ESUT Director cautions freshmen to pass originality exam to qualify for graduation

ESUT main gate

By Alumona Ukwueze

ENUGU — The Director of the Institute for Peace, Conflict and Development Studies (IPCDS) at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Professor Gerald Ezirim, has advised newly admitted students to avoid copyright infringement and uphold academic integrity to graduate on schedule.

Ezirim emphasized that all academic works must undergo plagiarism screening before approval for defense, warning that failure to comply could delay graduation. He urged students to focus on producing high-quality research that aligns with global best practices and ethical standards.

He spoke during the orientation programme for fresh students admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session, held Friday at the ESUT Business School. He also disclosed plans by the Institute to launch an online journal to publish outstanding research outputs, encouraging students to contribute meaningfully to enhance the Institute’s global visibility through impactful scholarly work.

Additionally, he called on students to take active roles in proffering sustainable solutions to conflict-prone societies.

In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, said the Institute was established to promote social re-orientation and transformation. He stressed that while obtaining certificates is important, it becomes meaningless if the knowledge acquired is not applied.

Okolie warned that the university does not tolerate prolonged postgraduate studies, noting that students who exceed the stipulated duration risk withdrawal from their programmes.

“When I assumed office, I discovered a large number of overstayed postgraduate students. We had to formally notify them and terminate their enrolment. You must ensure you complete your programme within the stipulated time. Discipline remains key. Remember, you are here not just to earn certificates but to gain knowledge, and the University is ready to support you in that journey,” he said.

Also speaking, the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Charles Chime, represented by the Associate Dean, Dr. Dorathy Abonyi, explained the structure of the postgraduate programme.

She cautioned students against outsourcing dissertations or theses to third parties, stressing that the university strongly condemns fabricated academic work. She further advised them to remain diligent by meeting deadlines, submitting necessary forms promptly, and paying their school fees and other required charges as at when due.