₦airaland Forum

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This is to notify the general public that University-based Registration Exercise for 2020/2021 Academic Session has not commenced. The date for commencement of the University-based registration exercise will be communicated in due course.

However, candidates who have been offered provisional admission should proceed with online payment of acceptance fees/other changes as well as avail themselves of useful information on the University portal.

Registrar

On assumption of duty on Thursday, 11th February, 2021, after the momentous handover to the 3rd substantive Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Sunday Oge Elom, on Wednesday, 10th February, 2021, by the former Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba, the new VC affirmed his readiness and determination to take the one decade old, fast growing ivory tower and the most serious public university in Nigeria, to the next level.

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PROF. ELOM MAKING HIS POINTS.
Prof. Elom made the assertion during a chat with the University PRO, in his office, on assumption of duty. VC started by expressing his excitement for what he said is a privilege and great honour, for him to be appointed 3rd VC of AE-FUNAI “ and so I am happy and glad and thankful to God and the university community for accepting me”, he enthused. He made bold to state that it is his 33 years uninterrupted service in the university, spanning from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) to Ebonyi State University (EBSU) and now AE-FUNAI, so he has seen it all.

The new VC also said he has 14 years uninterrupted post professorial academic and administrative experience in the university system from EBSU to AE-FUNAI, occupying most administrative positions, including Head of Department and Dean of Faculty, several times, Dean of Students Affairs, and here he is the foundation Dean of Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and thereafter became Deputy Vice- Chancellor for 2 tenures under the Prof. Nwajiuba Administration, before the current position as VC. “…so I am fully prepared for the job, mentally, physically and otherwise”, he adduced.

Prof. Elom elucidated that having worked with Prof. Nwajiuba to transform the university to the remarkable extent, his priorities will be to sustain, consolidate and expand on all their achievements as the mission and key drivers of his administration. To achieve these, he is welcoming everyone on board “I want all hands to be on deck. University is beyond one individual. It is a collective thing. I want to invite everybody on board so we can take the university to the next level”. He further said that “ Our VC (Prof. Nwajiuba) has done very well, so as he said, he has raised the flag, so I want everybody to join hands to keep the flag flying, to make sure we achieve the vision of the university to become a world class university”

He reiterated that the relationship with the Unions in the University have been very cordial and that he encouraged the unions in their recent meeting, to sustain and continue with the existing cordial working relationship with the university management, even as they continue with the national strike, praying that all issues bordering on the ongoing strike be resolved amicably as soon as possible. Prof. Elom assured that he would address the students shortly after the inaugural Senate meeting and another meeting with management and staff. Meanwhile he urged the students to remain calm and focused on their studies, while management is doing its best to ensure they are comfortable and that the academic flow is not interrupted.

Prof. Elom revealed that his guiding principle is drawn from the book of Galatians Chapter 3 verse 26 – “Whatever you do, do it heartily as unto God and not unto man”, declaring that those words have been guiding him in all his service years till the present moment. He there called on everyone to imbibe the principle to avoid sycophants, eye service, gossips, slander and get more focused and achieve more.

INAUGURAL SPEECH BY THE 3RD VICE-CHANCELLOR, PROFESSOR SUNDAY OGE ELOM, TO THE UNIVERSITY SENATE ON MONDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2021.
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PROTOCOL
Distinguished Members of Senate.

It is a great privilege and honour for me to address you today at this my inaugural Senate meeting as the 3rd Vice-Chancellor of this fast growing and most serious University in Nigeria. My emergence as the 3rd Vice-Chancellor of this University is clearly by the special grace of God and to Him be all the glory.

It is my pleasure to profoundly appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for his confirmation and consent to the flawless decision of the Distinguished Governing Council of this University during the selection process. My administration will ever remain grateful and loyal to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

May I appreciate the Chancellor of our University, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Michael Aremu Adedotun Gbadebo, CFR, Okukenu IV, The Alake & Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, for his esteemed interest in our University. I profoundly appreciate the distinguished Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Emeritus Prof. Nimi Briggs and all the distinguished members of our Governing Council for the appointment.

This University was established on 26th February, 2011 and we started academic activities on 5th November, 2012 with 3 Faculties, 10 Departments and 41 programmes.

Presently, we have 11 Faculties, 41 Departments and 57 programmes. We started with a student population of 293 students in 2012 and presently, we have a student population of about 9500.
We started with staff strength of 200 made up of 137 academic, 36 senior non-teaching and 27 junior staff. Presently, we have a staff strength of 2230 made up of 755 academic, 865 senior non-teaching and 610 junior staff.

Over the past ten years, our University has witnessed rapid infrastructural and academic developments and transformations. May I pay special tribute to my Predecessors for their contributions.

Firstly, to late Prof. Oye Ibidapo Obe, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of this University who pioneered the establishment of the University and laid the foundation for academic excellence and aggressive manpower training.

Secondly, to Prof Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba, the 2nd and immediate past Vice-Chancellor of this University whose tenure witnessed numerous landmark achievements and transformations.

The Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike has had a huge influence in my life and is a place, in which as the foundation Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, I had some of my most stressful experiences due largely to the obvious challenges of pioneering the establishment of a University.

I do not underestimate the responsibilities of this position especially at particularly challenging time for the Nigerian University System as now. Charting a successful path through the next five years will definitely require the dedicated and committed efforts of every one of us.

It is a natural human tendency to view change of leadership as diminishing progress. However, we must admit and view change of leadership as inevitable and natural. I prefer to see change of leadership, as an opportunity rather than a threat and that is why I am excited about the future of this great University.

Universities exist to serve three main functions- to teach, to conduct research and to provide community service. This University has been adhering to global best practices in fulfilling this tripod mandate.

The questions before us now are:
(i) With the change of Leadership, how can I work with this distinguished Senate to build on this University’s outstanding records?

(ii) How do we deploy new technologies to enhance the experiences of teaching, learning and conducting research in the era of COVID-19 Pandemic.

The answers we find to these questions will determine how the rest of the world see us in the next five years.

My Vision/Mission Statements which I exhaustively discussed with the selection Board during the interview focused on finding some answers to these questions. In pursuance of the overall vision of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike becoming a World-Class University, my agenda which focuses on sustaining, consolidating and expanding the achievements of my predecessors are as follows:

