Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved the immediate erection of perimeter fencing at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) to enhance security.

The university’s vice-chancellor (VC), Aloysius Okolie, disclosed this during the commencement of the fencing on Tuesday at the school’s premises.

Mr Okolie described the intervention as timely, adding that it reflects the governor’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding public institutions.

According to him, the fencing project underscored Mr Mbah’s bold vision to reposition ESUT as a leading hub for science, technology, and innovation, anchored on safety, stability, and infrastructure renewal.

The VC commended the governor for his prompt 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,” he said.

He extolled 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.

Mr Okoli assured sustained engagement and consultation as the fencing project progresses.

Highlighting other ongoing interventions, Mr 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.

He said that the hotel would house 800 male students and the same number of female students under a partnership arrangement.

According to him, the work is also advancing on a new Faculty of Social Sciences and a university printing press, both nearing completion.

Speaking on behalf of the Amurri community, the president-general of Amankanu-Amurri, Victor Okechukwu, said Mr Mbah’s interventions had restored peace and accelerated development in the university area.

He explained that the fencing project had already enabled smooth site clearing and foundation work.

Similarly, the president-general of the Umueze Awkunanaw community, Okwudiri Ohaa, also thanked the governor for placing ESUT high on his development agenda and pledged the continued support of his community.

The Student Union president, Chizaram Nwodo, thanked the governor for the approval, adding that it had settled a long-standing demand of the student body.

(NAN)