₦airaland Forum

The Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Sunday Elom has vowed to complete the perimeter fencing of the University by 2022.

The Vice-Chancellor stated this today during an inspection tour of ongoing perimeter fencing works in the University.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom (2nd L), Director, DPPWS, Dr. A. I. Ezeocha, PA to VC, Mr. Collins Umoke and Head, Public Relations & Information, Elom Iyke Ubochi during the inspection tour


The fencing project which started during the immediate past administration of the University had about 80% of the land already fenced.



However, on assumption office, Prof. Elom had promised to sustain, consolidate, and expand on the various projects and programmmes he met on ground. Thus, on April 2021, he sanctioned the continuation of the fencing project.

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A section of the ongoing perimeter fencing
According to Prof. Elom, the completion of the project will ensure security of lives and property on campus, noting that it will also stop the antics of land grabbers and speculators, thereby making the University safe and secure from the menace of intruders.

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Another section of the perimeter fencing


While taking the Vice-Chancellor round the project sites, the Director, Physical Planning, Works and Services, Dr. A. I. Ezeocha stated that 1.5 kilometers of fencing work have been done since April 2021 when they received the Vice-Chancellor’s directive on the project. He added however, that about 1.2 kilometers of work remain for the entire university to be fenced.



Expressing his satisfaction on the speed and quality of the project, the Vice-Chancellor vowed to complete the entire project by 2022, and thanked the AE-FUNAI Parents Forum for providing the financial resources used in discharging the project.

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Another section of ongoing fencing work


The Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State sits on 438 hectares of land, surveyed and donated to the University by the Ebonyi State Government.

300 level students of Mass Communication, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, have presented their annual newspaper to the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sunday Elom.

Presenting the newspaper named “Iconic” to the Vice-Chancellor in his office, the Class Representative of the students, David Chukwuemeka Nwanga, noted that the newspaper is a production of the 300 level students of the University.

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David Chukwuemeka Nwanga and Uchenna Nnachi on behalf of the 300 level students presenting the Iconic newspaper to the VC, Prof. Sunday Elom (c)
He explained that the production of the newspaper is meant to enhance the efficiency and professionalism of the students, adding that the project also helps in honing the print journalistic skills of the students.



Nwanga further stated that in 3rd year, students of Mass Communication of the University are expected to produce a newspaper in the first semester and a magazine in the 2nd semester as part of their academic work, stressing that the students usually contribute both financially and intellectually to make the projects a reality.

While receiving the newspaper, the Vice-Chancellor commended the students for their resourcefulness and professionalism, noting that the successful production of the newspaper shows that the University is on the right track of grooming students who would not only be employable but also employers of labour on graduation.

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David Chukwuemeka Nwanga presenting the newspaper to the Head, Public Relations & Information and the University PRO, Elom Iyke Ubochi (2nd L)while a staff of the PR Unit, Mrs. Juliet Chigbata and a student, Uchenna Nnachi look on
Continuing, the Vice-Chancellor maintained that the University is interested in equipping students with the right skills-sets that will stand them out on graduation, and equally used the opportunity to commend the staff of the Department of Mass Communication for ensuring that students are exposed to the practical aspects of their field.



Prof. Elom further pledged to support the students with Fifty Thousand Naira (N50, 000).

The students had earlier presented the Iconic newspaper to the Head, Public Relations & Information and the University PRO, Elom Iyke Ubochi.

Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State has been ranked 32 out 167 universities in Nigeria on the quality of scientists.

In the 2021 university ranking released by a leading global ranking body based in Turkey, AD Scientific Index, the University emerged 32, topping many older universities in Nigeria.

According to the global body, the ranking “reveals the competency of institutions to attract prized scientists and the ability of institutions to encourage advances and retain scientists.”
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The ranking which covered private, state and federal universities in Nigeria also revealed that AE-FUNAI emerged 2nd out of all the universities established in Nigeria from 2011 and beyond.

Available records show that the University has also being doing well in the yearly and biannual ranking of other global bodies such as Webometrics.

In the past 10 years of its establishment, AE-FUNAI has been making steady progress in the quality of its academic activities which has boosted her national and global visibility. Due to the quality of her academic activities, the University is presently regarded as one of the most serious public universities in Nigeria.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom
In order to ensure continuous progress in the area of quality of academic programmes and other indices of global ranking, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom has vowed to put in place all the necessary modalities and facilities that are needed to make the University attain excellence.

Even as Campus-Green Initiative Gathers Momentum
Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, is to plant 100, 000 fast-growing trees, as a source of internally-generated revenue through timber and also to combat climate change in the institution.

This is one of the key performance objectives of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom as contained in his vision for the University.

He said: “Efforts will be made to create reserve areas within the University land for aggressive planting of about one hundred fast-growing timber trees by 2022”, adding “These trees will yield billions of naira in 20 years.”

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Campus-Green Initiative beautifying the University environment
Meanwhile, the Campus-Green Initiative of the University, which has the goal of building a campus-in-a-garden, thus making the University one of the most beautiful and eco-friendly campuses in Nigeria is gathering momentum.



The Green Initiative which started in 2016 has led to aggressive yearly tree planting campaigns, with over 33, 000 ornamental and fruit trees already planted in the University. As the trees continue to grow and mature, the University is gradually wearing a new look, becoming a beautiful and environmental-friendly campus, with staff and students praising the University management for the efforts.

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A walkway with beautiful trees
The Vice-Chancellor has stressed the importance of the greening project of the University, and has also assured of his continued support to the initiative to ensure that its goals and objectives are achieved. In view of this, he has approved the elevation of the status of the Campus-Green Initiative to a full Directorate.

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Eco-friendly campus environment
To underscore the importance of tree planting in achieving the goals of the Greening Project, the University on 17th June, 2021, joined the world to celebrate the international day against desertification and drought, where the Directorate of Campus-Green Initiative kick-started the 2021 tree planting campaign in the University. During the event, staff and students of various Faculties and academic and administrative departments planted a good number of trees on campus.

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Trees springing up at different parts of the campus courtesy of the Campus-Green Initiative

The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Sunday Elom, has commended two students of the University, Harmonypeace Sylvester Uchendu and Chidinma Miracle Solomon for their exemplary qualities, as a girl-child advocate and a visual artist respectively.

The Vice-Chancellor made the commendation yesterday, when he met with the two students, who are from the Department of English and Literary Studies Education and Department of Fine and Applied Arts, in his office.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom with Harmonypeace Sylvester Uchendu (R) and Chidinma Miracle Solomon (L) at his office
Speaking on the humanitarian efforts of Miss Sylvester Uchendu which has led her to many primary and secondary schools in the University’s host community, where he shared sanitary pads and toiletries to young girls, the Vice-Chancellor said ‘’I read about your good works in one of the posts on the school website and was marvelled at your kind gestures towards mankind’’, adding “It is very rare to come by these days for someone to use her personal money for such kind gestures”.



Continuing, the Vice-Chancellor who was visibly excited by the student’s rare benevolence to fellow girls, promised that the University will support her as she champions the rights and welfare of the girl-child in the society.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom welcoming Miss Harmonypeace Sylvester Uchendu to his office
Earlier, Miss Uchendu had informed the Vice-Chancellor, that her difficult childhood laid the platform for what she is doing in the area of girl-child advocacy, noting that it was not smooth while growing up.



‘’I almost dropped out of school due to lack of fund. My parents were not able to cater for our needs and that made me to use pieces of cloth as pad during my menstrual periods.

“I didn’t give up but struggled to further my education. I had to teach for 3 years after secondary school to be able to raise money to come to AE-FUNAI. So I made a vow that any little money at my disposal will be channelled to distributing toiletries and pads to less privileged girls in the society”, she submitted.

She stressed that fighting for the rights of the girl-child is her top priority, observing that females were not being treated fairly in the society.

Miss Sylvester Uchendu’s activities as a girl-child rights activist had gone viral after sharing her story with the Public Relations and Information Unit of the University. Her touching and exemplary story has been published online by many print and electronic media houses as well as social media platforms.

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Miss Chidinma Miracle Solomon presenting a portrait made from fabric to the VC, Prof. Sunday Elom during the meeting
In the same vein, Miss Solomon, whose core competence is in Fabric Collage Art was not left out in the Vice-Chancellor’s largesse.



While presenting a portrait of the Vice-Chancellor to him during the meeting, Prof. Elom also promised that the University will support her career development as a visual artist, and urged her not to rest on her oars until she achieves her dream.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom (3 L) in a group photograph with the University PRO, Elom Iyke Ubochi, Chidinma Miracle Solomon, Harmonypeace Sylvester Uchendu, Director of Information, Izuchukwu, and Mrs. Juliet Chigbata, after the meeting.

A 300 level student of English and Literary Studies Education, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, and a girl-child advocate, Miss Harmonypeace Sylvester Uchedu, has distributed toiletries and sanitary pads to primary and secondary school students in Ikwo Local Government Area of the State.

The female rights advocate said her desire in life is to put smiles on the face of the girl-child by using the resources at her disposal to fight for their rights as well as cater for some of their peculiar needs.

“I live for the purpose of the girl-child”, She said.

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Harmonypeace Sylvester Uchendu (1st L) with some AE-FUNAI female students after distributing sanitary pads to them
Speaking on her advocacy which has made her popular within and around the University community, Miss Sylvester Uchendu noted that the difficulties she faced while growing up inspired her to embark on humanitarian activities, adding that she doesn’t want any girl to go through what she experienced as a child.



“Growing up was not very funny, it was a hard one. I had to use pieces of cloth as sanitary pad during my monthly menstrual period because sanitary pad was costly and my parents could not afford to buy it for me.

