By Joy Onu
Students of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) have been urged to steer clear of cultism and other social vices and instead embrace responsible leadership, discipline and integrity as they pursue their academic goals.
The advice came from the Public Relations Officer of the Enugu State Police Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, during a keynote lecture at the inauguration of the university’s newly elected Students’ Union Government (SUG) executives on Thursday.
Delivering a lecture titled, “Choices, Character and Consequences: Confronting Cultism and Other Social Vices on Campus,” Ndukwe said every student arrives at the university with dreams and aspirations, but those ambitions are ultimately shaped by the decisions they make.
He cautioned that cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, examination malpractice and other forms of misconduct may appear to offer quick rewards but often end in academic setbacks, criminal prosecution, damaged reputations and, in some cases, loss of lives.
The police spokesman urged students to choose their friends carefully, resist peer pressure and remain committed to honesty and hard work, stressing that “today’s choices become tomorrow’s consequences.”
Turning to the newly inaugurated SUG executives, Ndukwe described their election as a call to service rather than an opportunity for personal gain. He challenged them to provide purposeful leadership by promoting peace, unity, academic excellence and discipline across the campus.
He also encouraged the student leaders to work closely with the university management and security agencies in tackling cultism and other criminal activities capable of disrupting the institution’s peaceful academic environment.
Ndukwe further urged all ESUT students to see themselves as ambassadors of the university whose conduct, both on and off campus, would shape the institution’s image and influence society.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Enugu State Police Command under Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa, he said the command would continue to collaborate with the university to maintain a safe and secure learning environment. He also advised students to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or individuals within and around the campus.
The inauguration ceremony was declared open by the Vice-Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie. It was attended by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Chike Nwoha, the Provost, the Registrar, the University Librarian, the Dean of Students Affairs, other principal officers, former SUG leaders and students.
