The Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has approved the immediate commencement of perimeter fencing at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) in a decisive move to enhance security for students, staff and critical infrastructure within the institution.
The approval was announced on Tuesday at the university during a groundbreaking ceremony by the Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, who described the intervention as timely and reflective of the governor’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding public institutions.
Prof. Okolie said the fencing project underscored Governor Mbah’s bold vision to reposition ESUT as a leading hub for science, technology and innovation, anchored on safety, stability and infrastructure renewal. He commended the governor for what he termed his prompt and hands-on response to challenges confronting the university.
“This project is about protection, order and growth. It is not meant to isolate the university from its host communities, but to secure lives, property and investments for the collective good,” the vice chancellor stated.
Stakeholders and representatives of the host communities comprising Umueze, Amankanu-Amurri, Obe and Agbani were unanimous in praising the governor’s intervention, describing it as a major boost to peace, security and development within and around the university environment.
The VC also lauded the cordial relationship between ESUT and its host communities, noting that the university had consistently upheld its obligations through employment opportunities, admissions and other community benefits. He assured them of sustained engagement and consultation as the fencing project progresses.
Highlighting other ongoing interventions, Prof. Okolie disclosed that the university had already provided a N1 billion counterpart fund for the construction of two modern hostel blocks with a combined capacity of 1,600 bed spaces—800 each for male and female students—under a partnership arrangement, adding that work was also advancing on a new Faculty of Social Sciences and a university printing press, both nearing completion.
According to him, ESUT is also set to strengthen campus security architecture through improved lighting and surveillance. He revealed that the lawmaker representing Nkanu West/East at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, had pledged 200 solar-powered streetlights for the institution, a development expected to pave the way for the deployment of closed-circuit television cameras and a central monitoring system.
Speaking on behalf of Amurri people, the President-General of Amankanu-Amurri, Hon. Victor Okechukwu, said Governor Mbah’s interventions had restored peace and accelerated development in the university area, adding that the fencing project had already enabled smooth site clearing and foundation work.
Similarly, the President-General of Umueze Awkunanaw, Engr. Okwudiri Ohaa, thanked the governor for placing ESUT high on his development agenda and pledged the continued support of his community. He also commended the vice chancellor for promoting fairness, justice and equity among the host communities.
Chief Igwenagu Ngene, who spoke for community stakeholders, expressed gratitude to the Enugu State Government for siting the university on their land, describing the sacrifices made by the communities as worthwhile given the transformation and opportunities ESUT had brought.
He acknowledged the scale and cost implications of fencing a university of ESUT’s size and applauded Governor Mbah for shouldering the responsibility. He assured that the host communities would fully support the project to ensure its successful completion.
On behalf of the students, the President of the Students’ Union Government, Comrade Chizaram Nwodo, said the governor’s approval had answered a long-standing demand of the student body. She noted that the fencing would significantly enhance safety and curb unauthorised access to the campus, while commending the university management for prioritising student welfare.
The ceremony climaxed with the breaking of kola nuts and symbolic site clearing, as the traditional ruler of Umueze Community, Igwe Emeka Ani, reaffirmed the support of the traditional institution and urged all stakeholders to rally behind the project for timely delivery.
