Doris Ewoh, Enugu
The Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu (IMT) has honored students with outstanding academic records in the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes across various departments and faculties, marking its 43rd–50th Consolidated Convocation Ceremony.
The event, held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, IMT Enugu, featured the presentation of awards to students who excelled academically. Among the prizes presented was the Rector’s Prize for the Overall Best Graduating Students in ND and HND, which included a cash award of ₦200,000.
In his welcome address, the Rector, Professor Gozie Ogbodo, highlighted key achievements of his administration. He stated that his focus has been on aligning IMT’s teaching and learning processes with national development goals and global best practices.
He emphasized the importance of relevant collaborations and strategic partnerships, noting that no institution can thrive in isolation. He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with industry leaders, professional bodies, and international institutions.
Addressing the graduands, Ogbodo expressed satisfaction in celebrating their achievements, describing the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
“Dear Graduands, today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. Your certificates are not just credentials; they are responsibilities to society. The world you are entering demands integrity, creativity, resilience, and lifelong learning.
“As Steve Jobs advised, ‘Stay hungry, stay foolish.’ Dare to dream, dare to innovate, and never stop learning. Always remember that you are ambassadors of the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu,” he said.
Professor Ogbodo also appreciated the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for the moral and financial support extended to the institute. He commended the management, staff, students, parents, alumni, and partners for their unwavering support.
The Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, commended the Rector for the academic strides recorded at IMT.
“I can say without equivocation that, as a government, we are impressed with the strides IMT has made. I want to thank you, the management and leadership of IMT, for your conscious and consistent efforts toward quality teaching and learning,” he noted.
Ossai stated that the state government would continue to support tertiary and secondary institutions, as well as the overall education system in the state. He explained that Enugu is strategically positioned to lead the next phase of the global knowledge-based economy, which accounts for the allocation of 30 percent of the state’s budget to education.
He concluded by urging the graduands not to forget their alma mater.
“I thank you for dedicating your time to your studies. We will look after you; we will watch your story; we will want to know how you prosper. Finally, do not forget IMT, because institutions all over the world thrive on the patronage and goodwill of their alumni.
“I plead with you not to forget IMT, on whose foundation you have risen to success,” Ossai stated.
The Valedictorian, Bethel Chukwu, a graduating student from the Mass Communication Department, spoke about the resilience, effort, and consistency that brought the graduating class to this milestone. He encouraged his colleagues to maintain their zeal and never relent, emphasizing that success depends on perseverance and the ability to endure without giving up.
The ceremony also featured a musical interlude by Saxo Harry, a presentation by the pioneer students of IMT Secondary School, and the presentation of gifts to distinguished guests.
The event was attended by rectors and vice chancellors from various institutions, political stakeholders, professors, lecturers, staff, graduands, and students.