‘’I remember what I passed through especially during one of my heavy flows, the cloth I used as pad could not absorb the blood. It was then that I vowed to use any opportunity I have for the improvement of the wellbeing of the girl-child’’.

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Harmonypeace Sylvester Uchendu (1st R) and her crew in a group photograph with some of the secondary school students
Narrating how the idea of distributing toiletries and sanitary pads to students started, she recalled how she visited the female hostels of the University, and found out that some of the girls were unable to buy sanitary pads and toiletries, so she decided to start distributing sanitary pads and toiletries to them and later extended it to some primary and secondary schools within Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Continuing, she noted that she has established a non-profit organization called “Touch Foundation” through which she advocates for the rights of women especially the girl-child, noting however that her idea of feminism is advocating for equal opportunities for women.

‘’When I see what people go through especially girls, it gives me sleepless nights as they are the most vulnerable in the society’’, she said.

She added that in Igbo land, females were always looked down on as if they are of little or no importance to the society, advising that women should be given equal opportunity to prove their worth, and enjoined women to stand up to their rights instead of complaining and resigning to fate.

On her plans after graduation, Miss Sylvester Uchendu, affirmed that she will focus on her Foundation, where she hopes to fight for the rights of the downtrodden, including young females and males alike, as according to her, “boys are also being molested in the society”.



Explaining further, she noted that she also aspires to become a Professor of English language and a certified educationist in order to work with other people and organizations to provide guidance to young people, and prayed for availability of funds to carry out her dreams.

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Harmonypeace sylvester Uchendu (1st L) sharing her story with the University PRO, Elom Iyke Ubochi and a PR staff, Mrs. Juliet Chigbata in his office
The young female rights activist who is also a public speaker, trainer, writer and counsellor, admonished young people to be focused on their dreams and aspirations, noting that without determination and focus they will not be able achieve their desires in life. She also encouraged young people to know what they want in life and purse it with resilience even if the economy is not favourable enough.

Concluding, Miss Sylvester Uchendu appreciated the Management of the University for their efforts in making the institution a conducive environment for learning, with zero tolerance to exam malpractice, cultism, sexual harassment and other social vices, adding that AE-FUNAI is one of the best universities that any parent could wish their child to be, even as she also advised students to work hard and be serious-minded if they intend to succeed in the University.

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Harmonypeace Sylvester Uchendu
“It is one of the best Universities in Nigeria. It is only in AE-FUNAI that students have to put in their best to succeed. The University brings the best in you”, she said.



The schools that have benefited from the humanitarian gestures of Miss Sylvester Uchendu include Urban Primary and Secondary School, Independence Layout Primary School, Life Heritage International School, Anglican Primary School and Munator Central School, all in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Sunday Elom has lauded the establishment of the Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by the Independent and Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), promising to ensure transparency and accountability in the discharge of all his official responsibilities as Vice-Chancellor of the University.

The Vice-Chancellor made this known yesterday when members of the Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the University briefed him on the functions and activities of the Unit since they were inaugurated on 17th March, 2021 by the ICPC.

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Chairman, ACTU, AE-FUNAI, Mr. Friday U. Onwumere handing over the operational manual of the Unit to the VC, Prof. Sunday Elom (R)
He further urged the Unit to embark on public enlightenment campaign to sensitize the University community on their functions and activities, charging them to also ensure that all staff and students discharge their official activities without infringing on any of the anti-corruption laws, in order not to smear the image of the institution.

He also assured them of his support to ensure they discharge their duties without fear or favour, adding that the Unit is critical to the success of the University.

Earlier while briefing the Vice-Chancellor on their activities, the Chairman of the Unit, Mr. Friday U. Onwumere noted that they have started working and had already carried out a system study to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the University in relation to the functions of the Unit.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom (7th L) and some Principal Officers in a group photograph with members of ACTU led by their Chairman, Mr. Friday U. Onwumere
“We have taken some actions which we believe might not have the force of law except the Unit meets with you and presents the document from ICPC to you, so that whatever decision or action we take, you will be aware of it”, adding “the content of the document will help the Management and the unit in rendering good service”.



Mr. Onwumere also noted that their functions as contained in their operational document are captured in Sections 7 and 70 of the ICPC Act.

He maintained that ACTU is charged with the responsibilities of carrying out all the functions of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in the institution except the prosecution of offenders.

‘’We are required to organise and sensitize staff on the issues of corruption and carry out preliminary investigation of reported cases of corruption’’, he said.

The Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) was inaugurated in AE-FUNAI on March 17, 2021, by the Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Professor Bolaji Owasonye. He was represented at the event by a Commissioner in the ICPC Enugu Zonal Office, Barr. Amedu Sule.

ACTU is an initiative of the ICPC, approved by the Federal Government to serve as in-house mechanism for corruption prevention in ministries, departments and agencies of government in Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Sunday Elom has assured staff that everyone will be given a sense of belonging in the University irrespective of their ethnic and religious group.

The Vice-Chancellor made this known yesterday when the Forum for Unity and Progress (AUP), an umbrella body of staff of the University who are not from the Igbo ethnic group, paid him a courtesy call.

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President, FUP, Mr. Williams Osatuyi presenting a congratulatory card to the VC, Prof. Elom during their visit yesterday
“Everyone is important in this system. Everybody has a role to play and every staff will be given a sense of belonging in the University irrespective of their ethnic or religious group”, the Vice-Chancellor said.



He also assured the staff that under his watch no one will be discriminated against because of his ethnicity or religion, adding that he will work together with everybody for the progress of the University.

“We will work together for the unity and progress of AE-FUNAI. We will continue to preach and practice one Nigeria in this university

“The University is for all Nigerians including non-Nigerians, because we still have students from neighboring countries like Cameroun and Ghana studying here. Let me assure you, there will not be any attempt to marginalize any group”, he concluded.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom and principal officers in a group photograph with members of FUP led by their President, Mr. William Osatuyi during their courtesy call on the VC yesterday


Earlier in his opening remarks, the President of the Forum for Unity and Progress, Mr. William Osatuyi, noted that it was the culture of the association to visit the Vice-Chancellors of the University to pledge their support and loyalty, adding that the visit was to congratulate Prof. Elom on his emergence as the 3rd Vice-Chancellor of the University.



“We are part of this administration and we pledge our support and loyalty to your administration”, he said.

Continuing, he added that the Forum was established during the tenure of the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the University, late Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, explaining that the essence was to work together in unity for the progress of the institution where they are working.

The immediate host community of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, has pledged to support the administration of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, to ensure peaceful coexistence in the University community which is vital for the continuous growth and development of the institution.

The people, comprising indigenes of four villages that make up the immediate host community of the University– Izzangbo, Ohankwu, Enyimchukwu and Onyikwa, gave their support yesterday, when they paid a courtesy call on Prof. Elom to congratulate him on his assumption of office as the 3rd Vice-Chancellor of the University.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom and principal Officers in a group photograph with representatives of the University’s immediate host community during their courtesy call to the VC yesterday
Speaking through the President of Association of Indigenes of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Host Community, Engr. Hezekiah Odum, the people noted that the appointment of Prof. Elom was an answered prayer, and expressed their happiness on how they were received and given the rare opportunity to air their views concerning their plights since the establishment of the University in their community.



He noted that the association which was established in 2017 is composed of the four villages that were mostly affected by the acquisition of the land where the University is situated, and congratulated the Vice-Chancellor on his well-deserved appointment.

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President of Association of Indigenes of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Host Community, Engr. Hezekiah Odum handing over their address to the VC, Prof. Sunday Elom durin their speech
Engr. Odum further noted that after waiting for the Ebonyi State government for many years to compensate the affected homes/families but got nothing other than neglect and injustice, they decided to unite to confront their challenges.



He used the opportunity to plead with the University Management to deal with them directly, instead of 3rd parties, as most of the benefits like employment and admission opportunities that should come to them were being diverted to people from other parts of Ikwo Local Government Area who were not directly affected by the acquisition of their land.

Also speaking during the visit, Chief Mike Mbam, Dr. Agabus Nwuzor, Deacon John Odum and Greatness Mbam Agu, all pledged the support of the indigenes to the Vice-Chancellor, assuring him of peaceful coexistence between the University and the villagers even as they also prayed for the success of his administration as he strives to take the University to greater heights.

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Chief Mike Mbam breaking the kola nut during the courtesy call
The Vice-Chancellor while responding to their presentations; thanked them for finding time to visit him, and assured them of his commitment to their welfare.



He noted that the University has had a longstanding cordial relationship with her host community, and he intends to ensure that there is enduring peace between the two parties during his tenure.

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Dr. Agabus Nwuzor speaking at the event
“We accept your address. We will look into it objectively to ensure enduring peace in the University community”, he said.



On the issue of employment, the Vice-Chancellor noted that there is a Federal Government embargo on employment, adding that even those who were employed before he assumed office have not been receiving salaries.

He however, pledged to do the needful when the embargo is lifted, even as he promised to always communicate and deal with them directly. On that premise, the Vice-Chancellor released his direct telephone number to the President of their association for direct communication.

In response to the decision of the University Governing Council at its 30th Regular meeting held on Wednesday, 30th June, 2021, for the constitution of a high-powered Committee on AE-FUNAI 10-year Development Plan, otherwise known as ‘’AE-FUNAI Vision 2031’’, the Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Professor Sunday Elom, has constituted a 13-member Committee.

