Snippets From 2023 ESUT Lagos Alumni Association Event

    BY SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

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Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) is an off-shoot of Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH) established as a non residential multi-campus institution in 1980.

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The administration of then Governor Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, founding father of the university, tailored the institution after Harvard University.

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It is instructive to note that other campuses that were created later were located at Abakiliki, Awka and Nnewi.

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At inception, only three faculties namely, Engineering, Science and Technology were established at the two functional campuses at Enugu and Awka.

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In 1985, there were major re-organisations and policies resulting in the introduction of new programmes and the merging of the University with its sister polytechnic – Institute of Management and Technology (IMT).

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The two merged institutions operated unsuccessfully under one Interim Joint Council (IJC) with Professor Onwumechili as the President and Professor J.C. Ene of IMT as Deputy until December 1986 when it was demerged.

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In 1991, following the creation of Enugu State from the old Anambra State the new government changed name from ASUTECH to ESUT.

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The two former campuses of ASUTECH at Awka and Nnewi became the State University for Anambra State which today has been taken over by the Federal Government and renamed Nnamdi Azikiwe University, while the Enugu and Abakiliki campuses on the other hand formed ESUT.

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ESUT however retained and adopted all the identities of the old ASUTECH including its main campus, the logo, colour, anthem, philosophy, aims and objectives among others.

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The creation of Ebonyi State from the old Enugu and Abia States in 1996 saw ESUT forfeiting its campus at Abakaliki which houses its Colleges of Medicine and Agriculture.

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Today, ESUT has grown so large with impressive landmarks in different fields of learning coupled with increasing number of alumni within and outside Nigeria.

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Little wonder, the 2023 Annual Event of ESUT Lagos Alumni Association held on November 25 at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, attracted attention in the media.

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In a welcome address, the Chairman of the Event Planning Committee, Chief Professor Kabuo Margret Nma, noted that the occasion gave them opportunity to recognise and celebrate some of their members who have excelled in their chosen careers and had supported immensely towards the development of their Alma Mater.

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Nma further remarked: “To God be the glory for making this day a reality as there were so many unprovoked forces/challenges that emanated internally during the incubation planning period of this event, but with patience, perseverance, and passion for our Great Alma Mater, the Planning Committee came out victorious with the support of some passionate Esutites.”

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In his message, the Branch President of  ESUT Lagos Alumni Association, Gil Emeka Abonyi said, “the 2023 Annual Event is another great event in our checkered history.”

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“With the changing dynamics in the world and nation’s economy, we have also chosen an astute business professional and prolific resource speaker Engineer Chief (Sir) Dr Innocent Akuvue to handle our Event Theme: “Entrepreneurship, Development and Self Employment”, he further said.

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Abonyi recalled that the Lagos branch was formed in June 2006 by eleven members after several attempts in the past to set it up.

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“The branch was officially inaugurated in a colourful ceremony on 31st March, 2007 by the then Vice Chancellor, Professor I.J Chidobem and the then National President, Chief (Sir) Dr Innocent Akuvue (KJS) FNSE.

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“At present, the branch is made up of 56 members. Apart from contributing meaningfully to the welfare of our Alma Mater, it is a forum for social integration among the Alumni where opportunities are grabbed as a result of familiarity and oneness”, he stated.

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He commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and the ESUT Vice Chancellor, Professor Aloysius Michael Okolie as well as the Registrar of the university, Ambrose Ugwu for their wonderful works in the institution, urging members of the Alumni to always be proud of their Alma Mater.

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“It is our sincere wish that our Alma Mater will remain among the best universities in Nigeria”, he added.

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In his lecture, the Guest Speaker, Engineer Akuvue, dwelt on entrepreneurship, development and self employment, pointing out that for an entrepreneur to succeed, he must be ready to take risk.

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Akuvue, a 1986 Chemical Engineering graduate of ASUTECH (now ESUT) advised that the entrepreneur must be prudent, urging budding entrepreneur to work in small organisation to experience patience, perseverance and endurance.

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Chief Akuvue recalled with nostalgia his experience as an employee in Greenway Industry Ltd, Port-Harcourt as a Pupil Engineer, adding that he was the very first staff in the Production Unit.

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“I was involved in the Construction & Commissioning of the Greenway Ammonia and LPJ plants. I grew up in this organisation to different positions culminating to the rank of the Plant Superintendent.

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“Entrepreneur must have a decisive mind and capacity to develop from the scratch and grow.

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“Entrepreneur must pick the right hands to grow the business and must be humble, and have the passion for the business venture and be ready to make huge sacrifices.

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“Avoid projecting poverty. You must be bankable with strict banking habits to maintain good financial track records with integrity and good character. An entrepreneur must always think out of box as a graduate.

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Chief Akuvue, vast in oil and gas business services, manufacturing and global shipping, affirmed that their university from inception had prepared its graduates to  be entrepreneurs that will run on their own.

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There were lecture contributions and questions on gray area from the audience while the lunch was served along with speeches from special guests. There was also music interlude which brought colour to the event.

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The high point of the event was conferment of awards on five Distinguished awardees, Nigerians and products of ESUT namely; Engineer Chief (Sir) Dr Innocent Akuvue (KSJ) FNSE-Chairman/CEO GGI Group Ltd, Mr Evaristus Ndu Okeke-Asst. General Manager Zenith Bank Plc, Prince Tony Aniemeke-MD/CEO Heirs Insurance Brokers-UBA Group, Engineer Charles Iwuamadi-Asst. General Manager, Transmission Company of Nigeria, and Engineer Sir Ossy Adubasim-President/CEO-JOC & JOC Group.

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Indeed, the annual gathering  was a special occasion for Esutites and their well-wishers which was expressed by the Secretary of the Planning Committee, Barrister Chidiebere Chukwu who appreciated sponsors and everybody who contributed towards the success story of the event.