By Wilfred Eya
The echoes of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), recently reverberated in Lagos State.
The event which held at the Muson Centre, Onikan on November 25, last year was organized by the Lagos Branch of the ESUT ALUMNI association.
With the theme: Entrepreneurship Development and Self Employment, the occasion turned out a marketplace of ideas and a convergence of the crème de la crème of the society.
Characteristic of relationships among Old Boys, the atmosphere was convivial, mutual, informal, interactive even as it provided opportunity for networking among members.
The whole essence of such organisations is to promote a sustained sense of belonging to the Alma Mater among the Alumni by being in regular contact with them as well as to provide and disseminate information regarding their parent institution, its graduates, faculties and students to the Alumni
For many attendees of the Lagos event, its theme was timely in view of the state of the nation’s economy.
The chief guest speaker, Dr Innocent Akuvue, excited the audience as he marshaled out recommendations on how university graduates and those of other tertiary institutions can succeed as entrepreneurs.
He was unequivocal that for any entrepreneur to succeed, he must be prudent, ready to take risks, and aim to work in small organisations to experience patience, perseverance and endurance.
Akuvue, who is the Chairman/CEO, GGI Group International ltd, Port Harcourt and national patron of ESUT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, said an entrepreneur must also have a decisive mind and capacity to develop from the scratch and grow.
He said that he must not only pick the right hands to grow the business but must be humble, have a passion for the business venture and be ready to make huge sacrifices.
Akuvue advised that such a person must also avoid projecting poverty and must be bankable with strict banking habits to maintain good financial track records.
The entrepreneur, he said, must have integrity and good character even as he advised that he must always think out of the box as a graduate.
He however observed that ASUTECH (now ESUT) from inception had prepared its graduates to be entrepreneurs that will run on their own.
Akuvue, who is among the first set of graduates of the university in 1986 gave himself as an example with his current vast business portfolio in oil and gas services, manufacturing and global shipping.
In his speech, the Lagos branch president, Gil Emeka Abonyi, wished that ESUT remained among the best universities in the country.
He urged the Alumni members to support the infrastructural growth and academic excellence of ESUT and enjoined them to always be proud of their Alma Mater which made them whatever they are today.
Abonyi commended Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Alloysius Okolie and Registrar, Ambrose Ugwu, for their wonderful works in the university.
He recalled ASUTECH (now ESUT) was the first state university in Nigeria and first university of Technology in Africa, adding that Lagos branch ESUT ALUMNI was founded in June 2006 after several attempts to set it up failed.
Abonyi said the branch made up of 56 members, apart from contributing meaningfully to the welfare of the Alma Mater is a forum for social integration among the alumni.
In his speech, the chairperson of the Planning Committee, Prof Kabuoh Margret Nma, said ESUT, the parent university remained the unifying factor for all Alumni members.
She said the 2023 annual event was another opportunity to recognize and celebrate members who have excelled in their chosen careers and supported immensely in the Lagos chapter’s contribution toward the development of ESUT.
She urged members to ensure they attend monthly meetings and any other function that would help in moving the University of Technology forward.