BREAKING: IMT Enugu Makes History with 43rd-50th Consolidated Convocation Ceremony......."As New IMT" Campaign Takes Center Stage"

ENUGU – It was a historic day at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu as the institution held its combined 43rd to 50th convocation ceremony at the Awareness Ground, Campus 3. The epoch-making event, which took place on Saturday, marked the first time in eight years that the institute formally celebrated its graduating students, clearing a long-standing backlog and ushering in what the management describes as the "New IMT" era.

In an exclusive interview, the Rector of IMT Enugu, Professor Sunday Gozie Ogbodo, shed light on the purpose of the consolidated ceremony and the transformative vision driving the institution forward.

Speaking passionately about the significance of the event, Professor Ogbodo explained that the convocation was more than just a ceremony—it was a restoration of a fundamental academic tradition.

"For the record, this is a consolidated convocation ceremony consolidating a total of eight years in which the institute did not hold convocation. Therefore, this is with a view to clearing the backlogs. What we have done is truly significant in the sense that we don't want a situation where all the students who graduated are denied the traditional formality of graduation."

The Rector emphasized that every student's academic journey has two major landmarks: matriculation and convocation.

"There are two major landmarks in the life of a student. First is when a student comes into the portals of the university, where he is welcomed through matriculation, and then when he leaves the citadel of learning, he will exit. And it's normal for them to exit through a convocation. Over the past eight years, it has been normal for students to come in through matriculation, but thereafter there won't be convocation ceremonies to send them off. So this consolidated convocation ceremony is aimed at mitigating this lacuna, to set the records straight, and put IMT on the map towards its developmental goals we have envisioned."

Professor Ogbodo did not mince words when discussing the institute's determination to restore its prestigious reputation.

"On other aspects of development, we have made indelible marks by trying our best to reclaim the lost glory of IMT. This institute has produced notable numbers of political figures in Igbo land. IMT used to be the pride of the South East. This institute, which was molded after the American MIT, is an institution we are very much determined to rewrite its history and carve a new niche for it.

To achieve this feat, the management has launched the "New IMT" campaign—a bold initiative signaling a departure from old ways.

"The New IMT is a simple campaign which says that we are determined not to do things the old ways, but we are determined to do things in the new ways and in the manner it should be done in the 21st century. And I can tell you that this campaign is resonating across the entire community. Our students are looking like the New IMT students. Our environment is looking like the New IMT environment with our beautification."

In a major boost to the institute's academic standing, the Rector proudly announced that IMT Enugu now boasts 100% accreditation on all its programs.

"We have embarked on the accreditation and re-accreditation of all our programs, and I can categorically tell you today that IMT Enugu has a 100% accreditation on all our programs."

But the reforms did not stop there. The institute has introduced new, industry-relevant programs to meet 21st-century demands.

"In addition to that, we have been able to attract new cutting-edge programs. For instance, we have been able to carve out the Department of Taxation from the old Accountancy. We also have Cyber Security. We have also started the top-up programs with UNICOL. And we have done all these in just a year and a few months."

Demonstrating its commitment to innovation, IMT has launched its own online television platform.

"Interestingly, we have been able to launch for the first time IMT Spark Online Television, and our online TV is covering the whole convocation ceremony live. These are the few things we have been able to do pursuant to our stance to create a good image of IMT."

Perhaps the most impactful initiative under the new administration is the motivational slogan, "One Diploma, One Skill."

"What is that all about? Every student comes in here to acquire a diploma, and we are saying that it doesn't matter. What we are telling you is: as you are here to acquire that diploma, look around you because there are so many skills acquisition opportunities, and make sure you acquire one skill. So when you graduate, you won't just graduate as a diploma holder from a Nigerian institution who is out there looking for a job. We want you to graduate with the confidence that you can come out and create a job. That's the New IMT for you."

Addressing the thousands of graduates being inducted into the Alumni Association, Professor Ogbodo charged them to uphold the values of the renewed institution.

"Today they would be inducted into the Alumni Association, and consequently, they would face the global world. I implore them to be great ambassadors of the New IMT. I don't want them to go out there and reflect the old IMT. I want everything about them to be reflecting the New IMT."

At the convocation arena, our team also spoke with Dr. Ogochukwu Okanya, Director of the IMT/UNN Affiliate Degree Programs, who highlighted the achievements recorded over the past eight years.

"In the last eight years, first and foremost, if you look critically, you will observe that we have increased the number of programs in IMT, particularly when it comes to Mass Communication and Computer Science. They have been on board also. We now have more programs in the old Mass Communication and in the old Computer Science."

She also pointed to significant improvements in infrastructure and staffing.

_And then look at our infrastructure. We have rapidly increased the infrastructure in IMT. And if you look at the number of lecturers, we have been able to convert a lot of the part-time staff into permanent staff. So these are positive outcomes from the new administration in the past eight years."

When asked about her message for the thousands of students joining the Alumni Association, Dr. Okanya said:

"We wish them well. I hope that they will increase the capacity of the institute."

Looking ahead, Dr. Okanya revealed ambitious plans to further elevate the institute's academic offerings.

"Apart from this epoch-making event of the consolidated convocation ceremony, plans are in place to spill almost all the programs in diploma into degree programs."

As the curtains draw on the 43rd-50th consolidated convocation ceremony, one thing is clear: IMT Enugu is poised for a new dawn. With a renewed focus on infrastructure, accreditation, skills acquisition, and digital innovation, the institute is steadily reclaiming its place as the pride of the South East.

For the graduates, the message is simple—carry the flag of the New IMT high. For the current students, the challenge is clear—acquire a skill alongside your diploma. And for the watching world, the takeaway is undeniable: IMT Enugu is back, and it means business.

This report was filed by: Nweke Solomon Ebuka

Emesobum Laura Amarachi

Nnaemeka Gift Chiamaka

 students of the Mass Communication Department, IMT/UNN AFFLIATE Enugu, as part of an Interviewing and Information Gathering class project.