1. To improve the image and ranking of the University.
All hands will be on deck to improve the University’s global ranking and positive image as follows:
a. The University will deliberately work to maintain the culture of an uninterrupted academic calendar with regular Convocation Ceremonies and yearly mobilization of graduating students for NYSC Programme as already established. This will entail the sustenance of best practices in teaching, grading of examination scripts and timely release of results.
b. All academic staff will be encouraged to upload their publications to the University website, google scholar and research gate platforms to increase our global visibility and ranking.
c. The diaspora staff exchange programme of the Centre for Internationalization and Advancement will be strengthened to encourage more diaspora academics spend time in our University and collaborate with our staff on research and publications.
d. The requirements in the academic staff promotion guidelines for high quality research publications will be sustained. Additional incentives for staff who publish such papers will be created and funded.
e. The Language Enhancement Programme (LEP) vision of our outgoing Vice-Chancellor will be sustained and supported to ensure that we produce high quality graduates who will not only be proficient in communicating in English Language but would have a second language namely French or German.
f. The culture of public and inaugural lectures already established by the immediate past Vice-Chancellor will be sustained and supported.
g. The culture of seriousness in all academic and administrative activities of the University already established by the outgoing Vice-Chancellor will be sustained and strengthened.
The practical steps include:
 Staff being regular and punctual to work
 Lecturers attending to their classes regularly and punctually
 Students returning to campus as soon as school reopens after holidays due to the inception quiz policy.
 Ban on sale of hand outs and textbooks not approved by the University Publication Committee.
 Ban on sorting and all other forms of exam misconduct
 Ban on indecent dressing and sexual harassment.
2. To mitigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University will adopt the policy of blended learning i.e. combination of online learning and face-to-face interactions. The basic requirements for its implementation are:
a. Provision of modern classrooms equipped with multimedia and public address systems.
b. Provision of necessary IT infrastructure
c. Modern classroom certified teachers training of staff. The MCCT training is designed to close the IT skills gap among some lecturers.
3. Staff Training
a. The Academic Staff Training and Development Programme of TETFund will be strengthened to allow more staff to benefit. The conditions for award of the foreign component will be tightened to ensure that all the beneficiaries come back to the University after the completion of their studies. The local component will be expanded to accommodate more academic staff.
b. The Franco-AE-FUNAI staff training agreement will be sustained but the conditions for the award will be strengthened to ensure that all the beneficiaries come back after the completion of their studies.
c. The Centre for Human Resources Development will be strengthened to live up to its mandate of organizing intensive classes targeted at improving the productivity of staff especially the non-teaching staff. Minimum performance requirements will be defined for use as criteria for confirmation of staff.
d. Academic staff will be encouraged to seek for research grants from other agencies such as UNDP, UNEP, USAID, PTDF etc.
4. Infrastructure: Despite the enormous work done by the out-going administration, a lot still needs to be done in the area of physical infrastructure as follows.
a. Serious efforts will be made to complete all the on-going projects in the University and to construct more staff offices, more classrooms, more lecture auditoria, large examination halls, more functional laboratories and more staff housing units.
b. Efforts will be made to open up more roads within the Campus.
c. Private hostel developers will be encouraged to build more hostels for the students on private partnership agreement. A situation where most of the students live off Campus is not good for our global ranking.
d. All efforts will be made to sustain the existing steady power supply from the solar hybrid power plant provided by the Federal Government.
e. The problem of regular water supply will be given serious attention. Efforts will be made to acquire and install Braithwaite pressed steel water tanks at strategic locations in the Campus.
5. ICT Unit: The ICT unit will be strengthened and supported to ensure regular and reliable internet services. Highly qualified IT experts will be recruited and necessary IT infrastructure will be provided to ensure that the ICT Unit hosts and manages most of the online services of the University such as admissions, fee payment, course registration, hostel allocation, examinations, results processing, transcript processing, online learning etc.
6. Internally Generated Revenue, (IGR) of the University:
There is urgent need to develop a resource base for the University as follows:
a. The academic departments of AE-FUNAI would be supported to engage students in research projects that have direct consequence in solving specific societal problems and the results of such projects would be transmitted to the relevant industries for production of goods and services.
b. The University Agric. Farm will be expanded and run professionally, focussing on Agro businesses such as fish farming, poultry, piggery and rice production.
c. The AE-FUNAI Outlook Limited will be strengthened and reorganized to handle consultancy services within and outside the State in addition to its existing businesses of:
- block industry, paint factory, bookshop, restaurant and printing press.
d. The newly established AE-FUNAI Microfinance Bank will be nurtured and supported by encouraging most University Businesses to be handled by the Microfinance Bank.
e. Efforts will be made to create reserve areas within the University land for aggressive planting of about one hundred thousand fast-growing timber trees by 2022. These trees will yield billions of naira in about 20 years.
f. The Centre for Educational Services (CES) of the University will be strengthened and expanded to increase the intake of JUPEB and Pre-degree students for higher IGR. Efforts will be made to develop the Permanent Site of the Centre at the land already acquired for the purpose in Abakaliki.
g. The centre for entrepreneurship and employability will be strengthened and expanded by establishing a vocational skills workshop to encourage our students to acquire at least one skill before graduation.
7. Staff and Students Welfare: To improve the motivation of staff for higher productivity, efforts will be made to enhance their welfare as follows:
a. Staff appraisal and promotion will continue to be carried out timely to ensure release of results before 1st October each year.
b. A deliberate attempt will be made to incentivize hard-work and discourage indifference to work.
c. More housing units will be built for staff accommodation within the Campus.
For the students, efforts will be made to provide more hostel accommodation in the campus. Private Caterers will be encouraged to establish standard restaurants in the campus. More sporting and recreational facilities will be provided for both staff and students.
8. “The Campus in a garden”: vision of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor will be consolidated and expanded. More gardens and lawns will be created for more tree planting.
9. College of Medicine, Faculty of Law and Faculty of Environmental Sciences.
The newly established College of Medicine, Faculty of Law and Faculty of Environmental Sciences will be consolidated and supported. The newly established College of Medicine will be expanded to include the remaining components as follows:
• Faculty of Clinical Medicine
• Faculty of Health Sciences with Departments of Nursing and Medical Laboratory Science.
• Faculty of Dentistry
Subsequently, I hope we shall establish Faculty of Pharmacy.
The newly established Faculty of Law will be expanded to include the required Departments
The newly established Faculty of Environmental Sciences with Department of Architecture will be expanded to include other needed Departments.
Discipline Culture
10. Serious efforts will be made to ensure the maintenance of discipline culture among staff and students. Staff and students will be encouraged to imbibe the fear of God which is a basic requirement for discipline.
Core Values.
11. Staff and students will be encouraged to imbibe the core values of the University which are Excellence, Integrity and Entrepreneurship.
12. University Library:
The foundation stone of a new library complex was laid two weeks ago. The completion of that project will be a top priority of my administration.
Efforts will be made to equip the library with furniture and current e-books and journals as well as hard copies. Efforts will also be made to ensure that the library become ICT driven.
13. The culture of mentorship and apprenticeship which is a requirement for World-Class status will be encouraged.
SECURITY
14. Efforts will be made to complete the fencing of the University Land. The anti-cult committee of the University will be sustained and supported to ensure that the policy of zero tolerance to cultism and other vices becomes more effective.
15. The University Medical Centre will be expanded and equipped to cope with the increasing number of staff and students.
16. The strategic plan of the University will be reviewed to capture the above agenda.
CONCLUSION
Distinguished members of Senate, may I remind us that a University is not the property of any one individual or group of individuals. We are working not only for the benefit of our students and scholars who are here today, but in effect, we are all trustees, nurturing the University on behalf of new generations that will be producing ideas and tackling problems that we cannot even begin to imagine now.

I am mindful of the fact that no single individual can determine the success of a University. Therefore, I will rely heavily on our collective wisdom and actions to make Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike a World-Class University.

Finally, Distinguished members of Senate may I end with my guiding principle which is in Col 3: 23: “And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men”. If we imbibe this word of God it will help us to avoid eye-service, sycophancy, gossip and slander in this University. The immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba, has raised the flag; we shall keep the flag flying. By the grace of God we will ensure that his noble dreams of making Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike a World-Class University where the ideals and culture of a University would be strictly adhered to would not die.

May God bless our University and bless all of us in Jesus Name, Amen.


Prof. Sunday Oge Elom
Vice-Chancellor

VC, PROF. NWAJIUBA WORKING TO THE END AS VALEDICTORY WEEK COMMENCE
The activity loaded valedictory week for outgoing VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, continued with farewell visits to faculties of Law, Science, College of Medicine,Basic Medical Science, Agriculture,Engineering, Management Science, Social Sciences, Education, Humanities and Environmental Sciences, in that order.

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Prof. Nwajiuba addressing Pioneer Law Students.


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Group Photo with Principal Officers, Staff and Students of Faculty of Law


At every faculty he visited, Prof. Nwajiuba was given overwhelming reception by the staff and students, who turned out in their numbers to honour and show gratitude to a man who has done his best to enlarge the academic coast of the young and fast growing university, transforming it to a university of high repute and ofcourse most serious public university in Nigeria. Most of the faculties were grateful to Prof. Nwajiuba for establishing additional faculties, moving the number from the initial three as at 2016, when he came, to eleven faculties, as he leaves.

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Dean, Faculty of Science, Prof. Omaka, presenting kolanut to Prof Nwajiuba


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Group photo at Faculty of Science
There were prayers, praises and worship,dances and drama presentations, to demonstrate deep love for the action outgoing VC, who was there for them these five years. Each of the faculties and Centres visited, presented varieties of quality gifts to Prof. Nwajiuba. VC also visited and interacted with staff of Registry Department, Medical Centre, Library, AE-FUNAI Ikwo Staff, Entrepreneurship, Anti-Cult, Physical Planning, Works& Services, Students and the University Community.

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Prof. Nwajiuba and his team with Faculty of Medicine Staff
Prof. Nwajiuba expressed profound gratitude to the Registrar, Librarian, Provost, Deans and Directors and their staff, for according him such great honour and for their prayers and gifts. He noted that he came to work as directed by God and that he had worked, to the best of his ability and the grace of God, made friends and trusting that it will be said that of a truth, a child of God was here. He urged them to do all they could to keep the culture of seriousness, for which the university has come to be known, alive and active.

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Prof. Nwajiuba at the Faculty of Education.


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Group Photo with Faculty of Education staff.


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Registrar, Mrs Odisa Okeke making remarks during the meeting with Prof. Nwajiuba


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Prof. Nwajiuba presenting kolanut to Former Governor Martin Elechi


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Prof. Nwajiuba at the Faculty of Agriculture


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Prof. Nwajiuba and university officers with HE Elechi at the beginning of Martin Elechi Road


Prof. Nwajiuba took out time to show His Exellency, Martin Elechi, former Governor of Ebonyi State, the road in the campus named after him in appreciation of the former Governor’s effort and commitment to bringing AE-FUNAI to Ikwo. Chief Elechi, who was present at the valedictory interactive meeting with Registry staff, was told by Prof. Nwajiuba, that management decided to name the longest and most used road in the campus after him, in recognition of his effort in the establishment of the university, the support and encouragement he has thus far given to AE-FUNAI and especially his administration, these five years.

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Group Photo with staff and students of Faculty of Engineering and Technology.


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Prof. Nwajiuba at Faculty of Management Sciences.


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Prof. Nwajiuba with Anti-Cult Unit Staff.


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Officials of Parents’ Forum presenting gift to Prof. Nwajiuba


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Prof Nwajiuba with staff of Social Sciences.


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Prof. Nwajiuba with Staff of the Faculty of Humanities.


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Prof. Nwajiuba with Ikwo Staff


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Prof. Nwajiuba addressing Students.


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Prof. Nwajiuba appreciating exhibition at Entrepreneurship.


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Dr. Ezeocha welcoming Prof. Nwajiuba to Directorate of PPW&S.


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Prof. Nwajiuba with staff of Medical Centre.


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At the Visual Arts Exhibition.


…more stories on the Valedictory activities coming.

True to his words and in fulfillment of his promise to work till the last day of his tenure, outgoing VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba continues in his commitment to full delivery on all his promises. Even as his valedictory week commenced on Monday 1st February, 2021, he did not relent in his march towards building the young AE-FUNAI to world class University.

It is in this spirit of diligence that ground breaking for the new University library was placed as top priority in the valedictory week activities. Prof. Nwajiuba promised to build a new library for the University before he leaves and he laid the foundation and mandated the contractor to make sure the library is completed before or by June, 2021, asserting that all necessary provisions have been made to ensure that happens. According to him it is God’s approval that he gives the University a new library before his exit.” I said I will not leave without giving the University a library and God has answered the prayer”, he enthused.

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Rev. Fr. Peter Agbo, Offering Prayers.
Rev. Fr. Peter Agbo, Catholic Chaplain of the University prayed on the foundation, and for the University Community, asking God to make the vision of the outgoing VC, Prof. Nwajiuba for a new library complex in record time, possible to the glory of God. After which VC laid the foundation block, supported by the pioneer SUG President, Mr. Okafor.

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Prof. Nwajiuba laying foundation stone.
Next in the line-up of the activities for the session were commissioning of the new complete University Arts Theatre Complex and Faculty of Education (Classroom Block). While commissioning the classroom blocks at the Faculty of Education, he said he had a dream of a Faculty of Education with male dominance different from what is trending in other Institution where Faculties of Education are like girls secondary schools.

