Enugu — In a decisive step toward strengthening campus security and protecting critical public infrastructure, 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).

The approval was formally 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 the safety of students, staff, and institutional assets.

Prof. Okolie noted that the fencing project aligns with Governor Mbah’s broader vision of repositioning ESUT as a leading hub for science, technology, and innovation, anchored on security, stability, and sustained infrastructure renewal.

“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, commending the governor for his prompt and hands-on response to challenges confronting the institution.

Representatives of the host communities—Umueze, Amankanu-Amurri, Obe, and Agbani—welcomed the development, describing it as a significant boost to peace, security, and socio-economic growth within the university environment.

The vice-chancellor further highlighted the cordial relationship between ESUT and its host communities, stressing that the institution has continued to fulfill its obligations through employment opportunities, admissions, and community support initiatives. He assured stakeholders of sustained consultation and engagement throughout the implementation of the project.

Prof. Okolie also disclosed ongoing infrastructure upgrades within the university, including a N1 billion counterpart funding already committed for the construction of two modern hostel blocks with a combined capacity of 1,600 bed spaces—800 each for male and female students. He added that a new Faculty of Social Sciences building and a university printing press were nearing completion.

In further efforts to strengthen campus security, the VC revealed plans for improved lighting and surveillance systems. He disclosed that the lawmaker representing Nkanu West/East Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, had pledged 200 solar-powered streetlights to support enhanced illumination, paving the way for the deployment of closed-circuit television cameras and a central monitoring system.

Speaking on behalf of the Amurri community, the President-General of Amankanu-Amurri, Hon. Victor Okechukwu, said the governor’s interventions had restored peace and accelerated development around the university, noting that the fencing project had already enabled smooth site clearing and foundation work.

Similarly, the President-General of Umueze Awkunanaw, Engr. Okwudiri Ohaa, expressed gratitude to the governor for prioritising ESUT in the state’s development agenda and commended the vice-chancellor for promoting fairness, justice, and equity among the host communities.

Chief Igwenagu Ngene, representing community stakeholders, applauded the Enugu State Government for siting the university on their land and acknowledged the significant cost implication of fencing an institution of ESUT’s size. He assured that the host communities would fully support the project to ensure its successful delivery.

On behalf of the students, the Students’ Union Government President, Comrade Chizaram Nwodo, described the approval as a fulfillment of a long-standing demand, noting that the fencing would significantly enhance safety and curb unauthorised access to the campus.

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 cooperate for the timely completion of the project.