While inaugurating the Committee yesterday, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the genesis of the Committee was a result of the Governing Council’s directive that he should constitute a high-level Committee to propose a ten-year development plan for the university, even though the Council was also aware that he had already set-up a 5 year Strategic Plan Committee. He said the Council in its wisdom decided that the Strategic Plan Committee should be fused into a new Committee with a plan period of 10 years, to be called ‘’AE-FUNAI VISION 2031’’.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom and principal officers in a group photograph with members of the Committee after their inauguration yesterday
He stated that Management has selected the best people to do the work, adding that the selection of members was based on personal merit and antecedent, pleading with the members to apply all the seriousness that is required to deliver on the assignment as Council is relying on them to deliver on their mandates and on time.



Prof. Elom further explained that the vision document would be launched during the forthcoming convocation ceremony of the University, noting that the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, HE President Muhammadu Buhari would be invited to the occasion which would be organized in conjunction with the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme’s family.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom speaking during the inauguration ceremony
Continuing, the Vice-chancellor urged members of the Committee to take the task seriously in order to come up with a draft document before the next meeting of the Council which is scheduled to hold in late August, 2021, adding that Council is also in a hurry to have the assignment completed on time. He also enjoined them to adhere to their terms of reference as contained in their letters of appointment.



According to the memo signed by the Registrar, the terms of reference of the Committee were to: Prepare a 10-year development plant for the University, appraise where we are now, formulate where we want to be in the next 10 years, formulate how we can get there, merge these with those of Strategic Plan Committee and make recommendations to the Management.

While speaking before the inauguration of the Committee, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, Emeritus Prof. Nimi Briggs, who joined the meeting through Zoom, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for acting speedily on the Council’s decision, noting that the Committee is to brainstorm and create ideas that will lift the University from where it is now to where it wants to be in the next ten years.

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Chairman of the Committtee, Prof. Dennis Akoh speaking at the inauguration


Continuing, Prof. Briggs maintained that Council views the work of the Committee seriously, and encouraged members to live up to expectation.



‘’ I want to tell you that this project is very important to Council’’, he said.

Responding, the chairman of the Committee, Prof. Dennis Akoh, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for constituting the Committee and assured the Management that they will not fail in the assignment, attributing his confidence on the calibre and antecedents of people in the Committee.

‘’The members are true representatives of every aspects of our university’s life and I am sure we will turnout a document that will be a true representative of the purpose the Committee was set up”, he concluded.

Members of the Committee are: Prof. Dennis Akoh (Chairman),Prof. Chukwunonso E. C. C. Ejike, Prof. Rosemary O. Igbo, Prof. Nnnenna Nwosu, Dr. Onuora B. Nweke, Prof. Dr. Jonny Ogunji, Engr. Prof. Onuegbu O. Ugwu, Prof. Kevin N. Nwogu, Prof. Abel Ezeoha, Prof. Paul O. Ezeonu, Dr. Otu Otu Akanu, Mr. Elom Ikechukwu Ubochi, Mr. John C. Ekpe, Director, Physical Planning, Works and Services, Chairman, ASUU, Chairman, SSANU, Chairman, NAAT, Chairman, NASU and Mr. Friday U. Onwumere (Secretary).

1ST FMS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE THEME: SDGS and COVID-19: Mainstreaming Resilient and Sustainable Economic Transformation in Africa

As AE-FUNAI hosts 2021 ANA International Conference
The National President, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Mr. Camilus Ukah has described Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, as a knowledgeable institution.

The President stated this recently during the 2021 Annual ANA/AE-FUNAI International Conference and workshop Themed, ‘’Re-imagining Belongingness in 21st Century Africa’’.

He likened Literature to carbon, noting that as carbon is an important element in the life of every living thing, so also is literature, because of its ability to enter any subject. He stressed that anyone that knows literature is knowledgeable, and described AE-FUNAI as a knowledgeable institution because it promotes literature and literary works of the Nigerian authors having consistently hosted ANA conference in the past few years.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom in a group photograph with Executive of ANA during their courtesy call to him at the VC’s conference room before the commencement of the conference
While welcoming the ANA President and his team during a courtesy call before the commencement of the conference, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, noted that AE-FUNAI is aspiring to become a world class University and assured the association of the continued support of his administration, promising to abide by the Memorandum of Understanding they signed with the immediate past administration of the institution.



The Vice-Chancellor further stated that the University has a conducive environment for the cross fertilization of ideas such as the conference, noting that though the it is still relatively young, yet it is one of the most serious public universities in Nigeria.

In her opening speech, the Coordinator, AE-FUNAI/ANA partnership, Prof Gloria M.T Emezue, stated that during the 2007 ANA convention, she was shocked by the poor technical quality of the works of some internationally, nationally and locally acclaimed authors, and wondered how these authors do not understand or perhaps were not acquainted with the rudiments of literary and imaginative writing.

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A cross section of participants at the 2021 ANA/AE-FUNAI International Conference
She stressed that even more disturbing was the poor number of critical works that focused on many of these emerging issues, so she had to call the attention of some elders of the Association and the Executive, on the need for the Association to do something about these emerging trends of our time.



Prof. Emezue, added that the formation of ANA by the late literary icon,Prof. Chinua Achebe and his colleagues was a necessary response to a period in Nigeria’s literary writing when the issues of the authenticity of African writing and the volume of Nigeria (Africa)’s writing were at their lowest. Thus, there was the urgent need to do something that would continually bring writers together, in order to forge some form of formidable front and provide separate identities against the fast advancing western literary corpus that threatened to swallow everything from its erstwhile colonial subjects and colonies.



She further noted that there is no doubt that the Conference and the creative workshop will provide avenues for strong synergy between the University and the general public.

Delivering the key note speech, Dr, Chika Unigwe, who addressed participants through Zoom, noted that the theme of the conference “Re-imaging Belongingness in 21st Century Africa” was necessary at this time when the nation is battling the effects of the #ENDSARS Protest, Police brutality and many other abnormalities.

She stressed that the theme of the conference was also topical because we are at a time when there is quest for identification and belongingness in Africa, adding that its aptness could also seen by the violence, protests and strikes we are witnessing in the polity, maintaining that it will further address the stereotype of being tagged an African writer which hardly gets readership outside Nigeria.

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Dr. Chika Unigwe addressing the conference via Zoom
Dr. Unigwe pointed out that the understanding and representation of the idea of African identity is being based exclusively on the notion of blackness, and countered such an idea of African identity as flawed, explaining that the conference will propound the idea of intermediary as a new modality of thinking about the importance of embracing the idea of tolerance for the differences in identity, and also see Africa as a hub for talents which is accessible to people of all races and identities.



The highlight of the event was the creativity workshop where skills of those in attendance were tested in the art of composing poetry, drama and prose fiction. At the end, a 400 level student of Political Science of the University, Kalu Abraham Justice won the Prose Fiction category; a 100 level Law student of the University, Nwele Stanley Chiemerie was the winner of Poetry category while a 400 level student of Linguistics, also of the University, Nwigbo Sally Ebube won the drama category. The Winners were awarded prizes for their sterling performances.

The Directorate of Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu- Alike, Ebonyi State, has held an orientation programme for the students of the institution who will be embarking on the mandatory 6-months industrial training in 2021.

While declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunda Elom stated that Student’s Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a veritable tool in the technological acquisition process as it creates additional exposure to students which in itself is very important in knowledge transfer.

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Cross section of participating students at the event
He emphasized that the university has been making sustainable efforts to improve on SIWES activities, noting that yearly, staff of the directorate are given opportunities to attend ITF organized workshops and training.



The Vice-Chancellor who was represented at the event by the Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Omaka N. Omaka averred that the idea behind SIWES is to complement deficiencies experienced by students in the practical component of their programmes especially in practically-oriented ones, and stressed the importance of prompt mobilization of students to their places of industrial training (IT) in line with the course of their study.

He equally advised students to ensure they secure placement in organizations that are relevant to the field of their study, urging them to be good ambassadors of the University.

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Prof. Omaka N. Omaka delivering the VC’s address at the event
Delivering the Keynote speech, the Industrial Training Fund, Area Manager, Abakaliki Area office, Mrs. Rose Adaeze Ifeokwu, thanked the Vice-chancellor for recognizing the importance of human capital development as a tool for national development.



She noted that last year, the University given award by ITF as the best in human capital development in Ebonyi state, and commended the University Management for organizing the orientation exercise for students.

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Mrs. Chidebe Emeka speaking at the event
The ITF Area Manager who was represented by Mrs. Chidebe Emeka, further stated that the ideals of the scheme is highly commendable, pointing out that the ITF offers a vast array of human resource development services which include research and development, consultancy services, monitoring and evaluation, standardization and certificate of training.



She emphasized that Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme,( SIWES) is an avenue where the ITF, tertiary institutions and industries interface with the students to educate them on the practical aspects of their disciplines.

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Acting Dr. SIWES, Dr. A. I. Adeolu addressing the participants
Earlier while delivering his opening remarks, the Acting Director, Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) Dr Adewale .I. Adeolu, observed that the purpose of organizing the programme was to advise the students on their responsibilities during the period of industrial training, urging them not to jump from one organization to another during the period.



He equally advised students to represent the University very well by being focused and serious in their work, dressing appropriately and show general good behavior as well as discharge their duties effectively in the organizations they are attached to.

The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Sunday Elom has urged the newly-admitted students of the institution to imbibe the virtues of hard work and dedication in their academic activities as it is necessary for success.

The Vice-Chancellor led the charge yesterday during the 9th matriculation ceremony of the University where 4, 715 freshmen swore oath of allegiance to abide by the ideals, rules and regulations of the University.

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“To our freshmen who are matriculating today, I admonish you not to shy away from hard work, for it is necessary for your success. You will definitely encounter some challenges in your road to success, but stay focused and on course.