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Ms Chiaka Nnodim cutting tape as Prof.Nwajiuba Commissions Arts Theatre


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A rapt University Community listening to Prof. Nwajiuba


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Dr. Mrs Franca Ogba supporting Prof. Nwajiuba to commission Faculty of Education Classroom block.


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Prof. Nwajiuba and entourage in one of the classrooms.
After commissioning the new building, Prof. Nwajiuba came to the convocation Arena, now Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe Convocation Arena to take photographs with individual Staff and groups to mark AE-FUNAI 1st Monday of the month Native Dress Day and the last for the iniator of the laudable tradition, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba as Vice-Chancellor of the University.

AE-FUNAI WA CRECHE, NURSARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL ART EXHIBITION: ART IS LIFE. ART STIMULATES HIGHER-ORDER THINKING SKILLS AND IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF OUR LIVES.
This is one of the beautiful experiences the children at AE-FUNAI Nursery and Primary school will be enjoying. Ms Chiaka Adaure Nnodi,, Deputy Dean Students’ Affairs, took a team from her Fine and Applied Arts Department for an interesting Art session with the Children on Tuesday 2nd of February 2021, with the full support and encouragement of Prof Chinyere Nwajiuba, outgoing President of AE-FUNAI WA, who emphasized that this helps in the total and balanced development of the children.

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One of the Arts teachers with the pupils.
Ms Chiaka says that this is the first of a series of art projects she will be doing for the children in the school as a way of community service in AE-FUNAI.She has worked with lots of children in her Art ClubProject before joining AE-FUNAI, and still does this for schools. She also thank Head of the School, Mrs Ifejika and the teachers for providing enabling environment for the art project to be successful. The children were excited and it’s a joy to see them activate their creative “juices”.

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Ms Nnodi and the Pupils
Once again, we give kudos to Prof Chinyere Nwajiuba for her great effort to make sure this school was commissioned to provide the school community and its surrounding community a good place to educate their children. We also thank our outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba for providing visionary leadership for the young university.

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The Teachers and the Pupils

On Monday, January 25th, 2021, Prof. Chinyere Nwajiuba, the Pioneer Director, Centre of Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETEL), Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike handed over to Dr. Roland Nwakwe, who was recently appointed Acting Director for the Centre.
Outgoing Director Prof. Chinyere Nwajiuba started her speech by welcoming and congratulating the incoming and second Director on “your well-deserved appointment”. She made bold to state that by the special grace she had successfully completed her one year tenure and been able to record good success with unalloyed support from the University management and staff members across faculties. Prof. Chinyere Nwajiuba assumed duty on the 1st of September, 2019.
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Dr Rowland Uwakwe receiving Handover note from Prof. Chinyere Nwajiuba
She went down memory lane to say that the center was founded on September 1, 2019 by the visionary Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba with the mandate to promote innovative and inspiring approaches to enhance teaching and learning across faculties for new and experienced staff in AE-FUNAI, stating further that the Centre aligns with AE-FUNAI strategic plan goals and priorities on teaching and learning from 2018/2019-2023/2024 to ensure that teaching and learning are at the leading edge and relevant to contemporary contexts.
Key priorities and functions of the Centre according to the outgoing Director are; foster innovative teaching and scholarly activities-based on the adaptation of excellent teaching practices across the University, provide a well-defined staff development programme to promote a professional approach to teaching and learning, maximize the potentials of the digital space by encouraging creative use of a wide variety of technologies for active learning, recognize excellent teaching, provide academic quality assurance framework, provide community services, partnerships/collaboration.
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Prof. Chinyere Nwajiuba Signing the Handover note
Prof. Chinyere Nwajiuba recalled that the Directorate was inaugurated on September 26th, 2019 in conjunction with the Academic planning unit. The ceremony doubled as teaching staff orientation programme and the theme was “Why are we here: A tripod that begins with teaching. Emeritus Prof Pai Obanya from the Institute of Education, University of Ibadan, was the guest speaker. She stated that among other accomplishments, the Centre conducted “a Teaching and Learning Surgeries” (training needs analysis) from 10th January to 15th March, 2020, for faculties and department to identify areas for teaching and learning enhancement and needs.
To equip staff to embed digital technological effectively with their teaching, the directorate organized a workshop for three faculties (Basic Medical Science, Sciences, Education and Agriculture) with the “Technology Enabled Learning’ on 7th November, 2019.
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Dr. Rowland Uwakwe signing.
The directorate worked in conjunction with the French Centre to organize a “Teachers’ Talk Forum” aimed at providing a stimulating environment for Franco-FUNAI staff who have completed their Masters and Ph.D Programmes in France to share their academic experiences with AE-FUNAI academic staff. The Guest speaker was Prof. Cresantus Biamba, a Professor in Education and a visiting Professor in Faculty of Education, from University of Galve, Sweden. He explored the relevance of internationalization to the curricula and perception of its influence on teaching and learning within disciplines. The essence of the special programme which took place on the 10th March, 2020 was to promote good and inspiring teaching practices from a global perspective.
Going forward according to the outgoing Director, the directorate needs to maximize the potentials of the digital age by encouraging creative use of a wide variety of technologies for active learning for all AE-FUNAI students. In the light of this, the university management would be encouraged to provide computer, mounted data projector screen and instructor’s desk/podium (multimedia cabinet) in all large lecture halls to enhance student’s engagement in the classroom, provide internet connectivity in classrooms and other learning spaces, set up a virtual learning environment platform to promote blended learning and other teaching and learning activities in response to post COVID 19 pandemic challenges in teaching and learning. The platform will be used in uploading learning materials such as lecture submissions of assessment; and establish and advanced Educational Technology Laboratory and a well-equipped microteaching laboratory for practicing teaching.
The Centre should pay more attention to provision of community services in collaboration with Ebonyi State Ministry of Education (UBEC and SEB) to prepare teachers for effective teaching practices.
To promote a more professional approach to teaching in AE-FUNAI and for future sustainability of the practices, CETEL should design and provide a well-defined staff development programme which consists of a nine-month compulsory part-time course for Assistant lecturers, Lecturer II and lecture I to Senior Lecturers in two stages with the equivalent of not more than 15credits.
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Prof. Chinyere Nwajiuba and Dr.Uwakwe and other officers
The incoming Director, Dr. Rowland Uwakwe appreciated Prof. Chinyere Nwajiuba for her remarkable achievements in the Directorate within the short time, promising to keep the good work going. He thanked VC, Prof. Nwajiuba and the university management for giving him the opportunity to serve as second Director for the Centre.

VC AE-FUNAI SAYS FORMER PRO-CHANCELLOR, DR ONWUEGBU SAVED UNIVERSITY FROM EMBARRASSMENT

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Dr Anayo Onwuegbu (Omeiheukwu) and the VC,Prof.Chinedu Nwajiuba
The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba has revealed how the former Pro-Chancellor of the University, Dr Anayo Onwuegbu (Omeiheukwu) saved the University from the embarrassment that would have ensued if programmes in the Faculty of Engineering had failed their very first NUC accreditation exercise.

Professor Nwajiuba made the remark following his visit to the Enugu home of Dr Onwuegbu (Omeiheukwu) on Thursday January 28, 2021 to thank him for his support for his administration which will conclude in 2 weeks’ time.

The VC recalled that though Dr Onwuegbu had left office as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of AE-FUNAI before he (VC) assumed office, the former Pro-Chancellor still responded positively when he was approached by the VC to assist the University with the donation of a workshop for the Engineering faculty. Upon assuming office as Vice-Chancellor in 2016, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba had noted with alarm that the Engineering programmes in the University started by his predecessor were fast getting due for accreditation exercise by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and yet had no single lecture room, laboratory, workshop, equipment or other basic requirement. To ameliorate the situation, the entire capital allocation to the University in the 2016 Federal budget which came to only forty million Naira was quickly deployed to Engineering for the construction of a workshop.

Considering, however, NUC accreditation requirements which are aimed at achieving high standards in the Nigerian University System, the single workshop building was a drop in the ocean. The dire situation was compounded by paucity of internally generated revenue. It was thus obvious that without drastic remedial action, the programmes would fail NUC accreditation, a horrible record and reputation for the young University.

Creatively, Professor Nwajiuba took to appealing to individuals for crowdfunding. He went cap-in-hand to prominent persons across Southeast Nigeria, appealing that they come to the aid of the young University with donations of buildings and equipment as well as roads, drainages, etc. Dr Anayo Onwuegbu (Omeiheukwu) distinguished himself as one of the few that responded positively. He donated an engineering workshop, the construction of which he executed and fully funded from his personal means. Thanks to Dr Onwuegbu’s gesture and similar assistance, all the engineering programmes put up for accreditation by the University were successful.

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(L-R)University’s Director of ICT, Engr Dr Ngozi Eli-Chukwu,Dr Anayo Onwuegbu (Omeiheukwu) ,the VC AEFUNAI Prof.Chinedum Nwajiuba and the Ag Director of Partnerships, Chris Uwadoka,
As a token of gratitude, the Vice-Chancellor who was accompanied by the University’s Director of ICT, Engr Dr Ngozi Eli-Chukwu and the Ag Director of Partnerships, Chris Uwadoka, decorated Dr Anayo Onwuegbu (Omeiheukwu) with a piece of Akwete textile from the University’s Centre for the Promotion of Indigenous Textiles.

Responding to the effusion of gratitude, the former Pro-Chancellor noted that the set of appointments that made Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike was the same that concluded his appointment as Pro-Chancellor of the University. The tendency in such circumstance in our clime, he remarked, is for each party to antagonize, avoid or ignore the other. Contrary to this tendency, however, Prof Nwajiuba came looking for him with respect and an extended hand of friendship. He praised Prof Nwajiuba for how serious he took his assignment as Vice-Chancellor and acknowledged the development that has taken place in his tenure. He further thanked the Vice-Chancellor for the visit and wished him success in his future endeavours.

