Convocation: Ugwuanyi charges ESUT on reinvention of founding objective

•Enugu indigenes set road map for development of state
Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has harped on the need for Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) to re-invent and re-commit to its founding objective to engender development and transform the financial standing of the institution as a citadel of knowledge founded to drive global science and technology projects.  

Ugwuanyi pointed out that the founding objective of ESUT, which appeared realisable at early stages of the university’s existence, when it earned accolades for fabrication of motor pistons, mace, computer panels and solar panels, seemed relegated afterwards.

Speaking at the 18th convocation ceremony of the university, on Saturday, the governor stated that in view of alarming disparity in the cost of university education between public and private universities, inadequacy of government funding of public universities, and other challenges, the public universities that would survive and remain competitive are those that strategically explore and leverage alternative funding opportunities through research grants and earnings, as well as economically rewarding projects and partnerships.  

The governor, therefore, advised that “ESUT, being a science and technology university, should deploy its intellectual resources to fuel research and creativity to ultimately drive innovation of products and services.”

Ugwuanyi said: “This would attract huge income through patents and royalties to the university and complement government’s funding.”

ALSO, indigenes of Enugu State resident in Abuja under the auspices of Hilltop Club Abuja, at the weekend, canvassed a pragmatic approach towards development of the state, insisting that the state is far from realising its potentials despite its enormous natural and human resources.

At a policy dialogue it organised, yesterday, in Enugu, where it presented its agenda, titled: ‘Enugu State of Our Dream’ to governorship candidates of political parties participating in the 2023 general elections, the group expressed displeasure that the state, though a former capital of eastern Nigeria, could not compare favorably with other cities such as Ibadan and Kaduna in terms of infrastructure and related development.