ESUT Monitor Newspaper

Biafra Remembrance Day: A Call to Reflection and Action

— By Rev Fr Ikechukwu Ogara

*My Identity, My Double Citizenship*
I am an Igbo Nigerian; Igbo by blood, Nigerian by citizenship. I am like a citizen of two countries, who simultaneously owes loyalty to both. As an Igbo Nigerian, I believe that being Igbo does not make me less Nigerian just as being a Nigerian does not make me less Igbo. I am therefore obliged to fulfill my duties in both capacities.

The Struggle for a Fair And Inclusive Nigeria

This is how it is and this is how I want people to see it. Those who say they are not Nigerians are not honest because they have no other country now than Nigeria. They may get a country of their own tomorrow but for now they are Nigerians. This belief informs my relentless struggle and campaign for a fair and inclusive Nigeria. As a Nigerian, I love Nigeria and I am all for whatever will improve outcomes for all and make Nigeria acceptable to all Nigerians.

Honouring the Past

While showing allegiance to Nigeria, my country, as a matter of duty, I remain loyal to the Igbo struggle for justice and fairness. It is with this faith that I join my fellow Igbo people in different parts of the world in honouring the memories of our kith and kin who lost their lives in the Nigeria – Biafra war.

The Essence of Biafra Remembrance Day*
I must hasten to add that this day is not a day for protests and agitations in the streets. It is rather a special day of introspection and sober reflection. We just sit together in our homes, mourning and praying for our dead, affirming in our own lives the enduring ideals of justice, equality, and opportunity. We know we cannot bring the dead back to life. We just remember them, honour their sacrifice, and rededicate ourselves to the fight for freedom, for which they gave their lives.

That’s simply what we do on May 30 every year. It is a harmless exercise meant to help a people think about their history. No Igbo citizen should have a bad conscience about it and no Nigerian should raise any objections. If the day falls on a regular school or work day students and government workers have to observe the day in a personal capacity by engaging, outside of school and work hours, in quiet reflection, prayer, or other activities that honour the memories of the fallen heroes.

Nnamdi Kanu: A Symbol of the Undying Biafran Spirit

As we reflect on the ravages of the civil war and count our losses and the frustrations we share as Ndigbo in a country that has continued to deny us equity, we remind our leaders that there is a Biafran spirit in us all, what Ojukwu in his “Because I am Involved” calls the Biafra of the mind. It is a rebel spirit that refuses to adjust to oppression.

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is a clear example of this irresistible spirit. His unwavering dedication to the Biafran cause made him say things that didn’t go down well with a lot of people and led to his arrest and imprisonment. His story embodies the spirit of resistance and resilience that defines our people. As we honour the memories of our fallen heroes, we pray for him, asking the good to touch the heart of the president.

A Call to Action
So much has been said and written already about Biafran Memorial Day in many other fora. There is really no need for long explanations. I pray that the injustices be redressed to give the Igbo a better deal and a sense of belonging in the Nigerian equation. That is actually the best way to deal with the Biafra spirit.

Reflection Questions:

What does Biafra Remembrance Day mean to you?
How can we promote justice, fair play, and equal opportunity for all Nigerians?
What role can we play in preserving the history and culture of the Igbo people?
Share Your Experience:
You are invited to share your thoughts and experiences on Biafra Remembrance Day. How do you honour the memories of those who lost their lives during the Nigeria-Biafra war?

Prayer

May the souls of our fallen heroes rest in peace. May their sacrifice not be in vain. May we continue to strive for a better Nigeria, where all citizens are treated with dignity and respect!

ESUT Vice-Chancelor Prof Okolie Wins Pillar of Education in Nigeria Award

An erudite scholar and Political Scientist of immense pedigree, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, who is also the current Vice Chancellor of the renowned Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), has won this year's prestigious Pillar of Education in Nigeria (PEN) Award of the Nigeria Democracy Awards for Leadership & Symposium (NiDALS) Summit.

The declaration follows the recently concluded nomination, screening and in-depth assessment procedures to determine the most outstanding and best contributor, among leaders and stakeholders in the education sector, to educational development, advancement and growth in recent years for the coveted PEN Award category of the NiDALS Summit , a pan-Nigerian, pro-democracy national leadership development roundtable and honours event, aimed at deepening sustainable democratic progress, national development and economic prosperity through recognising and promoting good governance , accountability, innovation and excellence in all facets of the Nigerian State, with a view to leading an African model for democracy and institutional stability.