“We will not condone any form of cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse, campus prostitution, sex or money-for-marks, indecent dressing and unruly behavior. You have come to the University to study; shun anything that can deter you from reaching your goals.

“This University is not a heaven for any kind of misconducts; the consequences for such acts are rustication or outright expulsion of the culprits. We therefore admonish our students to mind their studies, and beware of the so called campus life attractions because we have zero tolerance for all forms of social vices.”

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Dean, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Prof. Friday Nwalo, reading the Vice-Chancellor’s address in his faculty at the 8th Matriculation Ceremony of the University


Continuing, the Vice-Chancellor also charged the freshmen to report any form of intimidation, extortion and sexual harassment by staff to him, noting that he had released his phone number to other students during his interaction with them before the admission of the freshmen.



“I also charge all students to report any form of sexual abuse, intimidation and extortion from staff. I have released my phone number to students during my interaction with them before your admission. I advise you to collect my phone number from them. Send text messages and WhatsApp chats to me on any issue. I assure you of prompt response and action”, the Vice-Chancellor stated.

He equally stated: “This University is not just interested in producing first-class materials that would rule their world after graduation but also men and women of honour and character that will be a light to their generation.

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Students cutting the Matriculation cake at the Faculty of Biological Sciences


“Evidence abound that our students are actually acquiring the right knowledge from the University, as being delivered by our experienced, committed, competent and passionate members of the academia.



“And to ensure that the University attracts and retains the right quality and caliber of staff we desire, the University is committed to building the capacity of its workforce where they are exposed to latest methodologies in teaching and research, and administration through conferences, seminars, workshops and other types of training.”

Speaking further the Vice-Chancellor noted that the University was not oblivious of the challenges students may be facing on campus, stressing that Management is working assiduously to arrest the situation in order to provide a conducive environment for learning

“Management remains committed to students’ welfare and would continue to improve the conditions in the hostels and the entire campus. We are putting things in place to make sure your stay on campus is peaceful, comfortable and worthwhile.

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Students’ procession during the 9th matriculation ceremony


“Our long term plan is to have at least 60% of the students’ population living on campus. Plans are also on the way to construct more faculty buildings, lecture halls and theaters and staff offices to enhance teaching and learning.

“The University is also working with security agencies to ensure that our campus remains safe and secure for academic activities. In fact, on Tuesday, 8th June, 2021, I constituted a high-powered security committee consisting of staff, students and representatives of security agencies and the host community to deal with security issues within and around our campus. These measures were to ensure the safety of our staff and students.

“The University is also partnering with Zenith Bank for the commencement of Agency banking to provide banking facilities to staff and students on campus”, he stated.

The Vice-Chancellor equally admonished the freshmen to avail themselves of all the facilities provided by the University, adding that the University is on the right track to becoming a world class institution, and a reputable Centre of learning and research.

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Another cross section of students on procession during the Matriculation ceremony
“AE-FUNAI is on the right track in its drive to becoming a world-class university and a vibrant centre of learning and research because excellence, integrity and entrepreneurship are our core values.



“We also emphasize computer literacy, for all staff and students at all levels, because in the present information age, no individual can maximize his/her full potential without ICT. We have well-equipped ICT Centre and ICT-driven University library with the most current books and journals in different fields and disciplines.


“Our students can also source and access their lecture materials, e-books and e-journals from the University repository- AE-FUNAI Research Archive (FURA) on the University website.

Concluding the Vice-Chancellor assured the students of all the necessary support, as long as they remained law abiding and dedicated to their studies.

The AE-FUNAI 9th matriculation ceremony was for the 2020/2021 academic session, and it was decentralized and held in the 11 faculties of the University including the College of Medicine.

The first set of students of the MBBS Pogramme, College of Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State that scaled through the 2nd MB examination is set to commence their clinical training at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki in a month’s time.

This was made known yesterday by the Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Paul Ezeonu during an on-the-spot assessment of infrastructural facilities at the teaching hospital by the Governing Council of the University, to ascertain the preparedness of the hospital in welcoming the medical students for their clinical training.

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Group photograph of members of the University Governing Council led by the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Emeritus Prof. Nimi Briggs, VC, Prof. Sunday Elom and others, and Management of AE-FUTHA, led by the CMD, Dr. Onwe Ogah during the facility tour yesterday


The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Emeka Onwe Ogah led the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, AE-FUNAI Governing Council, Emeritus Prof. Nimi Briggs and other members to the site where the medical students’ hostel will be constructed and other infrastructural facilities already put in place for the clinical training of the students. Some of the facilities that were visited include a 240 capacity lecture hall, library block and an auditorium. More so, a 65-room hostel opposite the teaching hospital has also been secured by the University for the temporary accommodation of the medical students until the completion of their main hostel to be situated inside the hospital.

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CMD, AE-FUTHA, Dr. Emeka Onwe Ogah leading members of the AE-FUNAI Governing Council that include the Pro-chancellor/Chairman, Emeritus Prof. Nimi Briggs, VC, Prof. Sunday Elom and others to the various infrastructural facilities for the clinical training of the MBS students
Speaking during the facility tour, Dr. Ogah noted that the hospital was ready to support the smooth take-off of clinical training of the MBBS students, adding that since the Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the hospital and the University, the hospital has been working assiduously to ensure a seamless relationship between the two institutions.



He further stressed the preparedness of the hospital for the commencement of the programme, explaining that the hospital is well-equipped for the training of medical students as it has over 200 consultants and 600 bed spaces.

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Inside view of the 240 capacity lecture hall


While responding, the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Governing Council of the University, Emeritus Prof. Briggs highlighted the importance of medical school in the society, and thanked the management of the teaching hospital for their prompt response.

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Inside view of the auditorium


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Library block

A talented 300 level student of Fine and Applied Arts, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Miss Chidinma Miracle Solomon, said her inspiration as a visual artist with core competence in Fabrics Collage Art is drawn from the environment.

The budding visual artist made this known today as she narrated her journey to the Department of Fine and Applied Arts of the University, where she has spent three challenging and interesting years.

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Chidinma Solomon displaying one of her works
Speaking to the University Public Relations Officer, Elom Iyke Ubochi at his office, Miss Solomon noted that her journey into Visual Art started in Basic 5 when her mother, Mrs. Onyeka Solomon noticed her extraordinary talents in the use of colours, pencils and fabrics to produce images, and encouraged and supported her to live her dreams. She added that apart from her mother, love for colours and beauty of the African print materials have also played a vital role in her choice of profession.

She maintained that her choice of Visual Art especially Fabric Collage Art was to stand out from the crowd by doing something different from what many other people are doing, and thereby carve a niche for herself in the arts industry.

Continuing, she stated that Fabrics Collage Art involves the use of pieces of African print materials to produce images, adding that though it is very expensive in comparison to other genres of Arts, she delved into it because of her penchant for excellence, professionalism and distinction.

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Speaking further, Miss Solomon stated that before she gained admission to study Fine and Applied Arts in the University, she had had some training in the field of Fabrics Collage Art at the St. Martdom Art Gallery, Lagos, where her talent was first honed.

The gifted artist who is making waves because of her art works also lamented that art is not really valued in Nigeria as it is done in the advanced nations of Europe and America, noting that in Nigeria people hardly pay the real value for works of art, and called on government at all levels to support the profession as artists have the capacity to enhance the image of the country in the comity of nations through their works.

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Chidinma Solomon’s art work
Miss Solomon averred that after graduation, she hoped to secure a sponsorship to enable her set up a well-equipped arts studio where she can practise as a full time Artist. She however advised young artists to be focused and keep on practising, stating that ‘’the more you practise, the better you become’’, noting also that “Rome was not built in a day”.

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Another art work by Chidinma Solomon
Concluding, she thanked the Management of the University for their relentless efforts geared towards making the University a heaven for nurturing and grooming young talents to become functional and skilled in different fields of life, while also encouraging students to be focused and committed to their studies in order to succeed in the University.

More of Chidinma’s arts works can be accessed in her social media handles: Facebook: @jachee Mimi; Instagram: @jachee_mimi and Twitter: @jachyart01

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Chidinma Solomon posing with one of her works


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University PRO, Elom Iyke Ubochi in a handshake with Miss Chidinma Solomon during her visit to the Public Relations & Information Unit, while Mrs. Juliet Chigbata and Miss Chisom Faith Eze watch with keen interest

One of the challenges facing the university community before the emergence of Prof. Sunday Elom as the 3rd Vice-Chancellor of Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State was lack of banking facility in the institution.

Due to this, staff and students had to travel over 25 kilo meters to the Ebonyi State capital, Abakaliki, to access banking facilities with its attendant loss in man-hour and other associated travelling risks.

The gap in banking activities in the University also led to the proliferation of private POS vendors within and around the campus, who took advantage of the situation and were charging exorbitant rates on students for withdrawal or sending of money.

On assumption of office on 11th February, 2021, the Vice-Chancellor took notice of the gap, so while he was addressing students during his inaugural week, he pledged to fill the void by ensuring the establishment of a bank in the University to assuage the pains students go through in accessing banking facilities.

In trying to actualize this noble objective, the Vice-Chancellor hosted officials of some banks such as First Bank and Zenith Bank respectively. It was during one of those visits that the idea of Agency Banking was born as a veritable alternative to the traditional banking facility which from all indications is not feasible at the moment in the University due to some financial reasons adduced by the banks.

In order to ensure quick actualization of the objective, the Vice-Chancellor set-up a Committee, to liaise with the Zenith bank, to work-out the modalities for the commencement of Agency banking in the University.

