Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has approved the immediate commencement of perimeter fencing at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) as part of decisive measures to enhance security for students, staff and critical infrastructure within the institution.
The approval was announced on Tuesday during a groundbreaking ceremony at the university by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, who described the intervention as timely and a clear demonstration of the governor’s unwavering commitment to protecting public institutions.
Prof. Okolie said the fencing project aligned with Governor Mbah’s bold vision to reposition ESUT as a leading centre for science, technology and innovation, founded on safety, stability and infrastructure renewal.
He commended the governor for his prompt and hands-on response to challenges facing the university.
According to him, the project is aimed at safeguarding lives, property and investments, stressing that it is not intended to cut off the university from its host communities but to promote order, protection and sustainable growth.
Representatives of host communities, Umueze, Amankanu-Amurri, Obe and Agbani, praised the governor’s intervention, describing it as a major boost to peace, security and development in and around the university environment.
The vice chancellor also lauded the cordial relationship between ESUT and its host communities, noting that the institution had consistently fulfilled its obligations through employment opportunities, admissions, and other community benefits. He assured them of continued engagement and consultation throughout the execution of the fencing project.
Highlighting other ongoing interventions, Prof. Okolie disclosed that ESUT had already provided a N1 billion counterpart fund for the construction of two modern hostel blocks with a total capacity of 1,600 bed spaces, 800 each for male and female students, under a partnership arrangement.
He added that the construction of a new Faculty of Social Sciences and a university printing press was nearing completion.
He further revealed plans to strengthen campus security through improved lighting and surveillance, noting that the lawmaker representing Nkanu West/East Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, had pledged 200 solar-powered streetlights to facilitate the deployment of closed-circuit television cameras and a central monitoring system.
Speaking for the 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 prioritizing ESUT in his development agenda and pledged the continued support of his community. He also commended the vice chancellor for promoting fairness, justice, and equity among host communities.
Chief Igwenagu Ngene, speaking for community stakeholders, expressed gratitude to the Enugu State Government for siting the university on their land, describing the sacrifices of the communities as worthwhile given the transformation and opportunities ESUT had brought.
He acknowledged the scale and cost of fencing a university of ESUT’s size and applauded the governor for taking responsibility, assuring full community support for the project.
On behalf of the students, the President of the Students’ Union Government, Comrade Chizaram Nwodo, said the approval addressed a long-standing demand of the student body, noting that the fencing would significantly enhance safety and curb unauthorized access to the campus. He also commended the university management for prioritizing student welfare.
The ceremony concluded 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 work together to ensure the timely completion of the project.