AE-FUNAI HOST COMMUNITY CELEBRATES, CROWNS OUTGOING VC, PROF. NWAJIUBA AS HE HANDS OVER SHOPS TO MARKET WOMEN.
The joy of Ohankwu Community in Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, the host Community of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, knew no bounds Tuesday, 27th January, 2021, as Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, joined by University Officers handed over a block of shops he built for Ohankwu women traders at the Nwakpu Market in Ikwo, Ebonyi State.

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Prof. Nwajiuba dancing with Ohankwu Women as he was being received.

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Prof. Nwajiuba dancing with Ohankwu Women as he was being received.
It was singing and dancing galore to express their joy and gratitude as the women gathered in their numbers to receive Prof. Nwajiuba and his entourage, who were thrilled to native songs and dances by the women and the amiable Vice-Chancellor. Prof. Nwajiuba and wife, Prof. Mrs Chinyere Nwajiuba. By that act, the exiting VC of AE-FUNAI continued to demonstrate his commitment to community service and corporate social responsibility without boundaries, resulting in the existing lasting bridge between the University and its host Community, invariably enhancing the favorable disposition of the public(s) towards the young and fast growing University.

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Profs. Chinedum and Chinyere Nwajiuba doing the trado way.
Event started with fervent prayer conducted by Rev. Canon Chigozie Dimebo, Anglican Chaplain, AE-FUNAI, who handed over VC, Prof. Nwajiuba, his family, the University and the market shops Prof. Nwajiuba built for the Ohankwu women, to God.

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Opening Prayer Session
In her introductory remarks, Mrs. Nnenna Ugwuocha of AE-FUNAI Directorate of Physical Planning, Works and Services, who supervised the project, narrated that the reason for the gathering and jubilation were in appreciation of the fact that Prof. Nwajiuba was present to hand over the shops he built in fulfillment of his promise to Ohankwu women, who were displaced from where the new Faculty of Management Sciences is sited. She recalled that the Ohankwu market women had mud house shops at the location in the University land, at Back Gate, which were destroyed to make way for the new Faculty building. Mrs. Ugwuocha told the gathering that the women were overjoyed for promise fulfilled, as Prof. Nwajiuba continued to work his talk by building them modern shops at their choice place, at the Nwakpu Market, before his exit, as he promised. The shop is cement block built with long span zinc roofing.

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Mrs Ugwuocha making introductory remarks
Man of the moment, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, told listeners that the Ohankwu women came visiting, few days to the University Special 5th Convocation, during which they presented a Bible to him, appealing that he built new shops in replacement of the mud house shop they erected years ago that was destroyed in the cause of constructing the Faculty of Management Sciences Complex and that the women opted to be compensated with new shops instead of accepting money offered them as compensation. For their decision, Prof. Nwajiuba extolled the women, “You are very wise women” he said, pointing out that the coming of the University to their Community is a good thing and a blessing that has brought development to their door steps. He recalled how the University was when he came in 2016, enthusing that the young University has been so much transformed the amazement of all who visited the institution presently. According to him, only one storey building was existing along the campus front road but that as at November, 2020, over 100 storey buildings are sited all over the area for instance and that more development would be coming to Ikwo as the University grows. He further informed his audience that UNN is located at the North West extreme of Igboland while AE-FUNAI is at the North East extreme of Igboland, which he said is good for development of ALA IGBO.

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Prof. Nwajiuba making his speech
Prof. Nwajiuba recounted how Prof. Mrs. Azikiwe, wife of the legendary Zik of Africa, encouraged him when he was appointed in 2016, even when he was yet to come to assume duty, in her words “Chinedum go and work for my people” among other things she told him.. God called me to work and I have worked…. Am working” he stated, announcing that Prof. Azikiwe would be visiting on Wednesday 3rd February, 2021, to see the fruits of her ‘command’.

The outgoing VC did not mince words to state that the construction of the shops for Ohankwu women was entirely funded through voluntary donations made by him and some of his friends and that what he got exceeded the budget for building the stalls. The excess he said was put into the new University Crèche, Nursery and Primary School built for children of Ikwo and staff of the University, which had just commenced academic activities for 2020/2021 Session.

He mentioned all the donors and amount they gave with MD/CEO of Ebere-Links topping the list with a donation of 2.4million. He gave the cost of building the shops as N2.4million, he thanked all the donors and prayed that God will reward them abundantly. He said “I have done my own, I have ended my work. I will leave in two weeks but will not hesitate to visit when invited”, he concluded.

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ONODU- UGO 1 of Ohankwu Ikwo.
In appreciation for his demonstration of courage, diligence, visionary leadership, unparalleled infrastructural development he brought to the University and Community, Corporate Social Responsibility, Strategic Community relationship and above all, the love he has shown the women and people of Ohankwu and Ikwo in general, Prof. Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba was crowned at Nwakpu Market with the Title “Onodu-Ugo” meaning, the Eagle has taken position or firmly seated. No other title could have been better for the Great Lion in the Eyries.

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Hon. Barr Emeka Nwode Appreciating Prof. Nwajiuba.
Hon. Barr. Emeka Nwode, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Legal Matters to the Governor of Ebonyi State, a son of the soil, who witnessed the event, thanked Prof. Nwajiuba for his giant strides in the young University and for showing love to the host community. He prayed that God will reward him abundantly, stating that he has written his name strongly on the sands of Ikwo community and Ebonyi State. He made a donation of N50,000 in support of the project.

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Madam Regina Aloh praying for blessing upon Prof. Nwajiuba and family.
The women Leader, Madam Regina Aloh, thanked God for the gift of Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba and praying God to keep him, bless and reward him and his family immensely, urging leaders and people in positions of authority to emulate the Prof. Chinedum Example. The Eldest man in Ohankwu, who bestowed the title, Onodu-Ugo upon Prof. Nwajiuba, gave his blessings, calling on God to protect and guide him as he leaves for higher assignments, after blessing Ikwoland with his presence and service, these five years, to the glory of God.

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The Eldest Man, Nnanyi Peter blessing Prof. Nwajiuba


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Onodu- Ugo in group photo with his people.


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ONODU-UGO Leaving the stage as ovation rises.

AE-FUNAI WA CRECHE/NURSERY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL TAKE-OFF ACADMIC ACTIVITIES FOR 2020/2021
The Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Crèche/Nursery and Primary School, built and managed by AE-FUNAI WA, commenced academic activities for 2020/2021 session on Monday, January 18, 2021.

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The Pupils were Happy in their Classroom
Recall that the new school was commissioned on Monday 14th December, 2021 by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, in the presence of his father, Chief Sir Jonah Nwajiuba, who was present in the campus to attend the Special 5th Convocation of the University, held on Tuesday 15th December, 2021.

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Prof. Chinyere Nwajiuba Interacting with the Pupils
President of AE-FUNAI, wife of VC and then Director, Centre for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, Prof. Chinyere Nwajiuba stated during the commissioning, that the effort to build a Creche/Nursery and Primary School in the University started since 2016 when she assumed office as President of AE-FUNAI WA, iterating that the school will provide broad based and balanced education for the children of staff, most of who are still in their child bearing age. She also said that the school will equally provide opportunity for the children of the host community, thanking VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba and University Management for the critical roles they played and contributions towards the establishment of the school.

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Prof Chinyere Nwajiuba attending to the pupils in one of the classes.
Prof. Nwajiuba distributed smart school uniforms reflecting the corporate colours of the school to pupils in their different classes, on Wednesday 27th January, 2021, and used the opportunity to call on staff and parents from Ikwo, host community, to register their children to the school as fees are affordable, while keeping to the University culture of seriousness.

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Prof. Chinyere Nwajiuba in a Group Photograph with the Pupils

Extols Governor Ikpeazu’s Leadership Ability and Disposition.


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As part of his sign-off activities, Prof. Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba, outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, paid a Thank-You Visit to His Excellency, Chief Okezie Ikpeazu, the Executive Governor of Abia State on Tuesday January 26, 2021.

Prof. Nwajiuba thanked the Governor for, among other things, physically attending the Hidden Hunger Conference in AE-FUNAI and instituting a research grant. He availed the Governor an update that the N2m grant has been disbursed, following a competitive call for proposals, to two research projects related to nutrition. The VC, who wore a dress made of Akwete to the meeting, also briefed the Governor on measures undertaken by AE-FUNAI to effectively promote the Akwete textile, which is indigenous to Abia State.

Furthermore, the Vice-Chancellor extolled the manifest leadership ability of the Governor as well as his fantastic disposition as a person. While hailing the vision of the Government of Abia State to establish a University of Science and Technology, he prayed for expedited action, advising that, rather than yield to delay due to paucity of funds, consideration could be given to a funding model that would largely take the burden off the state government. He called the attention of the Governor to the model of the First Technical University Ibadan, owned by the Oyo State Government, but which does not depend on Government subvention. The Vice-Chancellor offered pro bono assistance towards achieving this. The Vice-Chancellor presented a gift of Akwaete materials to the Governor.

His Excellency, Chief Okezie Ikpeazu, thanked Prof. Nwajiuba for his visit, remarking that it is the first time somebody has taken the trouble to come to him in such a manner. He noted that Prof Nwajiuba’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI) has taken the University from being a little-known institution to one that is highly reputed and much sought after by parents, students and university administrators. Expressing delight that the Research Grant he gave was deployed to the area of nutrition, the Governor used the opportunity to highlight the success of his State’s school feeding program in bringing students back to public primary schools. Governor Ikpeazu also reassured his guest of his government’s commitment to the establishment of the University of Science and Technology, He accepted Prof. Nwajiuba’s offer of assistance to the project and prayed for his success in his future endeavors. The Governor also pledged to support the Akwaete clothing centre in the University.

Prof. Nwajiuba was accompanied on the visit by the Director, Centre for Educational Services, Prof Johny Ogunji; Director of Physical Planning, Works and Services, Dr. Iheanacho Ezeocha; and Ag Director of Partnerships, Mr Chris Uwadoka.

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GOVERNOR IKPEAZU AND PROF. NWAJIUBA FLANKED BY OFFICERS OF AE-FUNAI.

