At the enlarged management meeting of Alex- Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, held Wednesday, August 11, 2019 at the University Senate Chamber, Vice- Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, who Chaired the meeting, called on Deans of Faculties and Directors to present their plans for the 2019/2020 academic year at the meeting. This he said, was to keep university management abreast of developments, activities, projects and expectations from their various sections, in line with the overall vision, goals and aspirations of the university.

VC, Prof. Nwajiuba (2nd L) with other Principal Officers at the meeting

The Deans and Directors who took turns to make presentations, starting with the Provost , College of Medicine, Prof. Paul Ezeonu, to others, including Deans of School of Post-Graduate Studies, Faculties of Agriculture, Education, Humanities, Management and Social Sciences, Science, Basic Medical Sciences, Engineering, Student Affairs, Directorate of Academic Planning, Centre for Education Services and the rest.

Prof. Afam Icha-Ituma, Dean FMSS, making presentation
While making their presentations, the officers expressed delight for being appointed and thanked VC for finding them worthy of the opportunity to be in his team, at this material time that the young university is fast transforming to world class, under his watch. The plans as presented, focused on the following deliverables; Preparation for accreditation of new courses and professional examinations; Orientation for the freshmen for the 2019/ 2020 session, to keep them well prepared to face the university academic and social life and as well acquire the requisite attitudes and readiness to pass through the university; Timely uploading of students’ results; Update faculty hand books; Clear all backlogs and ensure timely graduation of final year students; Organize sufficient workshops, public lectures, seminars, and conferences, both locally and internationally for the benefit of both staff and students; Re-kindle efforts to achieve the tripod focus of the present university system - Teaching , Research and Community Service (TRCS); Provide more practical experiences for students to effectively support and balance the theories; Continue to cultivate the culture of excellence; Digitalize most of the faculty and directorate activities; Inter-Faculty and Directorate collaborations; Increased Internationalization for global visibility; Staff training and re-training; Entrepreneurship and small scale factories development, among other programmes and projects.

Cross section of Deans and Directors

Prof Nwajiuba thanked the Deans, Directors, Heads of Units and Departments for their commitment and hard work. He did not hesitate to tell them that ‘’you are doing well so far but should put more efforts, re-iterating that all hands should be on deck to meet the focus on Teaching, Research and Community Service, which are the mandates of the university, today.
Vice-chancellor pointed out that to reinforce teaching and learning in the university, a new Centre for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning has been created and that soon the details will be unfolded to the university community, as emeritus Prof. P. A. I. Obanya comes on September 26, 2019 to do justice to that and he requested all Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments and other teaching staff to be present.
Prof Nwajiuba urged them to ensure strict compliance to the academic calendar and rules of engagement, as they carry on their duties. VC promised to construct proper hostels for the medical students, provide more equipment for faculties of Science, Engineering and Technology, School of Medicine, Green House and Tractors for Faculty of Agriculture and other major facilities for the university and encourage Post- Graduate Lecturers. VC requested University TETfund Committee, headed by Dr. Nnenna Nwosu-Nworuh, to assess fund for books as in TETfund provisions to encourage lecturers to write books. He emphasized that Centre for Human Resources Development is the University Training School and should be put to proper use, to achieve its goals and justify the establishment of such center in the university.
Prof Nwajiuba re-affirmed his commitment to build a standard Igbo Centre in the university, for the revival, restoration and promotion of Igbo culture and possibly contribute to resolving the Igbo ‘values crises’. Nwajiuba maintained his stand that no additional fees will be charged students while he serves as VC of the university, to avoid over loading their parents and guardians, adding that management will do its best with whatever funds available to the university.
VC on a final note, thanked the Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments/ Units and others who attended the enlarged management meeting and promised to make the meeting more regular to consistently provide avenue for interaction among officers and staff of the university.

Cross section of Deans and Directors