It was therefore a cheering news, as the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elom, on Wednesday, 23rd July, 2021 inaugurated the AE-FUNAI Agency Bank, to be powered by Zenith Bank Plc, to ease the difficulties staff and students go through in accessing banking facilities and other financial transactions in the University.

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Newly inaugurated AE-FUNAI Agency Bank
While making his opening remarks at the event, the Chairman, Committee on Agency Banking, Prof. Abel Ezeoha, stated that the purpose of establishing the bank is to offer all banking services which include, account opening, cash deposits and withdrawals, remita payments, and many other financial transactions.



He thanked the vice-chancellor for his support in making the dream a reality and also the Management for believing in the Committee, hoping that the bank will run like a conventional one and be able to fulfill the banking needs of the University community.



Prof. Ezeoha added that the staff employed to manage the Agency bank have had many years of banking experience, noting that the purpose was to ensure professionalism in the discharge of their duties, and as such induce staff and students to patronize the bank.

Continuing, he stated that Agency banking is a World Bank initiative geared towards increasing the rate of financial inclusiveness among the under- banked, which if properly handled in the University, the idea could attract the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom, inaugurating the AE-FUNAI Agency Bank yesterday, while others watch with keen interest
Speaking before inaugurating the project, the Vice-Chancellor, noted that the University’s Agency Bank will take care of the banking needs of staff and students and alleviate the pains they face going to Abakaliki for banking transactions, adding that it will also help to generate revenue for the university.



He urged the Management of the bank to charge lesser than the vendors of Point of Services (POS), scattered all over the school premises, while also enjoining them to sensitize the students on the need to bank with the Agency bank.



He thanked the Committee for their hard work and dedication in making sure the idea became a reality, stressing that the University’s Micro Finance bank has not started as expected, and when the idea of the Agency banking was muted, the University Management decided to key into it.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom speaking during the inauguration while the Chairman, Committee on Agency banking, Prof. Abel Ezeoha, the University Bursar, Mr. Kingsley Oyekezie and others listen with keen interest
Also speaking at the event, the Branch Manager, Zenith bank PLC, Waterworks Road, Abakaliki, Mrs. Jacinta Uju Izuchukwu promised the unflinching support of their bank to make the University’s Agency bank a success.

Highlight of the event was opening of account by the Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers of the University to kick-start the operational service of the Agency bank.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom displaying his account booklet after opening account in the University’s Agency Bank yesterday after inaugurating the bank

Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu- Alike Ebonyi state, through the Centre for Human Resource Development (CHRD) recently exposed her teaching and non-teaching staff to a two-day workshop titled “A New Dimension to Work Ethics in the University”, geared towards boosting their productivity.

The high-impact workshop held at the Prof. Ababukar Rasheed Auditorium was also aimed at reforming the mind-sets of staff of the University to make them more serious-minded, dedicated and diligent in the discharge of their duties in order to ensure the actualization of the world class vision of the University.

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Prof. Egwu U. Egwu espousing his points at the event
Speaking at the workshop on the topic ‘’ University Lecturer, Positive Mental Attitude, Ethical Issues and the Employer and the Students Point of View’’, the Director of Entrepreneurship and Employability, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Prof. Egwu U. Egwu, enjoined staff to be ethical in the discharge of their duties, adding that it involves being positive, doing the right things always, and not being reminded on what to do or supervised before one discharges their responsibilities.

Prof. Egwu further stressed the importance of lecturers cultivating cordial relationships with students, and acting as their fathers. He also emphasized that lecturers should exhibit positive mental attitude in discharging their functions in order to be able to groom and nurture students that will be self-confident and positive in their outlook to study and society.

Continuing, the erudite scholar noted that positive mental attitude helps one to be more ethical, more motivated and coordinated in their work and enjoined participants to exhibit good university citizenship behavior which involves going beyond the call of duty to look out for fellow staff and students who are lagging behind. He also called on lectures to help in grooming, nurturing and mentoring students as part of their learning process and thereby aid them to develop strong personal capacity that are needed for the realization and maximization of their full potential.

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Eze Eze Ubi delivering his talk at the event
Eze Eze Ubi (CNA), Chief Accountant and Project Accountant in charge of Centre for Communicable Disease, Control and Research Clinic, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AE-FUTHA), speaking on the topic “Accountability and Job Satisfaction as a Gateway to Institutional Development”, informed participants that accountability is a condition of being answerable or report of an assignment or activity given to you to carry out. Job satisfaction, he continued, simply means the feeling of joy or satisfaction derived from doing what you are doing. He explained that duties given to staff usually vary, as such; each staff should take full responsibility of their duties, adding that this leads to efficiency and effectiveness which transcends to institutional development.

He further noted that once a staff is accountable, job satisfaction is bound to set in, and enjoined heads of units to delegate, monitor compliance and performance for every duty given to subordinates and ensure reports are timely as these enhances accountability. He also advised that when jobs are given to staff it should be designated according to abilities and people appreciated when they perform well; pointing out that most staff that are accountable, enjoy job satisfaction.

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Cross-section of AE-FUNAI Staff at the event
In her presentation, “A Clerk Today, A Boss Tomorrow’’, Dr. Mrs. Chinyere Ndukwe, Head, Department of Public Administration, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, informed participants that no matter the level they find themselves, they should know they are important as such, discharge their jobs with dignity.

She explained that as a clerk, one should endeavor to be ambitious, acquire new certificates, new skills, and learn new methods of doing the old things as a pathway to becoming a boss tomorrow. She charged them to discharge their duties politely, be dependable, and have spirit of teamwork and engage in continuous learning. She also pointed out that if a staff at the junior cadre has a positive attitude to work, works diligently and obeys persons at the helm of affairs, they will enjoy tomorrow.

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Dr. Mrs. Chinyere Ndukwe speaking at the event
The training programme is a response to the objectives set out by the Vice-chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, during his inaugural address to staff, when he among other things noted that training and capacity building of staff will be top priority of his administration. According to him, poorly-trained staff cannot contribute to the actualization of the vision of the University, hence the need to lay emphasis on their continuous and mandatory training.

The Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, Medical Parents’ Forum, an umbrella body of all parents and guardians of students of College of Medicine of the institution has pledged to build a female hostel for medical students.

This hint was dropped yesterday when the Executive of the Medical Parents’ Forum paid the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom a courtesy visit, to congratulate him on his emergence as the 3rd Vice-Chancellor of the University, and more importantly, to thank him for the pre-clinical accreditation of the College of Medicine by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the National Universities Commission.

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L-R: AE-FUNAI Parents’ Forum, Engr. Chidi Onwe Ogah, VC, Prof. Sunday Elom, Secretary, Medical Parents’ Forum, Mrs. Patience Okoro and Chairman, Medical Parents Forum, Chief Edward Ngene in a group photograph when they visited the Vice-Chancellor recently
The AE-FUNAI Parents’ Forum is a child of necessity that was formed in 2016, to help in bridging the palpable infrastructural gaps that exist in the University. Since its inception, the Forum has helped the University in providing lecture seats, engineering equipment and facilities, perimeter fencing, water bore holes, buildings and many more. In fact, the Medical Parents’ Forum in particular, had constructed a hostel for medical students in 2019, one of the requirements for the initial accreditation of the MBBS programme by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. The hostel is being occupied by male students of the programme.

While speaking during the visit, the Chairman, Medical Parents’ Forum, Chief Edward Ngene, expressed gratitude to God for choosing Prof. Elom as the Vice-Chancellor of the University, adding that with him in the saddle, the University will be taken to greater heights.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom, principal Officers and Provost, College of Medicine in a group photograph with Executive of Medical Parents’ Forum led by their Chairman, Chief Edward Ngene during their visit recently


He also used the opportunity to plead with the Vice-Chancellor to allocate a parcel of land to the Forum for the construction of a hostel to accommodate female students of the Medical Programme.



Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the general AE-FUNAI Parents’ Forum, Engr. Chidi Onwe Ogah, who accompanied the Medical Parents’ Forum to the event, noted that with Prof. Elom as Vice-Chancellor, the University will witness extraordinary development in all aspects due to his wealth of experience in the university system. He also pledged the continued support of the Forum for the infrastructural development of the University.

Expressing his happiness on the decision of the Medical Parents’ Forum to construct a female hostel for medical students, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elom, described it as a welcome development. He noted that his administration will do everything possible to support them to actualize the objective.

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Chairman, Medical Parents’ Forum, Chief Edward Ngene presenting a gift to the VC, Prof. Sunday Elom during their visit while others watch with keen interest


He also noted that the College of Medicine was a top priority of his administration, stressing that he will do everything to ensure the College became one of the best in the country.



Continuing, the Vice-Chancellor explained that the pre-clinical accreditation of College of Medicine of the University within 3 years of its establishment was a rare feat, noting that many Universities in Nigeria have such accreditation between 6 to 8 years, but the University did it in 3 years.

In a bid to build the leadership capacity of students, the Guidance and Counseling Unit, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, yesterday organized a one-day special Leadership Training for the newly-elected Students Union Government (SUG) officials and Departmental Presidents. The specific objective of the training was to equip the Students’ Union leaders with the relevant leadership skills and attributes needed in discharging their duties as leaders.

While declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Oge Elom, represented by the Dean Students Affairs, Dr. N. A. Obasi, noted that the training came at a critical time in the University with the emergence of the new Students’ Union Government. He enjoined them to take the training seriously in order to learn and imbibe vital leadership qualities that could stand them out as students’ leaders and ambassadors of the University.