…“I will work till my last day as VC AE-FUNAI”

Monday, January 25, 2021 was yet another busy working day for the action and never-get-tired exiting Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba.

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Prof. Nwajiuba and Dr. Ezeocha at the Convocation Arena
Commenting on the outgoing Nwajiuba administration, observers from within and outside the University community have recently opined that “the more his exit date approach, the more he doubles effort at work”. What a visionary leader, committed and in a hurry to take the young University to World Class.

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VC walking out of the Convocation Arena satisfied
He started work for the day with inspection of work going on at the convocation arena, from where he went to lunch action on building a new library for the University. This is in fulfillment of his promise that “I will build a new library here before I go”. You will recall that the Ibidapo Obe Library, built before the inception of the Nwajiuba administration, was put out of use and abandoned since 2019, due to the heavy rain storm that damaged the building. Director, Physical Planning, Works and Service, Dr. Iheanacho Ezeocha and his Deputy Engr. Nwali Eche where on ground to lead VC and his entourage to the new library site, beside the Ibidapo Obe Library, where site clearing and layout commenced in earnest. The site Engineer was there to provide all the explanations and action plan.

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At the New Library Site
Next for the day was opening up of access roads to link other parts of the campus where some new blocks of building for Faculties and Centres have been sited. This took Prof. Nwajiuba and team to the extremes of the Campus in a growing garden. VC even had to mount a motor bike to get to the other side. Tractors were deployed to site to create the access roads with immediate effect.

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Prof. Nwajiuba flanked by Dr. Ezeocha and Engr. Eche mapping out the new access roads


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VC even on motorbike to get to the end… Nothing will stop him.
VC and his company also visited parts of the University including the very recently commissioned Office Complex beside the New Faculty of Law, School of Postgraduate Studies, Some classrooms, eateries, and the old Administration Block. As the movement went on, Prof. Nwajiuba interacted with staff and students, monitoring and ensuring that there was full compliance to COVID-19 protocols.

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Prof Nwajiuba appreciates the recently commissioned office complex


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Walking down to the end.


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Prof. Nwajiuba interacting with students on COVID-19 Protocols


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Walking in the Campus in the growing Garden

The Good Work Continues.

Prof. Nnenna Nwosu-Nworah, Cordinator, Franco-FUNAI Collaboration yesterday 25th January presented yet another Ph.D Scholar returnee from France and the third Ph.D scholar to return from studies in France, Dr. Saidu Sani, to Alex Ekwueme Federal University management at the New VC’s new office complex. Introducing the beneficiary, the Coordinator said he defended his Ph.D thesis on 15th December, 2020 and completed his Ph.D in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Universite’ de Strasbourg, France, in exactly thirty six months.
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Prof. Nnenna Nwosu-Nworuh introducing Dr. Saidu Sani.
Dr. Sani did not hesitate to thank the Vice Chancellor and University Management for affording him the rare opportunity to benefit from the Franco-FUNAI scholarship collaboration. He did not forget to thank the Programme Coordinator, Prof. Nnenna Nwosu-Nworah for all her support and encouragement, assuring that he will do all he could to impart the knowledge he has acquired on his students and attract fund to the young and fast growing University.
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Dr. Saidu Sani expressing gratitude to management
Prof. Nwajiuba heartily received the returnee scholar, appreciating him for his outstanding performance out there in France, more so in such highly rated University. Sharing his experiences as a student, way back in Germany, Prof. Nwajiuba commended Dr. Sani for doing the right thing by returning straight back home after his studies adducing that he has even more chances of travelling abroad for conferences and other programmes, for living up to the trust and confidence reposed on him by the university authorities and for keeping to the agreement. He urged him to present his new qualification to management for necessary formalities and upgrade from Assistant Lecturer to Lecturer II.
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Prof. Nwajiuba making remarks.
Prof. Nwajiuba used the forum to advice that those who have opportunity to travel abroad to study should take advantage of such opportunity to learn foreign languages like French, German and other countries, to remain relevant in the changing world, siting Germans as people who are taking good advantage of such opportunities to excel.
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Some of the officers present at the event.
Other top officers of the university who were present to receive Dr. Sani include the University Registrar, Odisa Okeke (Mrs), Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Rosemary Igbo, Director, Centre for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning and wife of VC, Prof. Chinyere Nwajiuba, Ag. Director, Partnerships, Mr. Chris Uwadoka.
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(L-R) Prof. Chinyere Nwajiuba, Odisa Okeke,Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba,Dr. Sani, Profs Nwosu- Nworuh, Igbo and Mr. Chris Uwadoka.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE AE-FUNAI 2020/2021 UTME CANDIDATES
Candidates who chose AE-FUNAI as their First Choice Institution at the 2020/2021 JAMB UTME and applied for the AE-FUNAI 2020/2021 PUTME Screening exercise are by this notice advised to check their provisional admission status using the link below:

https://admission.funai.edu.ng/

AE-FUNAI VC, PROF NWAJIUBA COMMISERATES WITH FAMILY OF HIS LATE PREDECESSOR, DISTINGUISHED PROF. IBIDAPO OBE
Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, led a delegation from the University to the Lagos home of Late Distinguished Prof. Oyewusi Ibidapo Obe, on Thursday 21st January, 2021, to commiserate with the bereaved family. In the VC delegation were Alhaji Rafiu Aliu- University Bursar, Prof Smart Otu- Dean Faculty of Social Sciences and Mr. Chris Uwadoka –Ag. Director, Partnership.

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Bereaved Family Receiving AE-FUNAI Delegation.
Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba expressed his condolences to the family praying that God would give them the grace and fortitude to bear the irreparable lose. The widow of Late Prof. Obidapo Obe, who received AE-FUNAI delegation thanked Prof. Nwajiuba and his team, affirming that AE-FUNAI was an important part of Prof. Ibidapo Obe’s carreer having been the founding Vice-Chancellor of the University. She however decried the falsehood making round that her husband died of COVID-19, contracted at a party.

She communicated the burial programme to the delegation.

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Prof. Nwajiuba delivering condolence message.

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Leader of Delegation, Prof. Nwajiuba Signing Condolence Register.
The news of the demise of Prof. Obe was received with rude shock at the University and to honour the late Erudite Professor and Pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Condolence Registers were opened at the New Senate Building for Governing Council Members and the entire University Community. VC, Prof Nwajiuba also announced the death of his predecessor at both the extra ordinary Council and Senate meetings held recently, where moments of silence were observed in honour of the late Distinguished Professor.

Oyewusi Ibidapo Obe born on 5th July 1951, was professor of Systems Engineering, Educational Administrator and former Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos and later Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, where he was pioneer Vice-Chancellor.

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Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Briggs Signing Condolence Register at Council Chambers.


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Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba Signing Condolence Register in his Office.
Prof. Obe served as Visiting Research Associate Professor at the State University of New York at Bufalo, USA (1980-1981) and Visiting Research Professor at Texas Southern University, Houston, USA. He was appointed the Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos in the year 2000.

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Senate Stand to Observe moment of silence for Prof. Obe.
Prof. Ibidapo Obe received several awards, including WaterLoo Post Doctorate Distinction Award Fellow in 1976, Fellow of the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council, Canada (1977-1979), Fellowship of the Academy of Science and Engineering, Fellow of Africa Academy of Science, Fellow of Academy of Science for Developing World. He died on 3rd January, 2021.

REA HANDOVER SOLAR POWER PLANT TO AE-FUNAI AUTHORITY
Monday January 18th and Tuesday 19th January, 2021 will be remembered in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ebonyi, as the official handover dates for the 2.8 Mega Watts Solar Hybrid Plant.

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Engr. Okwara making presentation.
On the aforementioned dates, the Resident Engineer of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Kalu Okwara, representing the Managing Director of the Agency and accompanied by the Plant Operator, Mr Nweke Chibuzor Emmanuel, visited the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba in the presence of other top rank officers of the University, to hand over all relevant reports and documents on the operations of the solar plant which has provided clean uninterrupted power supply and afforded over 8000 students and over 1,800 staff access to clean reliable energy with over 7km of solar powered street lights in the institution since its installation and commissioning by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (GCON) on Friday August 2, 2019. REA team has managed the plant since inception till when it became necessary and in line with the operations policy to handover to the host University to take full responsibility for its operations and management. Some University staff and students have been trained on the effective management of the power plant and according to the Resident Engineer, the documents so presented would provide necessary information to guide them in doing the job.

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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba receiving the files.
Receiving the documents on various aspects of the plant operations, VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba thanked Engr. Okwara and his team for the good job they have done from the installation of the plant to its operations, which resulted to the 24 hour power supply the University is enjoying, assuring that the University now has capable hands and capacity to run the plant. Going forward, he urged the Agency, represented by Engr. Okwara to keep the very good working relationship existing between them and the University alive and to always make themselves available when needed or consulted to ensure there is no disruptions in the running of the plant. We asked Director, Physical Planning, Works & Services, Dr. Iheanacho Ezeocha to take charge to ensure the smooth running of the plant.

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Prof. Nwajiuba making remarks
The next day, Tuesday 19th February 2021, Engr. Okwara led another Solar Power Project Group from Sterling & Wilson Nigeria Limited, who executed the Project for REA to make presentation and conclude the handover. Those in the team were Mr. Salish Kwanalli, Solar Plant Construction Manager, and Divya Hod, who also presented relevant documents on the project to Prof. Nwajiuba and affirmed that the cordial relationship existing between the university and their company will grow even stronger.

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Prof. Nwajiuba endorsing the hand over document.
Recall that AE-FUNAI off-grid power plant was the first to be commissioned among the selected 37 universities and 7 affiliate Teaching Hospitals under the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Energizing Education Programme (EEP), Phase 1 University Project, fully funded by the Federal Government.

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Prof. Nwajiuba exchanging pleasantries with team.
The project is part of the Federal Government Energizing Education Programme, which kicked off since 2016 which has afforded opportunity for the training of 180 female STEM students including female students of AE-FUNAI. The programme, according to the Agency would ensure that women database were created to enhance women participation and girl child and gender inclusion.