Oganised by the continental media giant, AfricanStride International Media Group, ASIMGROUP, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie's commitment to education, research and development since joining the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) as a lecturer, has been phenomenal and unrelenting. As a scholar, Professor Okolie has contributed numerous volumes of books and research works to political science and contemporary studies in Nigeria and Africa. Professor Okolie was the National Director of Research of the Nigerian Political Science Association before later becoming the President of the Association and remains, till date, a member of its Board of Trustees.

An advocate of educational excellence, development and consistent growth, Professor Okolie's appointment as VC of ESUT since 2022 has seen him drive extensive reforms aimed at repositioning the institution. His key achievements span academic expansion, infrastural development and administrative reforms. Notably, Professor Okolie's impacts have seen the ESUT risen in research output, reaching a solid top-50% performance across 12 research topics.

In addition, Professor Okolie has significantly expanded admission quotas for highly-sought-after courses like Medicine and Surgery (from 50 to 240), Nursing Sciences (from 50 to 100) and, Medical Laboratory Science (from 30 to 180). He has also spearhead the creation of 5 new departments, including Mechatronics Engineering, Statistics, History and International Studies. Professor Okolie also successfully relocated the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences to its permanent site in Agbani; oversaw the construction of a multi-mullion naira asphalted pavillion and; improved electricity and water supply on campus with solar installations in the VC's office, among others.

It is against this remarkable track records and excellent scorecard that Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie' is declared winner of the PEN AWARD at the 2026 NiDALS Summit.The event which holds in Abuja in late June will witness the grand unveiling of frontline Nigerian leaders across sectors and facets of the national life from the political class, public and private sectors to leading traditional leaders whose dedication to nation building , institutional growth, national progress and development continues to instill hopes in Nigeria's democratic, political and economic future.

NELFUND dismisses fake reports on suspension of student upkeep allowance

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has dismissed as false and misleading circulating online reports alleging that the Federal Government has suspended students’ upkeep allowance payments under the student loan scheme.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the Fund described the publications circulating on social media as fabricated and intended to misinform the public and create unnecessary panic among students and other stakeholders.

“The Nigerian Education Loan Fund wishes to categorically refute and condemn the false and misleading publications currently circulating across social media and online platforms alleging that the Federal Government has suspended students’ upkeep allowance payments under the student loan scheme.

“These reports, including a fabricated statement falsely attributed to NELFUND and an AI-generated newspaper front page purportedly from The Nigerian Tribune, are entirely fake, misleading, and designed to create panic, confusion, and distrust among beneficiaries and the general public,” the statement read.

NELFUND stressed that no directive has been issued by the Federal Government or the Fund regarding the suspension of upkeep allowances.

It further clarified that the circulating materials did not originate from any official channel of the Fund or any authorised government communication platform.

The agency also addressed the viral newspaper image being shared online, stating that it is not genuine.

Reaffirming its position, the Fund said it remains committed to the continued disbursement of student loans and upkeep allowances in line with its mandate, emphasising transparency and efficiency in its operations.

Beneficiaries, stakeholders, and members of the public were urged to disregard the false reports and rely strictly on verified information issued through official communication channels.

NELFUND also cautioned against the spread of unverified content, warning that such actions contribute to misinformation and unnecessary anxiety among students and parents across the country.

“The Fund remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding access to higher education and supporting Nigerian students through sustainable financing initiatives,” it added.

For further inquiries or assistance, it directed the public to its official contact channels, including [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) and its verified social media platforms: X (), Instagram (), Facebook, and LinkedIn pages under Nigerian Education Loan Fund – NELFUND.

NELFUND has released more than N206bn in loans to support over 1.6 million students in tertiary institutions across the country since the programme began.

It opened its loan application portal on May 24, 2024.

The Fund was set up by the Federal Government following the enactment of the Student Loans Act.

The initiative is designed to assist eligible students in public tertiary institutions with funds for tuition and daily expenses, particularly those who may struggle to finance their education.

Under the scheme, beneficiaries are expected to begin repayment after completing their studies and securing employment.

The arrangement is intended to make the programme sustainable while ensuring that students are not burdened with repayments before they are financially stable.

The Punch Credited.

