Doris Ewoh, Enugu
The Rector of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Professor Gozie S. Ogbodo, has commissioned five TETFUND projects as part of activities marking his one year in office, receiving encomiums from stakeholders, staff, and students.
The anniversary celebration took place on October 31st, 2025, at the IMT Conference Center. It featured the commissioning of newly completed TETFUND projects, an art exhibition, and a display of creative works produced by the institution and its students.
Professor Ogbodo used the occasion to restate his vision for what he calls “the new IMT,” a transformation agenda focused on aesthetics, modernization, and renewed academic drive.
“We are looking forward to the IMT that will reclaim its past glory. What we have done here is simply to start laying a new foundation. You see, I have started this administration with the mantra of the new IMT. And my idea of the new IMT is that it will be holistic.
“It will be holistic starting from the aesthetic, environmental beautification, like you can see, it’s going to cascade to the way that our staff and our students have a new mindset towards work, towards the academics.
“We have also started a campaign here to encourage our students that it’s no longer just coming to school, earning a diploma degree and graduate. It’s now, one Diploma, one Skill.”
The rector also highlighted the significance of the newly commissioned projects, noting that IMT now boasts facilities and an environment more conducive to learning. He expressed optimism that the improvements would translate into better academic outcomes.
He further assured TETFUND and the IMT community of his administration’s commitment to proper maintenance of the facilities.
“We will not allow them to deteriorate. This administration has a good maintenance culture; I will continue with that,” he said.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, praised Ogbodo for aligning IMT’s development with the vision of the state government.
“What is seen here today is just symbolic. It reflects what we believe that IMT can be in the new century under this leadership.
“So, we’re really happy at what we’re seeing in terms of growth with student performance, the faculty quality, and infrastructure here in the Institute of Management and Technology in Enugu.”
Also speaking, Mrs. Esther Onyiyenchukwu Ukachukwu, Head of the TETFUND Board of Directors, South-East, said the commissioning represents progress toward TETFUND’s mission of strengthening Nigerian tertiary institutions to compete globally in an era driven by technology and artificial intelligence.
She applauded IMT for completing the projects on schedule and urged the institution to ensure proper upkeep of the new facilities.
“You will agree with me that funds are not easy to come by these days. These days, in the face of many competing infrastructural needs, and as such, it behoves all users to ensure that these facilities are well maintained to prevent early wear and tear.”
The Chairman of the Enugu State Local Government Service Commission, Dr. Nana Ogbodo, lauded the rector for making visible progress across all areas of the institution, including the creation of new departments and the regularization of casual staff.
He urged him not to rest on his oars by saying:
“I’ve never seen any road so straight it doesn’t have bends, and I cannot imagine any road so smooth it doesn’t have bumps. Therefore, in a man’s life, no matter your preparation, there will always be such vagaries of nature and funny quirks of destiny.”
The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Prince Lawrence Ezeh, who chaired the occasion, emphasized Ogbodo’s innovative approach in attracting partnerships and collaborations to IMT.
“One of the collaboration is with my ministry and it’s a big one. We are at the verge of concluding plans to bring to IMT the fastest Internet network which will benefit both the students and the staff.”
The Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, described the rector as student-friendly, noting his cordial relationship with the student body.
He said Ogbodo’s administration “has maintained peace and stability on campus, a remarkable feat in an academic environment often marked by student unrest”.
Traditional leaders also joined in celebrating the rector’s achievements. The Chairman of Nkanu West Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Barr. Igwesi O. Igwesi, hailed him as a “worthy son of Nkanu who has elevated the institution’s reputation”.
“We are proud of him and have come to celebrate with him. Yes, we recognize him as a worthy son of Nkanu land who has bestowed pride upon the Nkanu man, who has proved that the Nkanu man has a special place when administration is bestowed on him. I only have to tell him to keep on the threshold.”
Dr. Christian Agu, Head of the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, described Ogbodo as “God-sent,” noting that IMT was once on the verge of collapse but had regained stability under his leadership. He added that all departments are now fully accredited, students appear more disciplined, and the academic calendar is now running smoothly.
Camelus Raphael Ugochukwu, Senate President of the Faculty of Engineering and a former SUG presidential aspirant for the 2024/2025 session, also praised the rector’s leadership. He said that in his five years at the institution, he had not seen a rector as effective as Professor Ogbodo.
The event was graced by government officials, stakeholders, some Enugu State Commissioners, traditional rulers, clergymen, staff, students, and gentlemen of the press.