrived. 

    “Her phone remained switched off throughout that day. On Wednesday, 9th July 2025, her family received a call from an unknown male voice who claimed responsibility for her kidnap and demanded a ransom of ₦10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) only.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu has directed that the suspects be charged to court without delay.

    “He condemned the incident as a clear sign of deepening moral decay among some youths in the society. 

    “He warned that the Command will not tolerate such criminal deception,  calling on parents and guardians to pay closer attention to activities and peer influence on their children.”

  • VC decries invasion of ESUT premises by thieves

    VC decries invasion of ESUT premises by thieves

    The management of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has expressed apprehension over the theft of some of the institution’s expensive solar panels.

    The university under the administration of the current Vice Chancellor, Prof. Alloysius Michaels-Okolie, had late last year commenced installation of the solar-powered street lights within the university’s main campus at Agbani in Nkanu West local government area of the state.

    But, no sooner were they installed than the panels were carted away by thieves.

    Speaking when the people of Obe and Umueze autonomous communities in Nkanu West local government area of the state donated additional 30 plots of land for the building of the nursery, primary and secondary school projects of the university, the VC, Prof Okolie lamented that the university is threatened by the activities of thieves and private developers, who also block the road to the university campus.

    “We have been having issues of theft here in the university. People come in from different directions to loot our property.

    “Our solar panels were stolen as they were being mounted. Let’s help ourselves. We have been enduring a number of things because we want peace

    “Also, people who build houses are blocking our roads. Let’s respect the right of way. We need peace here in ESUT,” the VC said.

    While commending the people of Obe and Umueze autonomous communities for sacrificing a lot for the university through donation of land, Okolie urged them to see the university and its property as their own.

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    He informed them that Governor Peter Mbah had already given approval for the construction of perimeter fencing to protect the university from further encroachment and theft.

    Okolie, who announced the employment of 10 security personnel from the host communities, assured them that as long as they continued to treat the university as their personal property, more privileges would be extended to them.

    The communities vowed to do everything possible to apprehend those who stole the street lights and panels, promising that henceforth, “Anybody who steals from ESUT is now fighting us.”

    One of the community leaders and traditional ruler of Obe Community, HRH Igwe Stephen Nweke, said the decision to cede the land to the university was due to the newly established cordial relationship existing between the host communities and the university, which he said was made possible by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Alloysius Michaels-Okolie.

    The monarch, who stated that the two communities had resolved to own the university in order to protect its property, said with the performance of the VC and the vision of Governor Peter Mbah for the state, nothing could be too much for them to do for the university that had brought development to the community.

  • VC decries invasion of ESUT premises by thieves

    VC decries invasion of ESUT premises by thieves

    The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has cried out following the theft of several expensive solar panels from the institution.

    The university under the administration of the current Vice Chancellor, Prof. Alloysius Michaels-Okolie, had initiated the installation of solar-powered street lights within its main campus at Agbani in Nkanu West local government area of the state late last year.

    However, during the installation process, the panels were stolen by unidentified thieves.

    During a speech at the donation event by the Obe and Umueze autonomous communities in the Nkanu West local government area, where they contributed an additional 30 plots of land for ESUT’s nursery, primary, and secondary school projects, VC Prof. Okolie, expressed concern over the university’s vulnerability to theft and encroachment by private developers. He also highlighted the issue of road blockages leading to the university campus.

    The VC said: “We have been having issues of theft here in the university. People come in from different directions to loot our property.

    “Our solar panels were stolen as they were being mounted. Let’s help ourselves. We have been enduring some things because we want peace

    “Also, people who build houses, are blocking our roads. Let’s respect the right of way. We need peace here in ESUT.”

    While commending the people of Obe and Umueze autonomous communities for sacrificing a lot for the university through the donation of land, Okolie urged them to see the university and its property as their own.

    He informed them that Governor Peter Mbah had already approved the construction of perimeter fencing to protect the university from further encroachment and theft.

    Okolie, who announced the employment of 10 security personnel from the host communities, assured them that as long as they continued to treat the university as their personal property, more privileges would be extended to them.

    The communities vowed to do everything possible to apprehend those who stole the street lights and panels, promising that henceforth, “Anybody who steals from ESUT is now fighting us.”

    One of the community leaders and traditional ruler of Obe Community, HRH Igwe Stephen Nweke, said the decision to cede the land to the university was due to the newly established cordial relationship existing between the host communities and the university, which he said was made possible by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Alloysius Michaels-Okolie.

    Read Also: Communities donate land to ESUT school projects

    The monarch, who stated that the two communities had resolved to own the university to protect its property, said with the performance of the VC and the vision of Governor Peter Mbah for the state, nothing could be too much for them to do for the university that had brought development to the community.

    Igwe Nweke said: “Today, we are here to hand over the land documents which are owned by the Umueze and Obe communities for the establishment of ESUT Nursery, Primary and Secondary school to you and the management of ESUT. We’re here because we have seen a better approach in you than the past VCs.”