Bishop Onaga Dedicates ESUT Chaplaincy, Administers Confirmation on 232 Faithful

By Amaechi Agbo

The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev Calistus Onaga on Tuesday paid a pastoral visit to the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT Catholic Community where he dedicated the newly built Chapel Of Perpetual built by the St Albert De Great Catholic Community and also administered the sacrament of Confirmation on 232 faithful.

Bishop Onaga who officiated the Mass during the visit, commended the ESUT Management for its approach in eradicating cultism and appreciated them for donating expanse of land for the Catholic Church in the university.

The clergy who frowned at the misuse of Artificial Intelligence as a component of effective research and scholarship, warned students to stay away from making AI to be their master

The Catholic Bishop who predicted that the future of research outputs in tertiary institutions would be bleak in no distant time, stated that it was abnormal to abandon human intelligence for the unnatural one.

“It is unnatural that AI is taking over human intelligence. We are aware that some lecturers and students don’t embark on researches again because they rely on AI. That is why we cry for the future in the next five years. We may not be able to find people in the academic institutions who can add one plus one to give them two without relying on AI for the answer. They would likely go and copy it out on AI. If you are a lecturer and you are promoting the use of AI over human intelligence, you are one of those digging the grave for development in this society,” he cried out.

The Bishop who equally dedicated the magnificent and newly built Chapel of Perpetual Adoration, and equally administered the Sacrament of Confirmation on 250 faithfuls during his Pastoral Visit, insisted that AI was meant to complement human intelligence, not to replace it.

The Bishop who was accompanied to the Pastoral Visit by 40 priests, enjoined the congregation to embrace the virtue of hard work, urging the students to equally “burn midnight candles,” in order to distinguish themselves in their respective walks of life.

“For you to succeed, you must burn your candles, you must be a bit mad to achieve extraordinary feats, because while other people will be sleeping , you will be awake learning. You cannot be considered extraordinary if you fail to work very hard to attain” he said.

However, he urged the congregation not to rely totally on their strength but to work and pray to God for guidance and blessings.

While welcoming the Bishop to the University, the ESUT Vice Chancellor, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, stated that the newly dedicated Chapel of Perpetual Adoration of the St. Albert the Great Chaplaincy in the University would be a source of blessings from God on the staff and students of the University.

He equally harped on Ecumenism, assuring that the Catholic community in the University would continue to grow owing to JAMB’s increment of admission quota for ESUT.

He stated that the University would establish security control room and mount solar street lights to eliminate dark spots and reduce crime to the barest minimum in the University.

Also, in his address, the Chairman, ESUT Catholic Community, Prof. Chike Anibeze, while welcoming the Bishop, stated that his visit and the completion of the Chapel were testaments to God’s faithfulness demonstrated through fruits of committed pastoral leadership in the University.

While thanking the Catholic Community for their donations despite the present economic challenges, he equally lauded the support of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Okolie, to the Chaplaincy, stating that he had remained committed to the growth of faith in order to shape the staff and students of the University in moral uprightness.

He equally lauded the ESUT Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Valentine Ozono, for his life of service, sacrifice and his commitment to the growth of faith in the University community, which he said, have continued to inspire the community to encounter Jesus Christ on a daily basis.

While welcoming the Bishop, the ESUT Chaplain, Rev Fr Ozono, said his Pastoral Visit had inflamed the faith of the Catholic Community in ESUT.

He thanked all the donors, stating that the Chapel project would have failed without their supports. He equally lauded the administrative strides of the current management of the University especially in infrastructure upgrades, prompt payment of staff salaries, liquidation of inherited debts and establishment of innovation hub to equip students with digital skills in the University.

Bishop Onaga Dedicates ESUT Chaplaincy, Administers Confirmation on 232 Faithful

The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev Calistus Onaga on Tuesday paid a pastoral visit to the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT Catholic Community where he dedicated the newly built Chapel Of Perpetual built by the St Albert De Great Catholic Community and also administered the sacrament of Confirmation on 232 faithful.

Bishop Onaga who officiated the Mass during the visit, commended the ESUT Management for its approach in eradicating cultism and appreciated them for donating expanse of land for the Catholic Church in the university.

The clergy who frowned at the misuse of Artificial Intelligence as a component of effective research and scholarship, warned students to stay away from making AI to be their master

Details soon...

