The new vice-chancellor of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Alloysius Okolie, has tasked lecturers on authoring well-researched books meant to provide solutions to societal ills.

Mr Okolie gave the task at the presentation and unveiling of two books ‘Nigeria and International Humanitarian Law’ and ‘Modern Nigeria Family Law’ on Tuesday in Enugu.

Agu Gab Agu authored ‘Nigeria and International Humanitarian Law’. The ‘Modern Nigeria Family Law’ was co-written by Mr Agu and Adakole Odike.

The vice-chancellor said his administration would promote academic and intellectual excellence, while making academia and students of the institution stand out in all intellectual endeavours by deliberate support from the university.

“I must commend the authors for giving us two modern books in the aspect of international humanitarian law and family law that seek to broaden the academic and intellectual horizon of learning in these directions,” he stated. “ESUT under my watch will promote intellectual excellence. Lecturers and students authoring well-thought out and well-researched books that will stand out and scale through peer review of other similar books in the same disciple or endeavour of life will receive support.”

Reviewing ‘Nigeria and International Humanitarian Law’, Cyprian Ajah of the Enugu State High Court noted that the 281-page book clearly explained why international humanitarian laws were applicable even in war situations as “even wars have acceptable international rules of engagement and obeys some levels of humanity.”

“I, therefore, recommend it for all to read, especially as the world is turning to a global village with issues happening in very far away countries having some level of impact on us,” said Mr Ajah.

In reviewing ‘Modern Nigeria Family Law’, Carol Arinze-Umobi explained that the book proffered contemporary solutions to family issues.

Ms Arinze-Umobi, ex-deputy vice-chancellor (administration), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, said the book clearly stated the rights of women in marriage and how marriage would be a union of two like minds.

The chairman of the event, Lawrence Anih, director of Diamond College of Education, Abuja, said, “The books are relevant to everybody and a must read for all for us to be better informed.”

Mr Agu mentioned that the books were products of many years of academic research, reflections, brainstorming, and practical experience spanning decades.

“The books have succeeded in bringing fresh and contemporary ideas to bear in their various fields, as well as providing practical solutions to some contemporary issues as well,” he said.

(NAN)