The Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, has a renewed commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, industrial development and academic excellence, just as it unveiled a special Tissue Production Centre to expand its practical skills and enterprise development initiatives.

Rector of the Institute, Professor Gozie Ogbodo, restated the Management’s vision of making IMT a leading centre for entrepreneurship and technology-driven education.

Speaking during the Founder’s Day celebration at the weekend in Enugu, Ogbodo said the event provided opportunity to reflect on the institution’s journey of resilience, vision, sacrifice and transformation over the past five decades.

He noted that the institution has continued to witness significant improvements in infrastructure, academic programmes, research, innovation and enterprise development, adding that the current administration was focused on repositioning IMT as a globally competitive institution.

IMT, he added, remains committed to producing graduates equipped with the knowledge, entrepreneurial capacity and practical skills required to compete in the modern economy.

He acknowledged the contributions of the Alumni Association, describing its members as strategic partners in preserving the institution’s heritage and supporting its ongoing transformation.

The celebration, held under the theme “Reflection on the IMT Journey,” brought together government officials, traditional rulers, alumni, industry leaders, staff, students and other stakeholders to reflect on the institution’s achievements since its establishment in 1973 and chart a new course for its future.

Enugu State Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Dr. Sam Ogbu Nwobodo, had congratulated the Institute for its remarkable contributions to entrepreneurship and manpower development in Nigeria.

He commended the Management for aligning education with practical skills acquisition and industrial development, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between higher institutions, government and industry to promote innovation, research and sustainable economic growth.

As part of activities marking the celebration was the ceremonial tree-planting exercise within the campus to promote environmental sustainability and institutional growth, resilience and the enduring legacy of the school.

The event also paid glowing tribute to the founding vision of the Institute and honoured the pioneering leadership of Professor Mark Chijioke, the institution’s pioneer Rector, whose contributions, speakers noted, laid the foundation for IMT’s continued growth and national relevance.

A major intellectual highlight of the celebration was a panel discussion on the theme, “Reflection on the IMT Journey,” featuring distinguished scholars and administrators.

The panelists reflected on IMT’s evolution over the decades, its impact on technological education, entrepreneurship and national development, while commending the Alumni Association for its increasing support towards the advancement of the institution.

Another engaging session, tagged “Gown to Town,” examined the relationship between academic learning and industry.

The speakers encouraged students to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity and leadership by translating classroom knowledge into practical solutions capable of addressing societal and industrial challenges.

In recognition of outstanding dedication and long years of service, the Institute honoured its longest-serving teaching and non-teaching staff members.

Awards were presented to Engr. Nnadi Vincent Chukwuelozona as the longest-serving teaching staff and Mrs. Eze Theresa Chizoba as the longest-serving non-teaching staff for their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the institution.