Posted on: Thu 03-07-2025

In a moment that blended joy, relief, and history, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has officially inducted 70 pioneer graduates of its Department of Nursing Sciences—19 years after the program was first introduced.

The emotional ceremony, held on July 1, 2025, marked the end of a seven-year accreditation delay that had left students in limbo since 2018. Thanks to the decisive intervention of Governor Peter Mbah, the department finally received the green light from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the National Universities Commission (NUC).

“We came in 2018 full of dreams, but by 2023, those dreams had turned into despair,” said one of the inductees. “Today, Dr. Peter Mbah has made those dreams come true.”

What Made the Difference

Governor Mbah’s administration prioritized health and education, allocating 33% of the state’s annual budget to education—the highest in Nigeria.

The university’s admission capacity expanded from 50 to 120, with plans to scale up to 400.

ESUT now boasts 14 faculties, including Radiography, Public Health, and Biochemical Engineering.

A 300-bed Enugu International Hospital is under construction to serve as a teaching facility.

Why It Matters

This milestone not only restores the hopes of the affected students but also strengthens Nigeria’s nursing workforce at a time when the country faces critical shortages. It’s a powerful example of how political will and strategic investment can transform lives and institutions.

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