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Prof Nwajiuba receiving final paper from Engr. Okwara flanked by the visiting team (L) and University officers(R).


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Prof Nwajiuba with Engr. Okwara and some University officers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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PRAYER SESSION

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PROF. ELOM DISPLAYS LETTER OF APPOINTMENT.

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Sunday Oge Elom, a Professor of Medical Biochemistry has been appointed the new Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State. Until is appointment which was announced through a press released signed by the Registrar/Secretary of Council Odisa C. Oleke ( Mrs.) on Tuesday, 19th January, 2021, he was the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic,

He was born on 5th November, 1961 at Ekwashi, Ngbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

He has over 14 years of post professorial and uninterrupted academic and administrative experience in the university system, having bagged his PhD in Medical Biochemistry from the Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki in 2006. Before then, he had a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Molecular Biology from the Vrue University, Brussels, Belgium in 1992 and a First Class Honours' degree in Biochemistry from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

He has had an illustrious career as a member of the academia, spanning over three decades. His journey as an academic started in 1987 when he served as a Research Assistant in the Department of Applied Biology, Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH), Enugu campus. He however rose through the ranks in different universities in Nigeria and became a professor of Medical Biochemistry in 2006.

Professor Elom has published over 50 academic papers in top-tier and high ranking national and international journals with impact factors. He has also published many books, books chapters and monographs as well as many conference papers. More so, he has served as external examiner and assessor to many universities.

Apart from being a thoroughbred and seasoned academic, Professor Elom has occupied many administrative positions in the Nigerian university system where he brought his administrative astuteness to bear, ensuring that the vision and goals of the institutions he work for are achieved. He was first appointed the Head, Department of Medical Biochemistry in 1984 at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) and rose to become the Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences of the same university in 2009. Later, he became the Dean, Students' Affairs, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki and the Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences of the same institution in the year 2000 and 2014 respectively. At the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, he was the Interim Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences from 2012 to 2016 and later a two - term Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic from 2016 to 2020. He has also chaired many important university committees.

He is a member of many international professional bodies, chief among them is the British Biochemical Society, London.

Professor Sunday Oge Elom is married to Dr. Chinyere Elom, and they have 4 children.

VC, AE-FUNAI RECIEVES FIRST FRANCO- FUNAI Ph.D SCHOLAR.
The Coordinator, Franco- FUNAI Collaboration, Prof. Nnenna Nwosu- Nworuh, on Wednesday, 13th January, 2021, presented Engr. Dr. Nnaemeka Ugwuanyi, who returned to Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, after his successful academic sojourn in France, to the Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, in his new office.

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PROF. NNENNA NWOSU-NWORUH PRESENTING ENGR. DR. UGWUANYI.
According to Prof. Nwosu-Nworuh, Nnaemeka Ugwuanyi was among the five AE-FUNAI staff to leave the shores of Nigeria to France in 2017, same year the French Ambassador to Nigeria visited the young university. She made bold to state that Nnaemeka defended his Ph.D thesis in Electrical Engineering within 36 months and is the first Ph.D scholar to return after successfully completing his studies at HESAM UNIVERSITE’.

The Coordinator described Dr. Ugwuanyi as a good ambassador of AE-FUNAI, who earned the confidence of his supervisor, who was all praises on him, for his right attitude and character, when the AE-FUNAI team visited. Prof. Nwosu-Nworuh however said she insisted that it was important that Engr. Dr. Nnaemeka returned to express gratitude to VC and management for the favour and privilege. She further revealed that his Ph.D research work is on “Contributions Towards Positioning Normal Form Method As a Tool For Future Power Transmission Grid”, for which he was sponsored on World Conference to Brussel in 2020 by a company that got interested in his work, to the extent that they purchased the soft ware and are ready to engaged Engr. Dr. Ugwuanyi in more related work. “I here present Engr. Dr. Nnaemeka Ugwuanyi. We are very proud of Nnaemeka… you are welcome”, she enthused.

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VC, PROF. NWAJIUBA ACKNOWLWDGING THE RETURNEE Ph.D SCHOLAR – ENGR. DR. UGWUANYI.
Excited VC, Prof Nwajiuba heartily received the returnee scholar, congratulating and as well thanking him for his show of good attitude and character, discipline and hard work, as a result of which he performed exceedingly well and achieved remarkable success in a world class university. Prof. Nwajiuba was also glad that Nnaemeka’s attitude and character earned him goodwill and trust of his supervisor and institute, adducing that his good relationship with his supervisor out there has opened new ways for him, especially now that the world is coming together as one global village.

Prof. Nwajiuba further appreciated the young scholar for returning after completion of his studies, to give back to the young institution and society and called on other beneficiaries, who, due to no acceptable reasons and contrary to the rule of engagement, have decided to stay back there after completing their studies, to learn to do the right thing, in their own interest and in the interest of their benefactors. While promising to give approval for automatic migration of Engr. Dr. Ugwuanyi, who was Assistant Lecture before leaving for further studies in 2016, to Lecturer 11, he told him that he expects true demonstration of good attitude and character to work, having studied and returned from a country where everything is about attitude and character. He also advised that those who get opportunities to study in countries outside Nigeria, especially France, Germany and other major nations, to regard learning of the language as priority, to be relevant in the emerging new world order. Prof. Nwajiuba finally gave him his blessing, wishing him well in all his future endervours.

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ENGR. DR. NNAEMEKA UGWUANYI APPRECIATING UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT
Engr. Dr. Nnaemeka Ugwuanyi, thanked VC and the university authorities for making it possible for him to have achieved a higher academic status abroad, stating confidently that whatever knowledge he has acquired out there will sufficiently enable him to effectively serve the local, national communities and the international community. He promised to live up to the expectations of university management and students of the young and very serious university .

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L-R: PROF. NWOSU-NWORUH, ENGR. DR. UGWUANYI, PROF. NWAJIUBA, DVC PROF AKOH.

DISCLAIMER:INFORMATION TO ALL 2020/2021 CANDIDATES
Attention of the University management has been drawn to a recent publication circulating in various platforms on the above subject matter claiming that AE-FUNAI ICT Administration Unit was broken into by hoodlums and made away with the yet to be released 2020/2021 admission list and that there would be no admissions into AE-FUNAI for 2020/2021 aspirants.
We hereby notify all aspirants, students, the University community and the general public that the information is false and should be disregarded. It is the handwork of mischief makers who are out to mislead prospective students and the public, cause disaffection between the University and her publics and drag down the towering image of the young, fast growing and most serious public University in Nigeria.
Be assured that the 2020/2021 admission list will soon be released. Aspirants, students, parents, guardians and the general public, please take note and don’t be deceived.

Chris Akubuiro
University Public Relation Officer

what you saw

NOTES ON THE 5TH SPECIAL CONVOCATION OF ALEX EKWUEME FEDERAL UNIVERSITY NDUFU-ALIKE (AE-FUNAI)
It is noteworthy that hosting of convocations on the second Tuesdays of December annually, has become a tradition in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State and one of the legacies of the Professor Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba led administration as Vice-Chancellor since 2016 when he assumed office.

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The University mace bearer leading the procession
In keeping with “the image of seriousness which our university has earned…’’, trade mark of the young and fast growing university under the leadership of Prof. Nwajiuba, AE-FUNAI consistently held five convocations on Tuesday 20th December, 2016, Tuesday 19th December, 2017, Tuesday 15th December, 2018, Tuesday 17th December, 2019 and the 5th Special Convocation of Tuesday 15th December, 2020, to crown it all.

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The Senate procession
Despite COVID-19 Pandemic lockdown, and the lingered ASUU strike, the university succeeded in holding the Special 5th Convocation in grand style, the last in the series of convocations hosted by the visionary Prof. Nwajiuba. The convocation was indeed historic with large turnout of members of the university community including students who came from their homes to witness the event and especially the last appearance of their beloved VC as Chief Executive of the institution and chief host of the convocation.

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Arch Bishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri, Most Rev, David O.C Onuoha saying opening prayer
The convocation had the Visitor of the university, President and Commander- In- Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Mohammadu Buhari, ably represented by the Honourable Minister of Education for State, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Engr. Dave Nweze Umahi, represented by his Deputy, His Excellency Barr Kelechi Igwe, Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Rt. Honourable Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Former Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency , Mr. Peter Obi and other top dignitaries from across the country including the three renown Nigerians, Asiwaju Dr. Khamis Badmus, Dr. Sir Engr. Anayo Beffford Onwuegbu and Dr. Sir Michael Chidiebere Okoroafor, who were conferred with Doctorate Degrees honoris causa.

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Hon. Minister of Education for state, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba presenting the visitor’s speech

To kick start the special event was the convocation lecture delivered by His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, who did justice to the topic “Nigeria’s Economic Growth Will Depend On Innovation and Entrepreneurship”, providing sufficient reliable and useable information and road map towards aggressive turn around in the Nigerian economic development through small scale enterprising and innovation.

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His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi delivering the Special Convocation Lecture
In his speech, the visitor, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, iterated that despite the economic challenges, the government is utilizing the scarce resources to position the economy in massive infrastructural development in agriculture, urging Nigerians to support his administration to achieve the massive turn around in our economy and the overall national development.

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HRM Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR, delivering his speech
The Chancellor of the University, HRM Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR, on his part, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba and his team, for their irrevocable commitment to excellence and integrity in all the activities of the University in the past 4 years, which has made the institution a recognized and respected citadel of learning in Nigeria and beyond. He stated that the Vice-Chancellor’s determination and commitment has taken the University to greater heights in all ramifications, especially in its robust and expansive academic activities and massive infrastructural development. He added that looking back from where the University was when Prof. Nwajiuba assumed office in 2016 and where it is now, it is no doubt that a lot has been achieved in his tenure.