Catholic Bishop of Enugu, CVC Onaga Pays Pastoral Visit to ESUT

On Tuesday, 26th May 2026, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Callistus V.C. Onaga, paid his maiden Pastoral Visit to the ESUT St. Albert the Great Chaplaincy at Ebeano City.

During the visit, the Bishop and his large entourage consisting of about 40 Priests, Rev. Sisters, paid courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie and his team of Management before commencing with the Homily at the new site of the Chaplaincy, located opposite the Engineering Faculty.

Highpoints of the visit were the administration of sacrament of confirmation to 250 faithfuls and the dedication of a newly built Chapel of Perpetual Adoration by the Bishop.
In his remarks, the Bishop commended the Vice Chancellor and his team for their vision, commitment and quality service deliver which have impacted positively on the image of the University.

While thanking the ESUT Management for allocating a large parcel of land for the ESUT Catholic Chaplaincy, he also expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the University Catholic Community, Prof Chike Anibeze, the Chaplain, Rev. Dr Valentine Ozono, the Chairman of the organizing Committee, Prof Frank Ezugwu and the entire Catholic Community for their dedication, Faithfulness, and warm reception.

FG earned ₦400 billion from transfer-related charges in 2025 - Chidioka

He said: Every time you transfer money in Nigeria, someone takes a cut.

Not from your salary or from your profit. From moving your own money electronically.

₦50 here. ₦6.98 there. VAT on the charge. Alert fee. Maintenance fee.

In 2025 alone, Nigerians were charged across more than 8 billion transactions.

The government earned about ₦400 billion from transfer-related charges. Two banks alone made ₦283.7 billion from electronic banking and account fees.

Meanwhile:
• Zelle transfers in America are free
• Europe capped transaction fees by law
• India subsidises digital payments as public infrastructure

In Nigeria, the ordinary citizen carries the cost every single time.

And it is a policy choice that government can reverse — if enough people understand what is actually happening.

In the latest OsitaInsight, I explain why this is happening and what Nigeria can do differently.

Osita Chidoka
23 May 2026

ESUT VC Commissions 6.0KVA Solar Power Donated by Class of 1999 to Chemical Engineering

By Amaechi Agbo

Enugu — In a boost to sustainable campus infrastructure and enhancement of
learning and research, the Vice-Chancellor of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, has officially commissioned a brand new 6.0KVA Solar Power Inverter System project donated to the Department of Chemical Engineering.

The eco-friendly power installation was funded and donated entirely by the ESUT Chemical Engineering Class of 1999 as a giving-back initiative to mark over two decades since their graduation.

The newly installed solar energy system is designed to provide uninterrupted power to the department's critical infrastructure, including laboratories, lecture rooms, and staff offices.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held on Thursday at the main Campus, Prof Okolie expressed immense gratitude to the alumni and praised their foresight in choosing renewable energy, noting that it directly aligns with the university's transition toward smart, sustainable campus solutions.

"This donation is a shining example of alumni responsibility," the VC stated. "By ensuring constant power supply to the Chemical Engineering department, our researchers and students can now conduct experiments and attend lectures without the disruption of power outages."

The VC while disclosing that the university doesn't owe the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company a dime on electricity bill, also used the occasion to apologise, on behalf of the university, to any of the graduates who were wrongly treated while they were undergraduates.

"Let me state it here that the university is not owing EEDC a dime. We pay our bills as and when due, both here and in the College. Unfortunately, we don't get service for our payment and this is why your intervention is timely.

"I also want to apologise to the graduates, your 1999 set who might have been aggrieved as a result of how they were treated while they were undergraduates. Please we ask for your forgiveness. I am also giving them assurance that the system has changed because we have sanitised the university. Once we get reports of unethical conduct by any staff, such person is gone. We have documents of those who have left the university on this regard" the VC said.

Earlier in her opening address, the Head, Department of Chemical Engineering, Associate Professor Ejikeme Ebere Monica, appreciated the management for its unwavering support and expressed deep gratitude to the Class of 1999 for coming to the rescue of the department.

"I stand here to thank the management led by the VC for your continued support and providing me with the opportunity to contribute my little quota to the growth of the university. To my adorable Class of 1999 graduates of this great department, I lack words to express my feelings.

"In the process of getting sponsors for this project, I contacted many sets but I was not successful. When I contacted the set through their president, she told me 'we shall see what we can do', and today, they have built this great legacy for the department. Thank you," she said.