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Group photograph of Organizers and SUG officials that participated at the one day workshop n leadership
Speaking earlier, the Head, Guidance and Counseling Unit, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Nwudu, while addressing the students, maintained that the essence of organizing the training was to develop a cordial relationship between the Students Union Government and other students and help the Union leaders imbibe and abide by the ethics of the University as well as teach them how to handle students within the limits of their power.

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Head, Guidance and Counseling, Dr. Ngozi Nwudu addressing participants at the event
Dr. (Mrs.) Eunice Eze, one of the resource persons, who spoke on ‘’Qualities of a Good Leader and the Impact in University Community’’, explained that to be a leader is a very big task, noting that a good leader leads by example. She further pointed out the qualities of a good leader as communication, vision, accountability, gratitude, humility, respect to others etc. Mrs. Eze encouraged the students’ leaders to be democratic in nature instead of autocratic, neglectful and permissive.







In her presentation titled, ‘’Skills Acquisition for Leadership Development”, the Head, Academic Staff Matters (ASM), Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Okorie, represented by Mr. James Omereagbo Egba, stressed that the era has gone when students graduate from the University and job opportunities were already available for them. She therefore advised students to acquire the right skill-sets that can sustain them after university education instead of waiting endlessly for white collar jobs that are in short supply.

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Dr. (Mrs.) Eunice Eze speaking at the event, while Mr. James Omereagbo Egba and SUG President, Comrade Solomon Ikechukwu Agbo listen
The Students Union Government (SUG) President, Comr. Agbo Solomon Ikechukwu in his speech thanked the organizers of the training for bringing all the students’ leaders together for such an important training, noting that the timing of the training was apt. He assured the University Management of their commitment to running a virile Union, with effective and functional leadership at the core. He also pledged to ensure that other students were trained to acquire the right leadership ethos in order to ensure peace and progress in the University.

Due to the ongoing communal crisis between Ikwo and Izzi clans of Ebonyi State, which has increased panic within and around the University campus, the Nigerian Army has assured the Management, staff and students of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, of adequate security, as they embark on their academic activities.

This heart-warming news was made known yesterday by the newly-appointed Cantonment Commander, Nkwagu Military Cantonment, Ebonyi State, Lt .Col. A.M Sa’ad when he was received in audience by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sunday Elom at the Vice-Chancellor’s conference room.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom receiving a plaque from the Cantonment Commander, Nkwagu Military Cantonment, Lt. Col. A. M. Sa’ad during his visit to the University yesterday
The military officer noted that the cantonment is composed of the Engineering Corps, charged with the 2nd line support to the Nigerian Army, especially in providing construction support during war. He added that they are also responsible to the State in times of civil crisis by assisting the Nigerian Police Force to ensure peace.

Speaking further, Lt. Col. Sa’ad, assured the University of their military support by providing security within the troubled areas in order to arrest any security breach and thus guarantee the safety of staff and students of the University.

“We will not joke with the security of the University because any breach will be a national calamity”, he stated.

He also thanked the Vice-Chancellor for the warm reception and kind gestures accorded him, stating that his doors will be fully open in case of any security challenge in the University.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom and the Cantonment Commander, Lt. Col. A, M. Sa’ad in a group photograph with some members of the University Management during the courtesy call
While welcoming the Military Commander to the University, Prof. Elom thanked him for finding time to visit even without an official invitation, adding that the visit showed that he has the interests of the University community at heart.



The Vice-Chancellor also decried the level of insecurity along the road leading to the University, stressing that he had already written to the Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Umahi and heads of security agencies in the state such as the Police, Directorate of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to alert them on the security challenges facing the University.

He further noted that the University is a very young one and at such, doesn’t need these challenges, so that staff can function well, and the students can study without hitches, stressing that the University is regarded as one of the most serious Universities in Nigeria.

“We have been having security challenges because of the communal crisis between Izzi and Ikwo clans

“Due to these challenges, I have written to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Directorate of State Security (DSS), Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, Divisional Police Officer, Ikwo and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, requesting for a joint security patrol along the road leading to the University from Nkwagu”

Continuing the Vice-Chancellor said “You need to mobilize your men to be part of the joint security patrol team to ensure peace along the troubled axis”, adding “I assure you of regular communication, especially if there is any security any issue.”

The highpoint of the visit was a presentation of a plaque by the Cantonment Commander, Lt .Col Sa’ad to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elom.

Also sets-up Taskforce on Environment
Worried by the spate of improper dressing among staff and students,the Vice- Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi state, Professor Sunday Elom has constituted a Committee on Improper Dressing to tackle the menace in the institution.

This is coming at a time he also has set-up a Committee on Environment, to ensure environmental cleanliness and orderliness in the University campus.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom (8th L) in a group photograph with members of the Committee on Improper Dressing led by their Chairman, Prof. Gloria M. T Emezue (7th L)
While inaugurating the two Committees yesterday, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the constitution and inauguration of the Committee on Improper Dressing was informed by his Inaugural meeting with staff and students where he emphasised the need for decorum in dressing especially among staff and students of the University.



He noted that though, the University will not introduce uniforms for her students, yet, staff and students should mind the way they dress on campus and the type of dresses they wear to work and classes, adding that ‘’the way you dress is the way people will address you’’.

Speaking further, the Vice-Chancellor frowned at the flagrant display of nudity and tattered clothing in the University community, and charged the Committee to monitor the dress styles of staff and students within the campus and make sure they dress properly, as the University will no longer condone improper dressing among her staff and students henceforth. He enjoined them to give him regular report on the matter and any other thing they think will make the institution better in that regard.

Continuing, Prof. Elom urged the Taskforce on Environment to ensure harmonization of vendors within the campus and make sure they are positioned at the proper places designated for their activities, and thereby stop the ongoing indiscriminate display and sell of goods on every part of the campus by private individuals.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom (10th L) in a group photograph with members of the Committee on Environment led by their Chairman Dr. Amobi Ekwe (9th L)


“People should not be allowed to sell inside the class rooms or showcase their goods and services randomly in the university”, the Vice-Chancellor stated, adding ‘’ensure effective cleanliness and orderliness on campus, and discharge your duties without fear in order to make the environment neater and orderly’’.

While responding, the Chairman of the Committee on Improper Dressing,Prof. Gloria M.T. Emezue, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for constituting the Committee and assured him that they would hit the ground running in order to deliver on their mandates of restoring decorum on campus in the area of staff and students’ dressing.

In the same vein, Dr. Amobi Ekwe, who chairs the Taskforce on Environment commended the Vice-Chancellor for constituting the Committee, noting that it came at a time when the focus of the whole world is on environment and climate change.

He said: “The issue of environment is weighty, mighty and something to take very serious”.

He assured the Vice-Chancellor of the Committee’s total commitment to deliver on their mandates and make the university environmental-friendly while also appealing for Management’s support to actualize their goals.

Members of the two Committees are made up of staff, students and the University internal security officials.

The Vice-chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Sunday Elom has constituted the Board of the University’s Radio Station, 104.7 FM.

The constitution of a Board is one of the conditions for issuing license to a radio station by the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

While inaugurating the Board yesterday, the Vice-Chancellor who was represented by Prof. Michael Onuu noted that Management constituted the Board to oversee the affairs of the university radio station, in a bid to make it functional and the number one radio station in Ebonyi state and environs.

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L-R: Dr. Charles Okwouwuu, Mrs. Kate Nwankwo, Prof. Michael Onuu (Chairman, Dr. Chris Akubiro, Mrs. Enuma Afam Icha-Ituma and Elom Iyke Ubochi in a group photograph after their inauguration
Speaking further, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the board was to among other things seek to obtain a license for the radio station and work with and guides Management to actualize the dreams of the University in the area of community radio broadcasting. He also stressed the importance of using the radio as a source of internally-generated revenue for the University, adding that though the tasks were onerous but he found it very interesting.



While on inspection tour with members of the Board to the Radio Station, the Chairman of the Board, Prof. Onuu stated that the Board has high expectations for the station, as they were prepared to ensure that it serves the University community such as students of various disciplines like Mass Communication, Theatre Arts, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, who are now opportune to have a place for their industrial training at the station, and members of the public for other purposes.

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The Board having her inaugural meeting at the Secretary’s office
He expressed confidence that the Vice-chancellor having selected such a team with far-reaching experience, they will do exploits such that the University Community will be happy because of the activities of the studio.



Also speaking during the tour of facilities, Mrs. Enuma Afam Icha-Ituma appreciated the Vice-chancellor, for selecting those with practical and field knowledge in broadcasting and other relevant disciplines as Board members of the radio station, stating that the team would move the station to greater heights by making it the most listened to station in Ebonyi state.

Dr. Charles Okwuowulu while also speaking during the tour expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, for appointing a Board for the station. He stated that with the wealth of experience of members, he expects the Radio Station to be competitive in the digital space. He pledged that the Board would work together with Management of the Station to ensure that the station becomes the best.

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Some members of the Board enjoying some beats from the AE-FUNAI Radio station, 104.7 FM during the facility tour of the station
Members of the Board are Prof. Michael Onuu (Chairman), Mr. Chris Akubuiro (Station Manager), Mrs. Enuma Afam Icha-Ituma, Dr. Charles Okwuowulu, Mr. Elom Iyke Ubochi, Engr. Olaowoore P. Olabiri and Mr. Chukwuma John Ekpe while Mrs. Kate N. Nwankwo will serve as Secretary.

Due to the simmering security challenges across the country, especially in some parts of Ebonyi State, the Vice-chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu –Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Sunday Elom, has constituted a high-powered Security Committee to liaise with relevant stakeholders within and outside the University to ensure the safety of staff and students on campus.

