It was a gathering of ‘who-is-who’ in the society as Professor Sunday Elom, supported by family members, associates, friends and colleagues from all works of life converged at the Grace of God Mission International, Abakalik to celebrate his appointment as the 3rd Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State.

The thanksgiving church service tagged “celebration of God’s faithfulness” was graced by members of the academia, captains of industries, notable politicians, diplomatic community, clergy, traditional rulers and staff and students of the University.


VC, Professor Sunday Elom and Wife, Dr. Mrs. Chinyere Elom testifying to God’s faithfulness at the thanksgiving church service
At the event, the Vice-Chancellor and his amiable wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Elom, danced, praised and thanked God for his faithfulness in their lives, most especially on his meritorious elevation to the office of a Vice-chancellor.

While testifying to God’s faithfulness, Professor Elom noted that it was his 3rd time of applying for the position of a Vice-chancellor, noting that it was God that made it possible this time around and asked the congregation to join him in praising and thanking God for His faithfulness.


L-R: VC, Professor Sunday Elom, President, AE-FUNAI Women Association, Dr. Mrs. Chinyere Elom, Registrar, Odisa C. Okeke (Mrs.) and immediate past VC of the University, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba at the event
He also lauded the President and Commander-in-chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, HE Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for approving his appointment,even as he also poured encomiums on the Governor of Ebonyi State, HE Engr. David Umahi, Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, Pro-chancellor/Chairman of the University Governing Council, Emeritus Professor Nimi Briggs, immediate past Vice-chancellor of the University, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, Registrar, Odisa C. Okeke and others who God used in diverse ways to make his dream a reality, adding that God would bless them for their transparency, fairness and forthrightness during the selection process.


L-R: HE Senator Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu, President, AE-FUNAI Women Association, Dr. Mrs. Chinyere Elom, VC, Professor Sunday Elom, Mrs. Eunice Ukamaka Egwu, Bishop Dr. D. M. Ubanatu, Rt. Rev. Ken Ifemene, a guest and Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba during the event
In a sermon tagged “Back To Bethel”, the Bishop of Grace of God Mission International, Abakaliki, Dr. David M. Ubanatu called on the congregation to return to God, stressing that power, money and position are transient, therefore people should not allow it to take them away from the presence of God.


Bishop Dr. David M. Ubanatu of the Grace of God Mission International, Abakaliki, praying for the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Elom (Kneeling down)
The Bishop further lauded the core values of excellence, integrity and entrepreneurship which AE-FUNAI is known for, and urged the entire staff and students to join hands with Professor Elom in order to take the university to greater heights. He also prayed for the Vice-chancellor and his family as well as for the success of his administration.



At the end of the church service, guests were hosted at the Nkwegu Ugbala Grand Arena, Mile 50, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

Some of the dignitaries that graced the occasion were the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, HE Engr. David Nweze Umahi who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kenneth Ugbala; first executive Governor of Ebonyi State, HE Senator Dr. Sam Egwu and wife, Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Barr. Kelechi Igwe, represented by the Commissioner for Education,Dr. Onyebuchi Chima; former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Professor Chigozie Ogbu; Justice of the Court of Appeal, Rt. Hon. Justice Obande Ogbuinya and wife; member representing Abakali/Izzi Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon Sylvester Ogbaga; Nigerian High Commissioner to Zimbabwe, HE Nwannebuike Ominyi; Ebonyi State Head of Service, Dr. Chamberlin Nwele, Director General, Nigerian Television Authority, Dr. Steve Egbo and wife; former Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu; immediate past Vice-Chancellor of AE-FUNAI, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, former Vice-Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Professor Francis Idike and wife, and numerous other highly-placed Nigerians.


Front Row: R-L: Pro-chancellor/Chairman Governing Council, Emeritus Professor Nimi Briggs, President, AE-FUNAI Women Association, Dr. Mrs. Chinyere Elom, VC, Professor Sunday Elom, representative of the Ebonyi State Governor, Dr. Kenneth Ugbala and wife, and immediate past VC of AE-FUNAI, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba at the event