In her remarks, the President, Class of 1999 Graduates of Chemical Engineering Department, ESUT, Engr. Rita Offor said the project represents the collective bond of the donors and expressed willingness to continue to support the department in particular and the university in general

"Today is more than just the unveiling of a solar energy system; it is the celebration of a journey that began decades ago. A few years ago, as we reflected on our journey and our roots, we asked ourselves an important question: 'How can we give back to the department that helped shape our future?'

"The answer brought us here today.
We recognized that stable electricity is essential for quality learning, innovation, research, and technological advancement. From that shared vision came the idea of this Solar Power Project—a project designed not only to provide reliable power, but also to inspire future engineers toward green and sustainable energy solutions.

"We sincerely appreciate the leadership of the Head of Department and university management for partnering with us and supporting the successful ex*****on of this project. We hope to sustain the support.

"To the students, this project is dedicated to you. We hope it enhances your learning environment, supports your academic pursuits, and remind you that you too have the power to create positive change wherever you find yourselves in the future.

"As we handover and commission this Solar Power Project today, may it symbolize light, innovation, sustainability, may it power learning, inspire innovation, and illuminate greatness," she said

Representatives of the Class of 1999 who spoke with ESUT Monitor during the handover ceremony, stated that the gesture was born out of a collective desire to solve pressing infrastructure challenges and give back to the department that shaped their professional careers.

Prof Charles Eze To Deliver ESUT's 57th Inaugural Lecture On June 11

By Amaechi Agbo

A former Acting Vice-Chancelor of ESUT, Prof Charles Eze will on June 11, 2026 Deliver ESUT's 57th Inaugural Lecture.

The highly anticipated academic event is scheduled to take place on **Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Multi-purpose Auditorium, located at the ESUT Main Campus in Ebeano City, Enugu State.

The event will commence promptly at 11:00am

Mr Eze, a distinguished scholar, and a Professor of Chemical Education in the Department of Science Education, ESUT, will speak on a critical and timely theme:
"The Teacher Factor in Science Education in Nigerian Secondary Schools: Imperative of Stakeholders Interventions for Sustainable National Development."

The lecture is expected to dissect the pivotal role secondary school teachers play in shaping science education across Nigeria.

Professor Eze will highlight how targeted interventions from government body structures, community leaders, and educational stakeholders are vital to driving sustainable national growth through robust scientific literacy.

As a seasoned academic and administrator, Professor Eze’s presentation is anticipated to draw a diverse audience, including members of the university's Senate, staff, students, secondary school administrators, students, policy makers, and the general public.

The event highlights ESUT's ongoing commitment to fostering rigorous academic discourse aimed at solving real-world challenges within the Nigerian educational sector and the broader economy.

Commendation for a Visionary Leader: Professor Michaels Okolie

The Enugu State University of Science and Technology [ESUT] community proudly celebrates the transformative leadership of our digital Vice Chancellor, a true goal getter whose vision and dedication have repositioned our institution for greater impact locally and globally.

Under his leadership, ESUT has witnessed remarkable progress across academics, administration, and reputation. He spearheaded the introduction of several new courses and departments, expanding our academic offerings to meet modern demands and provide students with diverse pathways to success. His commitment to quality assurance is evident in the successful accreditation of numerous departments, ensuring that our programs meet national and international standards.

One of his most impactful achievements is the increase in student admission quotas across accredited departments. This has opened doors for thousands of young Nigerians to access quality university education and pursue their dreams at ESUT.

Beyond academics, he has fostered a culture of fairness and merit in staff welfare. Promotions have been carried out promptly and without segregation or sectionalism, restoring confidence and motivating staff to give their best. His inclusive leadership style has united the university community around a shared purpose of excellence.

Most notably, his strategic initiatives have elevated ESUT’s standing in global university rankings. Through digital transformation, improved research output, and strengthened academic processes, he has projected ESUT as a competitive and forward-looking institution on the world stage.

I today join the students, staff, and alumni of ESUT, to express our profound gratitude for his selfless service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to progress. His leadership is a clear example of what is possible when vision meets action.

Thank you, Sir, for being a digital Vice Chancellor for a digital age. ESUT is better, stronger, and more respected because of you.
***All the above mentioned is just but a few from the multiple achievements of yours and your team in ESUT.

Congratulations 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 our Able GoalGetter. The above is just an additional to what you have been doing 🎉🎉🎉**

DR. EDITH CHIMA ANZOR