Speaking while inaugurating the Committee yesterday at the Vice-Chancellor’s conference room, Prof. Elom noted that the constitution of the Committee was a response to the insecurity situation in Nigeria in general and Ebonyi State in particular especially as regards the prevailing communal conflicts between Enyigba community in Abakaliki Local Government Area and Enyibichiri community in Ikwo Local Government Area of the State, adding that the Committee was meant to ensure peace and security as well as a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning by liaising with all strategic stakeholders.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom espousing a point during the inauguration ceremony
The Vice-Chancellor charged the Committee to go the extra mile in ensuring that all staff and students are safe on campus, reiterating that the sitting of the University at Ndufu-Alike in Ikwo local Government Area was for the good of the host community and urged them to join hands with Management to ensure peace and security within and around the campus.



He further explained that the Committee is expected to liaise with security agencies and the Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area to ensure surveillance around the campus and its environs including private hostels; carry out a survey of students in private hostels and note their statistics; design and run a rapid response system and create a central unit for communicating security information to the University Community and also make periodic recommendations to Management. He equally advised the Committee to take the exercise seriously to ensure that there is peace and stability within and around the university.

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Chief Security Officer, Major Mgbebu N. Onwe (rtd.) speaking during the event
Speaking on behalf of the Committee, the Chief Security Officer of the University, Major Mgbebu N. Onwe (rtd.) who also is a member of the Committee, thanked the University Management for giving them the opportunity to serve, stating that they would do their best to achieve the goals of the University in the area of Security.



The Committee is made up of staff, students and representatives of security agencies and the University’s host community. The members include: Prof. Smart Otu (Chairman), Major Mgbebu N. Onwe (rtd.), Dr. Onyekachi Eni, Dr. Henry Aloh, Dr. Christiana Igberi, Mr. Cornelius Offia, Dr. N. A. Obasi, Dr. A. I. Ezeocha, Dr. Charles Okolie, Dr. Otu Otu Akanu, Mr. Chibuike Igwe, Dr. Ikpor, Dr. Kingsley Nwagu, Mr. John Ekpe, Agbo Solomon (SUG President), Ochuba Lois (student), Oshinne Ebenezer (Student), Chukwu Emmanuel (student), and representatives of the NPF, DSS, NSCDC and host community, while Comfort Ele will serve as Secretary.

In the last few days, there has been palpable fear, panic and apprehension within the University community over the safety of staff and students due to the simmering communal crisis between Izzi and Ikwo communities.
The panic was heightened last week due to a viral online message and voice note calling on staff and students of the University who are from Izzi to go home to avoid being caught up by an imminent war between the two communities.
The situation has raised some concerns about the safety of staff and students of the University, from the esteemed parents and guardians of our students, and other stakeholders.
The University Management wishes therefore, to note that staff and students of our University are safe and secure on campus, and that academic activities are going on without hitches.
The security agencies have been fully briefed on the situation at hand and they are working round the clock to ensure that the University campus remains peaceful and conducive for academic activities.
The University Management has also constituted a high-powered security committee made up of representatives of some security agencies, staff, students and members of the University host community to liaise with the appropriate authorities to ensure security within and around the campus.
The University Management wants to use this opportunity to reassure our students, their parents and guardians and other stakeholders that Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, is safe and secure, and that academic activities are going on without encumbrances.
Nevertheless, we wish to advise our staff and students to avoid travelling through the Nkwagu/Enyigba/Nwakpu road at night until normalcy is restored along that axis. They are also advised to avoid night outings and to make sure that they are in their respective hostels not later than 7pm, especially those living off campus.
The safety and security of our staff and students remains paramount to us, and the University Management is working assiduously to maintain it.
Thank you.

Elom Iyke Ubochi
Head, Public Relations & Information/PRO

The Centre for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETEL), Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi state, has held a seminar geared towards building and enhancing the learning capabilities of students of the University.

The seminar which was held recently at the Prof. Ababukar Rasheed Auditorium was also meant to help students with Learning Disabilities develop and sustain effective study habit through learning surgery. The one day event was part of the mission of the Centre to promote innovative and inspiring approaches to enhance teaching and learning amongst students of the university.

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Dr. Tina Nweze speaking at the seminar
Dr. Tina Adaeze Nwaeze on behalf of Prof. James Bassey Ejue speaking on the topic, “Helping Learners with Learning Disabilities: The Role of Students”, explained that learning disabilities are learning difficulties, which are conditions that make one not to learn. She explained that psychologists and special needs education experts, see it as disorders that affect the ability to understand or use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations, coordinate movements, and direct attention.



She also noted that learning disabilities is characterized in individuals in a number of ways such as, short attention span, poor decoding skills, poor reading fluency, slow reading rates, lack of self-monitoring reading skills, poor comprehension and/ or retention, difficulty identifying important ideas in context, extreme difficulties building ideas and image.

Dr. Nwaeze further pointed out that, medical problems, genetic factors, lack of learning readiness, home background, curriculum design, teacher factor and poor nutrition were major causes of learning difficulties. However she iterated that it is not the same as mental retardation and advised the students against stigmatization or labeling of a person with learning difficulty, give such a person unconditional acceptance/ unconditional positive regard, help them find and develop their strength through teamwork, include them in group work and play groups and show adequate empathy not sympathy.

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Ag. Director, CETEL, Dr. Rowland Uwakwe, Mr. John Onwe and a cross section of participants at the seminar
In her own presentation on Developing and Sustaining Effective Study Habit, Prof. F. E. Otta, informed participants that to study means to review materials already learned in order to ensure that it is retained, whereas study habit is when one studies repeatedly. She stated that studying involves acquisition, retention and recall of knowledge whenever it is needed.



Prof. Otta also noted that for a student to develop effective study habit, one has to read ahead, develop private timetable, revise previous days study, revise and review each weeks study, recall what was read, approach teachers for explanation on difficult areas and discuss with others for and better insight. She mentioned the SQ4R study technique as the best method of study technique. This, according to her, involves surveying, questioning, and reading, reflecting, reciting and reviewing on materials. She iterated that, sustaining effective study habit involves a good mindset, time management, doing ones assignments, proper note making/note taking and remembering effectively.

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Prof. F. E. Otta, addressing the participants at the seminar
Speaking on learning surgery, Dr. Chinwe Ogunji stated that students usually have learning styles and preferences, however, she highlighted seven notable learning styles, which according to her; include: visual, aural, verbal, physical, logical, social and solitary learning styles.

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Dr. Chinwe Ogunji speaking at the event
While making his closing remarks, the Acting Director, Centre for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETEL), Dr. Rowland C. Uwakwe, thanked the guest speakers for their wonderful and informative presentations. He also expressed his appreciation to the CETEL team and students who participated in the event, and encouraged them to apply what they have learnt to improve their learning capabilities, and thus, become effective in their studies and future endeavors.

A 500 level student of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Comrade Chukwudi Chukwudubem Anointing, has been elected the National President of the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students’ Association (NUESA).



NUESA is the student wing of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), established to serve as a platform for developing students studying engineering in tertiary institutions with over twenty- thousand (20,000) registered students’ members across over one hundred (100) tertiary institutions, with the mandate of building phenomena engineers capable of replicating world-class cutting-edge technologies which will place our country side-by-side with developed nations.

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National President, NUESA, Comrade Chikwudi Chukwudubem Anointing
He was elected at the just concluded 4th National Technical & Exhibition Conference (NTCE) of the association which took place in Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, from 5th-9th April, 2021. Over 50 tertiary institutions in Nigeria attended the event.

With the election of Comrade Chukwudi as the National President, NUESA, the National Secretariat of the association would be operated from the University in the next one year.

NUESA came into being in AE-FUNAI in November 2018. The birthing of the association in the University was spearheaded by some students in the likes of Onwuegbusi Abuchi (Graduate, Elect/Elect Engineering), Chukwudi Chukwudubem Anointing (500L, Elect/Elect Engineering) and Eze Chukwuemeka Emmanuel (500L, Mechatronics Engineering) and other dedicated Engineering students, with the full support of the University Management and the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.

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AE-FUNAI Engineering students that attend the NUESA conference
The students of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, AE-FUNAI, have participated in three NUESA national conferences. Their first NUESA conference was in University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State in October 2018 with about 40 students led by the then Acting Chapter President, Chukwudi Chukwudubem Anointing. At the event, they participated in the quiz competition and other social activities where Ubaka Faustina of the Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering emerged as the pioneer Miss NUESA National. They were also at the 3rd conference of the association held in Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja with over sixty (60) Engineering students of the University. The students were also at the just concluded 4th National Technical & Exhibition Conference (NTCE) of the association which took place in Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, with twenty-six (26) students led by their President, Comrade Dauda Olatunji Monsuru.

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National President, NUESA, Comrade Chikwudi Chukwudubem Anointing (2nd R) with some AE-FUNAI students at the Conference
Speaking to the Public Relations Officer of AE-FUNAI, Elom Iyke Ubochi recently, on his plans for the next one year as the National President of NUESA, Comrade Chukwudi stated that the next national conference of the association is anticipated to hold in the University, noting that plans were already in top gear to ensure that it is a huge success. He added that over 5, 000 Engineering students across the country were expected to attend the conference, emphasizing that the event would enhance the already soaring image of the University as a serious citadel of learning in Nigeria. He also called for the support of the University Management in making his tenure memorable and fruitful.

The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Sunday Elom has charged the newly-admitted students to take their studies seriously if they want to have a successful academic pursuit in the University.
The Vice-Chancellor made this known recently during a 2-day orientation programme organized by the Students’ Affairs Department for freshmen for the 2020/2021 academic session.

