ESUT VC, Prof Cyprian Onyeji

By Christopher Isiguzo

Five days after he was released by his captors, the Vice-Chancellor of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof Cyprian Onyeji, Tuesday broke his silence as he a attributed his release to the fervent prayers of public spirited Nigerians.

Onyeji’s remarks came even as normal academic activities resumed at the two campuses of the university as both students and lecturers returned to classes after almost two weeks of inactivity.

The vice-chancellor was abducted by unknown gunmen on August 15 as he was driving into the university gate at Agbani in Nkanu West local government area of the state and was held for nine days.

The vice-chancellor was later found in Igbariam in Oyi local government area of Anambra State.

But after a long silence, Onyeji in a statement by the university’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Ossy Ugwuoti, said he was humbled by the show of concern demonstrated by various groups and individuals during the period of his incarceration.

Expressing gratitude to God for his safe return to reunite with his family, Onyeji who is yet to resume work, stressed the importance of prayers in whatever condition one finds himself.

He thanked specially members of the ESUT community, the media, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, his Aku community, various religious groups and churches, committee of vice chancellors and the general public for their various roles and prayers during his ordeal.