The 20th Convocation Ceremony of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) was marked by excitement and remarkable achievements as 8,437 graduates, including nine First Class students, received their degrees. The event, held at ESUT’s Agbani campus, also featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees, including one in Business Administration and Corporate Governance awarded to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah.
In his remarks, Governor Mbah expressed pride in the strides made by ESUT, describing the university as a revitalized center of excellence. The governor highlighted key achievements, including the accreditation of 97% of ESUT’s academic programs and groundbreaking innovations such as a cooking stove-cell phone battery charger developed by Prof. Cyprian Mgbachi. Recognizing Prof. Mgbachi’s ingenuity, the state government announced a N50 million grant to support his work, while co-recipient of the honorary doctorate, international investor Mr. Bernd Bergmair, pledged an additional N52 million.
The ceremony also served as a platform to announce transformative plans for the university. Governor Mbah unveiled the establishment of a Centre for Experiential Learning, designed to immerse professors and students in practical, hands-on research and training. “This hub will drive technological advancement and foster innovation,” he said.
Over the past year, the state administration has committed more than N1.6 billion to expanding ESUT’s infrastructure. These investments include upgrades to laboratories, curriculum reforms, and new research initiatives that aim to uplift not just ESUT but all state-owned tertiary institutions.
“Education is the foundation of societal transformation,” Governor Mbah emphasized. He described ESUT as a critical contributor to manpower development across fields such as health, engineering, ICT, and agriculture, reinforcing its pivotal role in driving Enugu’s progress.
The governor urged graduates to remain committed to excellence and innovation, nembracing technology as they embark on the next phase of their journeys.
With bold initiatives and support for research and infrastructure, ESUT is reclaiming its place as a beacon of knowledge and innovation. As Governor Mbah succinctly put it: “Tomorrow is Here!”