AE-FUNAI SEALS ACCORD WITH FUTHA AS VC ENDORSES MoU
On Monday 17th August, 2020, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, witnessed the consummation of the working relationship between the University and Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, all in Ebonyi State, when the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba and officials of both institutions endorsed the Memorandum of Understanding at the University Senate Chamber.


Prof Nwajiuba making acceptance speech
Recall that on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, VC, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, inaugurated eleven man committee with Prof Paul Ezeonu, Provost, College of Medicine, AE-FUNAI and Mr Callistus Okonkwo, Head of Administration, AEFETHA, as Chairman and Secretary, respectively and Dr Onwe Emeka Ogah, Chief Medical Director, AEFETHA, Prof E.C.C Ejike, Director, Academic Planning, Barr Ogochukwu Onuorah of the Legal Unit, both of AE-FUNAI, among others as members, to draw up an agreement that will guide the mutual working relationship between the young University and the Federal Teaching Hospital. At that event, Prof Nwajiuba thanked the Federal Ministry of Health for approving the relationship and expressed his expectation that if properly managed, the symbiotic relationship for which the committee was constituted would yield desired result to the effect that qualified medical personnel will be trained to effectively provide professional services to the state and nation.


DVC, Prof Sunday Elom speaking at the inauguration of the Committee
After months of concerted efforts to deliver on the task of developing a working document for the smooth operation of the joint venture, representatives of the committee, led by its Chairman, Prof Paul Ezeonu were around to present the agreement for endorsement. After the welcome speech and introduction of the guests by Prof Sunday Elom, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, AE-FUNAI, Prof Ezeonu was given the floor to present highlights. In his presentation, the Chairman did not mince words to state that the event marked the successful end of a long journey started since 2018, which took the team to Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja on several occasions while seeking approval for the renaming and dedicating FETHA to AE-FUNAI, which has been achieved, hence the MoU. According to Prof Ezeonu,”the task was not easy due to grey areas that needed to be resolved and the MoU will enable the two institutions, work together harmoniously, to ensure that the College of Medicine produces the best”. He was confident that all areas are covered and protected in the MoU, stressing that getting the document ready was a great achievement that will enhance accreditation of the University College of Medicine. He thanked the VC and CMD for providing the enabling working environment and support and thereafter presented copies of the MoU to VC.


Prof Ezeonu presenting copies of MoU to Prof Nwajiuba
Receiving the documents, Prof Nwajiuba thanked the Chairman and members of the Committee for job well done, heartily appreciating the CMD, Dr Onwe Ogah for his commitment and show of love in the whole project. Prof Nwajiuba went memory lane on the establishment of Medical Schools in Nigeria, pointing out that AE-FETHA would become the 3rd Medical School sponsored by the Federal Government in the southeast of Nigeria. He encouraged the management team to work together in peace, respecting the accord. “Please don’t let there be quarrels and don’t let this dream die as I leave” he appealed, charging that all should be committed to achieving completion of the second complex, started for the College of Medicine “…don’t abandon it and never let this dream die and God bless you”, he reiterated. Prof Nwajiuba further informed his audience that the Community Health Centre sited at Ebuwana, Edda in Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, which has been completed, well equipped with dialysis, MRI and CT scan equipment, accommodation and other necessary facilities and should be taken over by the Teaching Hospital and put into proper use.


Dr. Onwe Ogah (CMD) signing the MoU

Registrar, Odisa Okeke (Mrs) signing with Head Legal, Barr. Ogochukwu Onuorah watching
In his contribution, Dr. Onwe Ogah (CMD) commended Prof. Nwajiuba for his deep knowledge of history and expressed his confidence that ‘’the dream will not die as long as God exists”. He iterated that it is God’s intervention that the University (AE-FUNAI) is able to access the Teaching Hospital to train medical students, explaining the rigorous steps to getting the approval. He stated that AE-FETHA as it is presently known, is sufficiently equipped with over 200 consultants in various fields and has the capacity to serve up to four Universities, including Ebonyi State University. He thanked VC, Prof. Nwajiuba for the vision, and the Executive Secretary, NUC, Prof Abubarka Mohammed Rasheed, for his encouragement and all those who contributed in achieving the MoU, making bold to say that ‘’the MoU cannot be faulted and will be a proper guide to establish and operate the joint venture’’.


Mr Calistus Okonkwo signing his column
While giving the vote of thanks, Prof. Chukwunomso Ejike thanked the VC, Prof. Nwajiuba for his uncommon vision and prayed that the relationship so established will yield results and live the taste of time. Other officers at the event were the University Registrar, Odisa Okeke (Mrs), Mr Calistus Okonkwo, Head of Administration, AE-FETHA and Secretary of the Committee, Ag. Director, Partnerships, Mr. Chris Uwadoka, Barr (Mrs) Ogochukwu Onuorah of the University Legal Unit, and Barr. (Mrs) Grace Eze-Ali, Co-ordinator, VC’s Office,


VC, Prof Nwajiuba endorsing the MoU
The Chief Medical Director, Dr Onwe Emeka Ogah was at the end of the exercise led by VC to plant commemoration tree around the Needs Assessment Building in the University campus in support of the Green Campus Initiative.


Prof Nwajiuba (centre) and Dr Ogah, Prof Elom, Mrs Odisa Okeke Prof Ezeonu and other officers



Dr Onwe Ogah planting commemoration tree