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Prof. Nimi Briggs, making presentation
The Oba sincerely appreciated the effort of President Muhammadu Buhari led administration in the Government’s bold steps in trying to resolve the intractable issues bedeviling the Nigerian University system. He further appealed to all Nigerians, especially the members of the academia, to support the Government in ensuring a smooth academic environment and better town and gown relationship.

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Prof. Nwajiuba presenting his address
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Prof. Nimi Briggs, applauded the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, for the breathtaking work he has done in the university. ‘’The most serious public university, the university in a garden and all other good names the university has won, are all due to his diligence, incredible foresight and unrelenting hard work. He also extended his gratitude to the management of the university for the harmony, cooperation and support it gave the Vice-Chancellor which contributed in no small way to all the good things that happened in the university.

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His Excellency, Barr. Kelechi Igwe (Ph.D), speaking at the event
Prof. Briggs maintained that Council, in the New Year and beyond, intends to do everything in its power to ensure that this university continues its disciplined and orderly growth in all aspects of academia and community participation.

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The Awardees (L-R) Dr. Sir Engr Anayo Onwuegbu, Rep of Asiwaju Dr.Tunde Badmus and Dr. Sir Michael Okoroafor

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba himself, thanked Mr. President who appointed him to the position in 2016, stating that the Federal Government and her agencies have been kind to the institution as AE-FUNAI is the first university in Nigeria to have the solar plant under the Energize Education Programme, and by that the only public university in the country with 24-hour electricity supply. He thanked the University Governing Councils, the past and the present for their continued support and loyalty to the university. He did not forget to express his gratitude to staff, teaching and non-teaching, for their support and commitment towards the growth of the university.

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Cross section of dignitaries at the special convocation

In his parting words, Prof. Nwajiuba had this to say,”…I urge you to please continue to respect the agreed mechanism for assessing quality of books and recommending their use by our students. It is close to one decade of existence., our university has consistently distinguished itself as one in which staff do not constitute themselves into vendors of books and handouts-acts that desecrate our temple of knowledge and demean us in the eyes of our products. Do not let the dream die”

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The Registrar, Odisa C. Okeke (Mrs), addressing the convocation
Prof. Nwajiuba used the opportunity to convey that the university had agreed to name the main auditorium Abubakar Adamu Rasheed Auditorium, in appreciation of the privilege of love and guidance the Executive Secretary of NUC has shown him, which he said has been the major strength in the course of his service as VC of AE-FUNAI.

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Prof. Nwajiuba presenting his father, Sir Jonah Nwajiuba with the Minister keenly watching
Highlight of the special event was the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees on Asiwaju Olatunde Khamis Badmus, an accomplished agriculturist, businessman and compassionate philanthropist, Sir Engr. Anayo Befford Onwuegbu, first Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the university and Sir Michael Chidiebere Okoroafor, a business mogul in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry.

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Sir Engr. Onwuegbu being conferred with Doctorate degree honoris cauas


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VC in group photograph with dignitaries


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Group photograph at the front of Abubakar Adamu Rasheed Auditorium

Exiting VC Prof, Nwajiuba Resumes Duty in new office
Exactly one month to go, Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba on Monday 11th January, 2021, resumed duty in the new Vice-Chancellor’s office, housed in the just completed new Senate Building in the University. The complex is a TETFund 2016 Special High Impact Intervention Project, started and completed under the watch of Prof. Nwajiuba and counted as one of the various landmark achievements of the ever diligent VC, who will be leaving office on February 11th, 2021, when his tenure, as 2nd VC of the fast growing and most serious public University in Nigeria, will end.

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Prof. Nwajiuba Receiving Bishop Ifemene

Bishop of Ikwo Dioceses, Anglican Communion, Right Reverend Kenneth Ifemene, was on ground to sanctify the new office. Taking his sermon from the book of Psalm 24 vs 7, which he recalled was the same message delivered at the opening of the Main University Gate on the assumption of Prof. Nwajiuba as VC of AE-FUNA in 2016. He adduced that the doors of success and remarkable achievements in the University were opened with the spiritual strength of that message and the grace of God as Prof Nwajiuba stepped his feet on the grounds of the University and continued to work with God, even till the moment.

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Prof. Nwajiuba leading the Bishop to the new office


Bishop Ifemene, enthused that Prof. Nwajiuba and his team have achieved so much within the five years, to the extent that despite that he has just one month to bow out of office, he has continued to work relentlessly, resulting in the completion of a new Senate building and particularly a new office for the incoming Vice-Chancellor, in record time. This for him is no doubt, a mark of a true visionary servant leader. He prayed that the almighty God will continue to bless him, his family and all those who work with him diligently and showed the commitment in ensuring that Prof. Nwajiuba recorded huge success. He as well wished him well as he moves on to the next level. Bishop Ifemene also prayed for the incoming Vice-Chancellor, asking God to give whomever it may be, the right vision, right team and the grace needed to deliver on the responsibilities as VC. At the end he sanctified the office to the glory of God.

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The prayer and sanctification session

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The prayer and sanctification session
Prof. Nwajiuba was initially shown round the different offices and sections of the new Senate Building before he finally settled to work. He expressed profound gratitude to God, Bishop Ifemene and his entourage and all those who were present to witness the epoch making event.

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Prof. Nwajiuba in Group Photo with the Bishop and other officers

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Prof. Nwajiuba moving round the different offices/ Units

For the visionary and assiduous Professor ChinedumUzomaNwajiuba, Vice Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, who never relents until visible results are achieved and for those who believe in his vision to build an Igbo Centre of record in the university, it is a dream come true, when the just completed Igbo Centre Complex was on Tuesday 15th December, 2020, commissioned by Mr. Peter Obi ‘ OkuteNdigbo, Former Governor of Anambra State, as part of the activities marking the University’s Special 5th Convocation, where he delivered the convocation lecture titled “Nigeria’s Economic Growth Will Depend On Innovation and Entrepreneurship”.

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LONG VIEW OF THE CENTRE
The journey to have an Igbo Centre that will be driven by true Igbo spirit of diligence, power, love and promotion of the Igbo essence started as soon as Prof. Nwajiuba took over mantle of leadership as 2nd VC of the young and most serious public university in Nigeria. The vision was further enhanced by his creation of a special committee on Igbo Centre, followed by the historic international zoom conference hosted by the committee and led by Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba himself, in July, 2020, with prominent Ndigbo, even in the diaspora, contributing ideas and support for the establishment of an Igbo Centre to behold. Chief Osita Chidoka, Former Minister for Aviation and Chief Nnia Nwodo, President General of OHANEZE NDIGBO, were lead speakers.

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FRONT VIEW OF THE ADMIN BLOCK


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VIEW OF THE GALLERY
The AE-FUNAI Igbo Centre is named after OLAUDAH EQUINO, an Igbo sailor, writer, merchant, slave abolitionist, who was born in October 1745 and lived till 1797. Equino was the first black activist of Igbo extraction, who got his freedom from slavery and contributed towards the freedom of other slaves in America.

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VC, PROF. NWAJIUBA LEADING MR PETER OBI TO THE CENTRE
In her welcome address, elated Dr. Mrs Anne Nwankwo, Director of the Centre, welcomed the Chief Guest, Mr Peter Obi, all other guests and members of the university community present at the event, stating that “The idea of the Igbo Centre was conceived by Prof. ChinedumUzomaNwajiuba in 2018. Since then it had had one challenge or the other but, today, we are glad this dream has become a reality. We have gathered here not only to celebrate the magnificent building for the centre but to make a clarion call on ways to rekindle the passion for Igboness”.Dr. Anne Nwankwo, who spoke in Igbo,said that the AE- FUNAI Igbo Centre shall be a place for cultural renaissance and a place for academic development and thanked Prof. Nwajiuba for creating the centre and offering her the opportunity to serve as Director of the Centre. She enthused further that“nowNdigbo at home and in the diaspora can come around for excursions, summer lessons, carry out researches on who we are and culturally bring our children back to their ancestral values and belief system”. She promised to work hard with her team to ensure the dream does not die.

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MR PETER OBI CUTTING THE TAPE, ASSISTED BY PROF. NWAJIUBA AND DR. MRS NWANKWO

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MR PETER OBI CUTTING THE TAPE, ASSISTED BY PROF. NWAJIUBA AND DR. MRS NWANKWO
Highlights were the presentation of a sonnet on the ROCK on which the centre stands, composed by our erudite Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, display of Igbo dance drama and exhibition of artworks.

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AT ROCK GALLERY


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AT ROCK GALLERY


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AT ROCK GALLERY


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AT ROCK GALLERY

History was made in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi state on Thursday 17th December, 2020, when Chairman, AE-FUNAI chapter of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Mr. Emmanuel Chigbata presented the site for AE-FUNAI Chapter Secretariat, first in the South East, to Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, VC, AE-FUNAI for the ground breaking ceremony. While speaking at the site, Mr Chigbata, said it was a special occasion and will make history in the South East zone as the first foundation for SSANU secretariat in the South East, adding that it was the first of its kind in the zone and that Prof. Nwajiuba will become the first VC to perform the function in the zone. He stated that though the union does not have the money to embark on such gigantic project, they have decided to follow the footsteps Prof. Nwajiuba, who has come to build; therefore the Union decided to build a secretariat in the university.

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Prof Nwajiuba moving to the site


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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba, speaking at the ground breaking.
Prof ChinedumNwajiuba remarked that AE-FUNAI is a great University and staff of AE-FUNAI has so far cooperated with him to build the institution and that SSANU in AE-FUNAI is an enlightened Union and has earned his respect. He encouraged the Union to keep the flag flying.

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Mr Chigbata speaking at the occasion


Mrs Clementine Uzoije, Head of Payroll Unit laid the foundation on behalf of VC, while Mrs Nnenna Ugwuocha, Estate Manager in the Directorate of Physical Planning, Works and Services, gave vote of thanks, congratulating Prof Nwajiuba for a job well done even as he is leaving in few months assuring that his strides will be emulated.

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Mrs Uzoije laying the foundation


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Mrs Ugwuocha giving vote of thanks.