  • Enugu communities donate land for ESUT schools project

    Enugu communities donate land for ESUT schools project

    The people of Obe and Umueze autonomous communities in Nkanu West local government area of Enugu State have donated additional 30 plots of land for the expansion of the main campus of the Enugu University of Science and Technology(ESUT). 

    The land donation was to accommodate the nursery, primary and secondary schools project of the university.

    The leaders of the two communities, who spoke while signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to hand over the land to the university, at the university’s main campus, Agbani, said the donation was a show of their support to the Governor who the people believe had started well in tackling the challenges of the State.

    According to the traditional ruler of Obe Community, HRH Igwe Stephen Nweke, the decision to cede the land to the university was down to the newly established cordial relationship existing between the host communities and the university, which he said was made possible by the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Alloysius Michaels-Okolie.

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    The monarch, who stated that the two communities had resolved to own the university  to protect its property, said with the performance of the VC and the vision of Governor Peter Mbah, nothing could be too much for them to do for the university that had brought development to the community.

     President General of Umueze Community, Chief Kingsley commended the VC for his kind gesture to the host communities, assuring him of their unalloyed support.

    He stated that every plan was to make sure that the host communities and others get the best education required to compete globally.

  • Mysterious deaths of ESUT students cause tension in Enugu

    Mysterious deaths of ESUT students cause tension in Enugu

    There is palpable tension in the Agbani Campus of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Agbani, Enugu, following the alleged mysterious deaths of some students of the institution.

    It was gathered that many students have died in mysterious circumstances within the last few weeks, a development that forced the National Association of Nigerian Students(NANS) to demand the immediate shut down of the institution.

    According to a statement issued by the coordinator of NANS, Zone F, Southeast, Comrade Chidi Nzekwe and titled: ‘Call to shutdown Enugu State University Of Science & Technology (ESUT) immediately’, was obtained by our correspondent in Enugu.

    The statement read: “The leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone F- Southeast, expresses our deepest concern and utmost dismay over the frequent and tragic death of our students in Enugu State University Of Science and Technology (ESUT).

    “Our investigations have shown a high level of negligence on the part of the school administration, ranging from non-functional student clinic, which is a major factor for the unfortunate death of our students.

    “In the light of these disturbing findings, the leadership of NANS Zone F has taken the decision to order the immediate shutdown of the institution from tomorrow being 24th of August 2023, till further notice.

    “This action is necessary to allow us to engage in extensive meetings with relevant stakeholders, including the university management, medical experts, security agencies and student representatives.

    “Failure to shutdown the institution with immediate effect, we will be compelled to escalate our actions and the university management should get ready to contend with the armless battalion army of Nigerian students in the zone.

    “The leadership of NANS Zone F is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian students.

    It further stated: “We will not stand idly while the lives and welfare of our students are endangered, as we seek for a quick intervention to this crisis, we urge all our students in ESUT to return back to their respective homes where they will be safe till further notice.

    “May the souls of our dear departed students Rest in peace.”

    Similarly, a staff of the university, who preferred anonymity, confirmed the strange deaths, staying that the Enugu State government was already on top of the situation.

    The staff said: “We are expecting a government delegation to the university; we will know the next line of action after that visit.”

    Reacting to the development, the public relations officer of ESUT, Ikechukwu Ezianioma, described the reports as mendacious and fallacious, saying it was meant to tarnish the image of the university.

     He, however, said that the state government had waded into the matter with the governor, Peter Mbah dispatching the secretary to the state government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia and the commissioner for health, Ikechukwu Obi to the university to get the firsthand information about what transpired.

    Ezianioma added: “We are issuing a press statement soon and you will understand where we are coming from. 

    “The governor has already sent a team led by the secretary to the state government and the commissioner for health to the institution to see for themselves. Most of all these things you see are mendacious and fallacious aimed at tarnishing the image of the university.”

    Read Also: Tension as police arrest ESUT students

    The press statement was however still being expected as of the time of filing this report.

    When The Nation contacted the state commissioner for health, Ikechukwu Obi, an unidentified aide responded that the commissioner was busy with meetings and urged our correspondent to send text messages.

    Our correspondent sent text message but as of the time of filing this report, no response had been received from the state government.

  • ESUT matriculates 6,444 freshers

    A total of 6,448 fresh students given provisional admission at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu were matriculated at the weekend during its 36th matriculation ceremony

    These were screened from over 15,000 applicants.

    The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Luke Anike, urged the fresh students to regard themselves as being lucky.

    He advised them to shun malpractice and indiscipline in their academic pursuits.

    He said that the institution was known for its uncompromising and sustained policy of zero tolerance for exam malpractice and academic dishonesty.

    “Examination malpractice is viewed with utmost seriousness here in ESUT and the consequences are grave,’’ he noted.

    The vice chancellor noted that the management of the institution also has zero tolerance for indiscipline and cultism.

    On academic excellence, Anike said the management had begun a programme aimed at encouraging and rewarding excellence in teaching and research among academic staff of the institution.