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Cross section of students at the orientation programme
Represented by the Deputy Vice-chancellor, Academic, Prof. Dennis Akor, the Vice-Chancellor warned the students to desist from cultism, examination malpractice, and other unwholesome activities, as the University has zero-tolerance for such vices.

The Vice-Chancellor also informed the freshmen that the University is one of the few institutions that runs a stable academic calendar in the country, and advised them to be up and doing in their academic activities.
He further stressed that the University is hinged on the core values of Excellence and integrity, adding that the production of graduates with excellent academic records and sterling character is the forte of the University. He therefore encouraged them to be serious and attentive to their academic work.

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DVC (Academic), Prof. Dennis Akor who represented the VC, Prof. Sunday Elom speaking at the event
While welcoming the students who converged at the Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed auditorium for the exercise, the Acting Dean, Students’ Affairs, Dr. N.A Obasi said the freshmen should consider themselves lucky for being admitted into the University considering the high number of candidates that applied for admission spaces in the University.

He also noted that the orientation programme was approved by the Vice-Chancellor to provide opportunity for the freshmen to be acquainted with the vision and mission of the University as well as her academic rules and regulations. This he said was meant to prepare the students for a successful academic journey in the institution.
The University Registrar Mrs. Odisa C. Okeke, who was represented by the Deputy Registrar, Senate Affairs, Mr. Friday Onwumere stated that the importance of the orientation programme was to help students know how to relate with both staff and their class mates, and encouraged them to remain focused so that they can graduate on time as the University has a stable academic calendar.

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Pastor Israel Ekokoiu leading the prayer session at the event
He further urged the freshmen to dress decently in order to avoid any kind of molestation or sexual harassment, and also encouraged them to ensure they complete all registration processes, including course registration in order not to lose their admission or have problem in their academic activities in the future.
The Deputy Bursar, Mr. Gabriel udume, who represented the University Bursar, Mr. Kingsley Oyekezie at the event, told the freshmen to make their payments through the appropriate channels in order to avoid being duped, urging them to ensure they pay the accurate amount as over or under payments would not be accepted. He stressed that there will be no refund of money after payment, and admonished them to always heed the directives on payments before paying.
Resources persons were also on hand to speak to the new students on diverse topics, all geared towards preparing them for a successful academic pursuit in the University. Some of them include; Director, Academic Planning, Prof. Abel Ezeoha who spoke on Academic Issues: Probation/Withdrawal/Rustication/Expulsion; University Librarian, Dr. Juliana Akidi spoke on the Use of Library; Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Smart Otu spoke on Security Consciousness in Challenging Times; Chief Security Officer, Major Mgbebu Onwe (Rtd.) interacted with the students on Security Matters; Mr. while Mr. Cornelius Offia took the students through the Culture of Ikwo people and the host community’s environment, while Mr. Jude Okeke lectured them on SERVICOM and Service Delivery.
Other speakers were; Mrs. Felicia Ewa and Mr. Paul Igwe who spoke on Good Moral Conduct in the University and Proper Hostel Management; Dr. Ngozi Nwudu, on the Need for Counselling in the University; and Dr. Nneka Onwumere, spoke on Suicide Among the Youths: Causes and Preventions/Sexual Harassment.
The highlight of the 2-day event was an exhortation and prayer session by Pastor Israel Ekokoiu, where he admonished the students to put God first in their lives in order to succeed in their academic activities. The man of God also prayed for the University and her Management, and staff and students.

AS VC INAUGURATES SUG EXECUTIVE, SENATE MEMBERS
The Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Sunday Elom has said the welfare of students of the institution is his top priority.

The Vice-Chancellor made this known recently when he inaugurated the newly elected executive and Senate members of the Students’ Union Government of the University at the Vice-Chancellor’s conference room.

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SUG President, Comrade Solomon Ikechukwu Agbo and other members of the Union Executive taking oath f office at the event
Prof Sunday Elom while inaugurating the popularly elected representatives of the students led by the President, Comrade Solomon Ikechukwu Agbo noted that his administration was interested in improving the welfare of the students, by ensuring a conducive learning environment and the improvement of the teaching and learning facilities as well as in making transportation and hostel accommodation easily accessible to students.

He congratulated the winners of the election and advised them to represent the interests of the students properly, adding that they were popularly chosen by students because the election that brought them was transparent, flawless, credible, and free and fair, without hitches.

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Senate President, Comrade Wilson Umahi and other senators taking oath of office at the event
Prof. Elom further advised them to work as a team, admonishing the Executive to always work together with the Senate to avert crisis, even as he also urged the President of the Union to carry all the members of his team along in his decisions to avoid division within their rank. He also enjoined the President and his executive to always brief and liaise with the Vice-Chancellor’s office to ensure that the needs of students are met.



He also thanked the outing interim SUG executive led by Comrade Obinna Okorie for bridging the gap when the previous elected SUG executive was dissolved by the University Management due to crisis that rocked the Union.

Earlier while presenting the newly elected Student Union Executive and their senate counterpart to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elom, the Acting Dean Students’ Affairs, Dr. N. A Obasi noted that the election which took place on Wednesday 19th May 2021 saw the emergence of Agbo Solomon Ikechukwu as president, Chinweani Precious Ifechukwu as Vice President, ThanKgod Idam Oko as General Secretary, Agbai Esther Elesie as Assistant General Secretary, Ajah Onyekachi Sunday as Treasurer, Adeyemo Adewale Joshua as Director of welfare, Igwemmadu Gabriel .C as Director of Finance , Ibiam Victor Azikiwe, Director of Sports, Anukaenyi Peteer. C., Director Transport ,Okedi Williams, Director of Health, Ezeokoli Izuchukwu Anthony, Director of Information, and Aja Ogbonna Emmanuel as t Internal Auditor

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom and principal officers in a group photograph with the SUG Executive led by the President, Comrade Solomon Ikechukwu Agbo
The elected Senators according to the Dean include: Akude Chidera Nicholas , Agwu Chukwuemeka .E., Obi onyedikachi .A., Kalu Ifeanyi Samuel , Umahi Wilson, Akubuo Chibueze modestus , Nsobundu Ugochukwu Brayn Nwode Samuel Akachukwu Obiora Ikechukwu Joseph, Friday Nnadozie Bethel , David Ekemini Abasi Nse, Okeke Christian Chinonso, Obilor Ramon Nkemjika, Chime Ugochukwu. M., Onyeabochukwu Chukwuma kingsley, Iheanacho Somtochukwu. B. The Senate members had earlier met where they elected Umahi Wilson as the Senate President.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom and principal officers in a group photograph with the SUG Executive led by the Senate President, Comrade Wilson Umahi


The outgoing Interim SUG President, Comrade Okorie who spoke at the event extolled the Vice-Chancellor, describing him as a Student-friendly Vice-Chancellor and equally appreciated him for his commitment towards the welfare of the students, especially in making the SUG Election a success. He also congratulated the newly elected executive and advised them not to go against the constitution that guides the Union to have a successful tenure.

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L-R: Outing Interim SUG President, Comrade Obinna Okorie, New SUG President, Comrade Solomon Ikechukwu Agbo, VC, Prof. Sunday Elom and New Senate President, Comrade Wilson Umahi after the inauguration ceremony
The newly elected SUG President Comrade Agbo, in his remarks also thanked the Vice-Chancellor for ensuring the organization of a free and fair election, and for insisting that students must elect their leaders in a transparent and flawless manner. He also promised to abide by the constitution of the Union and to ensure the promotion of students’ welfare at all times.

Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State and the Nigeria Police Force have agreed to collaborate in order to enhance the security of lives and property in the University

This was made known today when the Divisional Police Officer for Ikwo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, CSP (Dr.) Livinus Nwenyim paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sunday Elom.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom welcoming the Divisional Police Officer, Ikwo, CSP (Dr.) Livinus Nwenyim during the courtesy call
CSP Nwenyim, said he deemed it necessary to pay a courtesy call on Prof. Elom to congratulate him on his appointment as the 3rd Vice-Chancellor of the University, familiarize with the University Management and also work with them to ensure maximum security of lives and property on campus, noting that the present situation of the country is critical, therefore the University needs collaborative policing to ensure the safety of students.

“We need to cooperate and synergize with you to ensure the security of lives and property on campus. It is a symbiotic relationship.

“We need to be proactive in order to nip crimes and criminalities within and around the campus in the bud.”

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom and principal officers in a group photograph with the Divisional Police Officer, Ikwo, CSP (Dr.) Livinus Nwenyim and his team during the courtesy call


He also noted that his men were already on ground and working assiduously to maintain law and order in the University, nevertheless, he stressed the importance of increasing the number of police personnel on campus due to the prevailing security situation in the country.

CSP Nwenyim further appealed for the support of the University Management in repairing their damaged Hilux vehicle to enable the Force increase surveillance within and around the campus

While speaking during the courtesy call, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Elom commended the Divisional Police Officer for finding time to visit the University, pledging to work with him to provide water-tight security on the campus.

He also assured him of the commitment of the University in providing the necessary facilities that would enhance the security of staff and students as well as property on the campus, adding that the University would assist the Force in repairing their damaged vehicle.

The Vice-Chancellor used the opportunity to also commend them for the role they played in the Students Union Election that was recently conducted without security hitches; and advised that they work closely with the University Security and Students’ Affairs departments for effective and efficient campus policing.

“It is so thoughtful of you. We are grateful for your coming. We will work with you to achieve our goal of ensuring that our students study in a peaceful environment

“Let me also assure you that the University will do everything possible to ensure that our students are safe

“We will assist you to put your vehicle in order”, the Vice-Chancellor concluded.