The Chairman of TUNS GROUP, owners of TUNS FARMS Nigeria Limited, an accomplished agriculturist, businessman and compassionate philanthropist, Asiwaju Olatunde Khamis Adekilekun Badmus, one of the three distinguished Nigerians, who were honoured with the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees in Business Administration at the historic 5th Special Convocation of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu- Alike, Ebonyi State, has demonstrated love for the institution and commitment to the growth and development of poultry farming by the establishment of 3000 capacity Broiler Demonstration Farm in the young and fast growing serious university. TUNS FARMS is funding the first circle of the Demonstration Farm and providing support on quarterly basis.

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Prof. Nwajiuba receiving the leader of the delegation, Alhaji Afolabi
Ground breaking ceremony for the project, took place on Monday, 14th, December, 2020, at the Farm site, along Dr. Akanu Ibiam Road, in the campus, as part of the pre- convocation activities. The Asiwaju Badmus 14 man powerful delegation, constituted of high standing academics, accomplished business moguls, top government functionaries and a retired Army General, from across different states and the Presidency, among whom were two sons of Asiwaju Badmus, Hon. Lekan Badmus, Honorable Commissioner for Special Duties in Osun State and Taofeek Badmus, GM, TUNS FARMS, were led by Alhaji Kayode Afolabi, Permanent Secretary in Osun State, arrived the campus on Monday 14th , December, 2020 to pay homage to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba and also lay the foundation for the Demonstration Farm.

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Prof Nwajiuba offering kolanut
The delegation was received at the Vice –Chancellor’s Conference Room by VC and his team. In the AE-FUNAI custom of welcoming esteemed guests with offer of kolanuts in the Igbo traditional style, as demonstration of love and friendship, Prof. welcomed the visitors with great passion and did not hesitate to express profound gratitude to them, eulogizing Asiwaju Badmus for his outstanding achievements and popularity, for which AE-FUNAI is proud to associate with him and recognize his ”accomplishments and notable character of Asiwaju Khamis Olatunde Badmus as it honours him with a doctorate degree in Business Administration, honoris causa”.

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Prof Nwajiuba speaking at the farm site
Prof. Nwajiuba, who was particularly honored and elated by the calibre of personalities, who, despite their esteemed positions and responsibilities found it worthwhile to visit the university on behalf of a worthy Father and leader, in his (Prof. Nwajiuba) time as VC. He recalled his experiences while on a visit to TUNS FARMS at Oshogbo with some officers of the university, noting the level of professionalism, maturity and commitment, exhibited by staff of the farm, typical of Yoruba life style and humility, despite their top class status and repute. Alhaji Afolabi thanked the Prof. Nwajiuba and the university management for finding their mentor and leader, Asiwaju Badmus worthy of the conferment of the Doctorate Degree of a reputable university like AE-FUNAI. “We are here to show that we are happy you have done the best thing for us for now…, he enthused.

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Prof. Nwajiuba with the guests and other officers of the university at the site.
At the end of the brief but memorable reception and interaction, VC, led the delegation to lay foundation for the Demonstration Farm.

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Foundation laying ceremony.


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Foundation laying ceremony.


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The Cordinator, Franco – AE-FUNAI Scholarship Collaboration, Prof. Nnenna Nwosu- Nworuh, on Monday, 14th December, 2020, presented Dr. Obinna Osuji, who just returned after his academic sojourn to France, to the Vice- Chancellor, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, who in turn, presented him to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Emeritus Prof. Nimi Briggs, in the presence of the Registrar, Odisa Okeke(Mrs) and other Council members at the Senate Chamber.

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Pro- Chancellor, Prof. Nimi Briggs addressing Dr. Osuji.
According to Prof. Nnenna, Dr. Osuji, who bagged Ph.D in Organic Chemistry, left the shores of Nigeria to study Organic Chemistry at the University of Bordeaux in 2016, and is of the Department of Chemistry, AE-FUNAI. She further informed her audience that Dr. Osuji is the second FRANCO- AE-FUNAI Scholar to defend his Ph. D and that two others are expected back after defending their work within the month.

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Prof. Nwajiuba in a handing Dr. Osuji, with Prof, Nnenna Nwosu- Nworuh watching.
Prof. Nwajiuba expressed joy that Dr. Obinna Osuji went out there to study, did well and came back to give back to the university. He urged him to ensure that all the knowledge he has acquired will be effectively applied to benefit his students and the society.

The Pro-Chancellor, Emeritus Prof. Briggs said that FRANCO – AE-FUNAI collaboration is one of the good things happening in the University and encouraged staff who are given the opportunity, to ensure they go to study seriously and come back, instead of running away to other countries, where living conditions may not be better. He congratulated him and wished him well.

VC, PROFESSOR NWAJIUBA COMMISSIONS AE-FUNAI WA CRÈCHE/ NURSERY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL
Professor Chinyere Nwajiuba, President AE-FUNAI Woman Association on Monday 14th December, 2020 presented the AE-FUNAI WA Crèche/Nursery and Primary School to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba and Father of VC and her Father In-Law, Chief Sir Jona Nwajiuba, who recently turned 90 years and was present for the glorious event and university functionaries and guests present for the commissioning of the school.

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Prof. Mrs Chinyere Nwajiuba delivering her speech
Prof. Chinyere Nwajiuba expressed her happiness for the notable achievement which started in 2016 when she assumed office as the AE-FUNAI Woman Association President. She stated that the decision was taken to provide broad and balanced education for the children of Staff as most of the women are still in their child bearing age. She also said that the school will provide opportunities for the children of the host communities.

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Chief Sir Jonah Nwajiuba and son, Prof. Chinedum and Prof. Chinyere
She also expressed her gratitude on behalf of AE-FUNAI Woman to those who contributed towards the building of the school which includes but not limited to the University Council, University Management, Parent Forum and friends of the University. She also extended her gratitude to the visionary and amiable VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, for the critical role he played in the establishment of the school, while appealing for more contributions and support as there are still more work to be done and also prayed that God will bless everyone that has given support for the project.

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Dr. Chinyere Elom and Pa Jonah Nwajiuba jointly cutting the first tape
Dr. Mrs Chinyere Elom, SSA to the Governor of Ebonyi State, offered prayer for the School and the university and jointly cut the tape to commission the school on behalf of VC, with Chief Sir Jonah Nwajiuba, father of the Vice-Chancellor.

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Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba cutting the second tape
Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba in his speech appreciated the president of AE-FUNAI WA and other members of the association for their commitment in the project. He narrated the very low response to call for education development support in Ebonyi state different from what obtains in other states of the South East, as reason for the position of Ebonyi as the only educationally disadvantaged among the five states of South East. He pointed out that the education of our children and wards should not be left for government alone while urging members of AE-FUNAI WA and the university community and corporate organizations to come out and sponsor the completion of the AE-FUNAI WA Staff School. He declared that any classroom completed by any sponsor will be named after the mother of the sponsor, revealing that he has shown example by completing the school hall which is named after his late mother, Lady Happiness Nwajiuba. He commended Mr Chukwu Ifeanyi, University Coordinator, Campus Green Initiative, for completing one of the rooms which has been named after his mother, Mrs Rebecca Ude, Mr Sunday Mbam, a friend of the university who sponsored painting front of the school, and other staff who have giving support .

Prof. Nwajiuba specially urged the host community to participate in the project as it will enable their children study and interact with the children of Professors and other notable individuals to give the children a sense of belonging, knowing that they have acquired quality education.

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Pa Nwajiuba, Profs Chidubem, Chinyere, Ameh Akoh, Nnenna Nwosu, Drs Mrs Elom and other university officers

Director, Works and Physical Planning, Dr. Ezeocha Iheanacho on Friday 11th December, 2020, presented the Textile Development Center construction site, an entrepreneurship intervention project under TETFund, to Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, for the foundation laying ceremony. Even as he has less than two months to the end of his tenure, Prof. Nwajiuba has not relented in the steady physical development of the young but potential university of the time.

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Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba and staff at the Center site
In his speech during the ground breaking, Prof Nwajiuba, said he has enjoyed his stay in AE-FUNAI and as a development economist, encourages the development and growth of indigenous goods, stating that the world respects an economy that can sustain itself. He added that Nigeria is a great nation with great people and should build on our existing economy. Prof. Nwajiuba regretted that despite our richness in natural endowments, we have been brain washed to believe that other nations are better, mainly because we are made to eat their food, wear their clothes, and speak their language while neglecting ours. He said we have lost respect before because of over dependence on other nations.

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Prof. Nwajiuba Laying the foundation
He further stated that the Chinese teach and practice production before consumption which is in tandem with the Igbo adage, Aka ajaja n’ebute onu mmanu mmanu (Hard work before pleasure) which has brought about the multiplicity of small scale entrepreneurship, industrialization and rapid development of the Chinese economy. Prof. Nwajiuba pointed out that the reverse is the case here where we are taught demand before supply, resulting to the wrong impression and consumption before production mentality among our people. This according to him has kept us where we are and will remain without development, unless something is done fast to reverse the trend. He stressed that our children from onset should learn the importance and reality of production first before consumption.

Prof. Nwajiuba narrated how the idea of Textile Centre started Prof Nwajiuba, thanking Ms Chiaka Nnodi for driving the project in the right direction, urging the contractor to ensure that the Centre will be ready for commissioning before he leaves office in February, 2021. He encouraged students and graduates to acquire skills even while schooling and after graduation as the era of waiting for government employment is gone.

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Engr. Eche cutting the tape
Rev Sister, Dr. Clementine Kanu of the department of Accounting Departing who offered prayer for the ground breaking, committed the development of the Center and University at large into the hands of God, asking God to keep blessing the directing the steps of the outgoing VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, his family and the entire university community. Engr. Nwali Eche of Physical Planning, Works and Services, with the permission of VC, cut the tape to declare a hitch free record time delivery of the project, to the glory of God.

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Vc and staff in group picture with staff