    One of the new students, Obinna Ani, said that he would study hard to make the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.50 in his first year in order to qualify for the university’s scholarship award.

  • ESUT, Irish university to introduce mobile phone health care delivery

    As part of efforts to reduce child mortality in Enugu State, the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University College, Cork, Ireland, for the usage of mobile phone technological devices for treatment of diseases in children under five years in rural areas.

    The Information Communication Technology (ICT) health initiative is expected to detect diseases in children, suggest the right drugs and refer those whose ailments are serious to hospitals in urban areas.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit to the ESUT management, Dr. Ciara Heavin from the Business Information Systems, University College, Cork Ireland, said she was delighted to enter into a partnership with ESUT and expressed happiness over the wonderful reception accorded to her team by the university management.  Heavin explained that their visit to Enugu was the first phase of the exercise, adding that they were in the state to understand how data is collected, managed; it’s usability, as well as its accessibility.

    Her team, she explained, would, before the commencement of the exercise, meet with health workers to provide positive research links in the state and to plan for their next visit.

    Responding on behalf of the management of ESUT, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Sam-God Eze, thanked the team for partnering with the university to tackle the health challenges of children in the state.

    He expressed hope that the project would be fruitful at the end, assuring them that they did not make a mistake.

    While pledging the total support of the university to the programme, the renowned academic advised the visitors to contact the institution for assistance if they encounter any problem.

    Also speaking, the Head, College of Medicine ESUT, Dr. Eddy Ndibuagu, explained that they signed MOU with Cork to develop an App that would be used to tackle the health challenges of Enugu State people.

    According to him, the APP would be used in treating children, pointing out that they were targeting malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea, among others.

  • ESUT hails return of Sprite triple slam

    Students of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) have hailed the return of the popular Sprite Triple Slam, a unique and an exciting platform that combines the three fun elements of basketball, music and dance.

    Speaking on behalf of the undergraduates, president of the Students Union Government, ESUT, Chinonso Amanoh, expressed their delight at having Sprite Triple Slam visit the university again.

    According to Amanoh, Sprite Triple Slam is one event that the students expect every year because of its originality. “The initiative is a laudable one and we look forward to it every year. As you can see, the students are having fun expressing themselves in basketball, music and dance. We have missed this and we are super excited that Sprite has brought back the platform to spark up our creativity.’’

    Reaffirming Sprite’s commitment to creatively engage its target audience consistently, the Senior Brand Manager, Flavours, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Toyin Nnodi, stated that the Sprite Triple Slam activation was designed to bring out fresh and out-of-the-box thinking, as well as empower Nigerian youths, especially the teens, to express themselves, while exploring the high level of ingenuity embedded in them.

    Nnodi expressed satisfaction at the huge success recorded so far with the activation, stating that, “We are happy that through the Sprite Triple Slam, a lot of talents have been discovered. One of such talents is Otse John, who now plays professionally for Dodan Warriors. We will continue to do more in the areas of talent discovery.”

  • ESUT disowns illegal Gboko campus

    The Management of the Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT) has dissociated itself from a campus operating in Gboko, Benue State in the name of the university.

    In a letter to the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Julius Okojie, the ESUT Vice Chancellor, Prof Luke Anike, said the institution had no campus outside the three in Enugu State (located in Agbani, Enugu and Nsukka) in line with the commission’s directive that all satellite campuses of universities be closed down.

    The VC noted that the letter was to clarify claims in a newspaper publication titled: “FG Bans 57 Universities, Sanctions Others”, which listed the university as one of those affected.

    The university warned that anybody dealing with the said “Gboko Campus,” does so at his/her own risk. It also urged relevant law enforcement agencies to arrest operators of the campus.

    Part of the letter reads: “That Management of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology hereby urges the law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute any operators of the so-called Gboko Campus of ESUT as they have no mandate to establish a campus of the university at Gboko. That any certificate awarded by the said “Gboko Campus of ESUT” is fake and does not originate from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT.”

    The campus was discovered by the NUC Committee on Closure of Illegal Universities and listed in the Monday Bulletin, as one of the illegal outfits.

     

  • ESUT gets new Vice Chancellor

    ESUT gets new Vice Chancellor

    Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has approved the appointment of Prof. Dennis Onah Christopher as the new Vice Chancellor of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, (ESUT).

    This is contained in a statement signed on Tuesday in Enugu by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Amechi Okolo.

    The statement said the appointment followed a recommendation by the governing council of the institution.

    “Sequel to the recommendation of the ESUT Governing Council, the governor and visitor to the university has approved the appointment of Prof. Dennis Onah Christopher as the new Vice-Chancellor of ESUT,’’ it said.

    The statement, which said the appointment was with effect from May 21, said the handover should be completed before May 22.

    Onah, who hails from Nsukka, was until his appointment, a professor of the Veterinary, Parasitological & Entomology Department of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

    He holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh and was the best graduating student, class of 1981, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

    He succeeds Prof. Cyprian Onyeji whose tenure has ended.