AE-FUNAI: INCOMING VC, PROF. SUNDAY ELOM PROMISES TO KEEP DREAM ALIVE AS EXITING VC, PROF. NWAJIUBA CELEBRATES SUCCESSOR

Tuesday, February 19, 2021, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ebonyi State, was enveloped by atmosphere of joy and happiness as Erudite Prof. Sunday Elom, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) under the exiting Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba, was appointed 3rd Substantive Vice- Chancellor, effective Feb 11, 2021 to succeed Prof. Nwajiuba. As Prof. Elom received his appointment letter from Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Emeritus Prof Nimi Briggs, excited Council members took turn to express their gratitude to God for the transparent, though rigorous process that brought about the final selection of Prof. Elom and congratulated him while wishing him a successful tenure.

EMERITUS PROF. BRIGGS HANDS APPOINTMENT PAPER TO PROF. ELOM

Overjoyed Prof. Chukwunonso Ejike, Dean School of Post-Graduate Studies, who was first to speak, referred to Prof. Elom as supervisor of his (Prof. Ejike) Ph.D Supervisor, said he came through by a transparent and rigorous process and that it is a thing of Joy that one of their own emerged as next VC, pledging their loyalty and support for the incoming administration. He urged him to keep the flag flying. Others who spoke, wished VC designate well, urging him to ensure there is continuity, as he has worked with the action outgoing VC, Prof Nwajiuba. Some of the Council members who spoke noted that, since his appointed was from God, that same God will give him the enablement to succeed.

PROF. ELOM SIGNS ACCEPTANCE COPY OF APPOINTMENT LETTER AS PROF. NWAJIUBA WATCHES.

Recounting the experiences and process of searching and selecting the new Vice-Chancellor, VC, Prof Nwajiuba, said that at the end God answered our prayers by satisfying our heart desire. Prof. Nwajiuba also revealed his experiences and times working with Prof Elom as second in command, expressing gratitude to God that He has made a man of strong character his successor. He encouraged him to “work for the University” and further reiterated that “you know everything we have done, why we have done them and what we want to do as I have worked with you and know that you are strong for the job”. Prof Nwajiuba did not mince words to say “Prof. Elom, I have not made you VC… God will utter your footsteps from the beginning”. He also recalled how Prof. Elom welcomed him when he assumed office in 2016, to the extent that he gave him his vision statement as contestant for the position of VC of AE-FUNAI in 2015/2016.

PROF. NWAJIUBA EXPRESSING EXCITEMENT AS PROF. ELOM IS APPOINTED

Prof. Nwajiuba said he will not interfere in the new administration unless his opinion is sought. He advised Prof. Elom to focus on consolidation of all they have done and prayed,” May God lead you to be the kind of VC you want to be”.

VC PROF. NWAJIUBA AND HIS SUCCESSOR, PROF. ELOM.

Registrar and Secretary to Council, Odisa Okeke (Mrs), thanked God for the smooth process, stating that “we prayed that God will give us some one to continue the good work and God granted our prayers. She further said that a lot has been learnt through the process.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Emeritus Prof. Nimi Briggs, joined other speakers to congratulate the incoming VC, stating that his coming on board is divine and an opportunity for them to be friends, which for him is the value that counts. He made it clear to Prof. Elom that
“This job you are going to do from 11th February, 2021, when you go into it, you come out better or worse… When God gives you a position, He gives you the enablement… In one great sentence and as a principle, do the right thing all the time, you will come out better. He then handed a book to him to guide his decisions and actions in the new assignment.

PROF. ELOM APPRECIATES GOD FOR TAKING HIM HIGHER

Prof. Elom expressed his profound gratitude to Council and University Management for the confidence they reposed on him and affirmed that he has accepted the appointment, stating that it is only the finger of God that made his appointment possible. He pledged that “By the grace of God, I will not disappoint you”. He further said that “whatever I do is unto God because the life I live is by his mercy”. Prof. Elom stated strongly that he will ensure that all hands will be on deck in the pursuance of the overall vision of this University to become a world class University. The University choir was presented to perform at the event.

THE CHOIR PERFORMING TO THE EXCITEMENT OF BOTH THE OUTGOING AND INCOMING VCs AND OTHERS PRESENT AT NEW VC OFFICE


THE CHOIR PERFORMING TO THE EXCITEMENT OF BOTH THE OUTGOING AND INCOMING VCs AND OTHERS PRESENT AT NEW VC OFFICE

It was all jubilation at the new office of the Vice Chancellor, where Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, who has barely 20 days to leave office, received his successor, Prof. Elom, in grand style. He congratulated him again and prayed for him, noting that his selection was evidence that the hand of God is in the young University and that AE-FUNAI is God’s own project.

PROF. NWAJIUBA LEADING PROF. ELOM TO HIS NEW SEAT

Prof. Elom again expressed his gratitude to God for taking him higher and VC, Prof Nwajiuba, for the good work he has done, assuring “that the dream of our outgoing VC will not die under my watch”. Prof. Nwajiuba specially led the incoming VC, Prof Elom to the Vice-Chancellor’s seat to the excitement and applause of Principal Officers and other senior members of staff and guests, who were present to support Prof. Nwajiuba in celebrating his successor.

PROF. TAKES THE VC SEAT TO THE GLORY OF GOD.

There were prayers, praises and worship to God, pleasantries and sufficient entertainment at the celebration.


PRAYER SESSION


PROF. ELOM DISPLAYS LETTER OF APPOINTMENT.