₦airaland Forum

HONORABLE MINISTER DR. OGBONNAYA ONU AT AE-FUNAI TO PERFORM GROUND BREAKING FOR ASTAL SOUTH EAST ZONE
The Minister for Science and Technology and first civilian Governor of old Abia state, Hon. Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, accompanied by his amiable wife, Ma Chinyere Onu, on Thursday visited Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebony State, for ground breaking of Advanced Space Technology Applications Laboratory (ASTAL), for the South East, situated in AE-FUNAI. The laboratory, when completed will ensure a cutting edge research in the area of tackling erosion and all disaster management in Ebonyi state and South East Nigeria. Recall that ASTAL became operational in AE-FUNAI in 2017, second year into the administration of Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba as Vice-Chancellor.

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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba, receiving the Hon. Minister
In his welcome address, Prof. Nwajiuba commended the Honorable Minister for his good leadership and seriousness in discharging his duties and for the love he has shown the young university, adducing that his type is rare to come by. Prof Nwajiuba recalled that Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu delivered the very first inaugural lecture of the University. He enthused that AE-FUNAI is the most serious Public University in Nigeria today, thanking the Minister for finding AE-FUNAI worthy to lead the South East in Space Technology. “We are privileged to have you. ‘’We welcome a serious person to a serious university”, he stressed. Prof. Nwajiuba prayed that God will continue to imbue the Honorable Minister with good health, sufficient grace and wisdom to continue the good work.

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Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu delivering his speech
While delivering his speech, Hon. Minister, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu stated without mincing words that right from her independence, Nigeria was created a great nation that is highly endowed with natural resources and has one of the most intelligent people anywhere in the world, to the extent that the country was picked as the country to watch in Africa. He posited that Nigeria will be great again and that the future of our country is very bright. He iterated that brightness can only be attained if we emphasis Science Technology and Innovation, adding that we cannot achieve this without emphasising Space Science, Research and Development. According to him, Space Science and Technology influence and affect every aspect of our life dramatically, siting the satellite, telecommunication, broadcasting, medicine, agriculture as typical examples.

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Prof Nwajiuba making remarks at the event
Dr. Onu reiterated that Space Science is always at the frontier of technology, be it the new technologies, the virgin technologies, whether robotics, artificial intelligence, and all the specialized forms of technology that will task the basis in human existence, are found in Space Science and Technology. He further stressed that there is no limit to what Space Science and Technology can do in our lives.

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Dr. Chizea speaking at the event
The Hon. Minister appealed that our nation should continue to support Space Science and Technology, urging that it is important to spread the message to Nigerians, such that we must recognize that there are benefits derived from Space Science and Technology. He assured that the laboratory will be completed in two years and when completed and adequately equipped, will provide conducive environment for scientific research to take place and also be of immense benefit to the university community and other tertiary institutions, secondary schools, security agencies, environmental researchers and experts, the entire people of Ebonyi state and our dear nation. He thanked specially the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nwajiuba and the entire university management for making the development of the Space Applications Laboratory possible by availing the ministry the piece of land for the project.

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Hon. Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, laying the foundation
Speaking also during the event, the Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Francis Chizea, said the Space Applications Laboratory is an Agency under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, saddled with the responsibility of promoting the use of space technologies and applications for socio-economic development and advancement of our great country.

Dr. Chizea warmly appreciated the Hon. Minister for his presence to perform the ground breaking, adding that this is a clear demonstration of his commitment to the greatness of our country and particularly his passion for Science and Technology, as well the priority he has accorded the Nigeria’s Space programme. He went further to state that there is no gainsaying the fact that Space Science and Technology has yielded immense benefits that have significantly improved human lives as it has provided wide range of solutions to complex socio-economic and environmental challenges.

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Andrew Onwusulu, Coordinator (ASTAL) AE-FUNAI making vote of thanks

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Dr. Onu and Prof. Nwajiuba in group photo with officers of the University and NARSDA Staff
The Director General reiterated that the establishment of Advanced Space Technology Applications Laboratory in Ndufu-Alike in August, 2016 is to meet the crucial challenges, as well as serving as a focal point to advance the use of Geospatial technology especially in the South Eastern Nigeria. He affirmed that the development of the Laboratory/Office complex will provide an enabling environment for the university staff and collaborators to conduct vigorous patented and commercialized researches; while calling on all staff of the Laboratory to generate necessary geospatial data and develop Spatial Data Infrastructure especially for the South Eastern Nigeria

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Nkwa Umu Agbogho Afikpo performing at the ground breaking Ceremony

Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ebonyi State, who was recently inducted into the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) prestigious fellowship, during the association’s 39th International Annual Conference at Ilorin Kwara State, received Mr. Richard Inya, of the Library Department of the University, whose collection of poems titled “This is not a poem” was the 2nd Runner-up at the 2020 ANA Prize for Poetry.

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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba appreciating a copy of Inya’s collection of poems
Mr Inya, a two-time winner of the University’s prize for poetry, chairman of ANA in Ebonyi State, award winning poet and short story writer, presented copies of his collection of poems to Vice-Chancellor in his office during the visit.

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Prof. Nwajiuba and Mr. Inya in one hand shake
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nwajiuba, commended Mr. Inya’s creative ingenuity and worthy representation of the University. He proceeded to acquire some copies of the book on behalf of the University as way of encouraging the poet.

Thursday, December 10, 2020 was another day to remember as Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, whose tenure as VC, AE-FUNAI is almost ended, when four major awards in recognition of unparalleled achievements in climate – smart revolution, community and people friendliness and sports development, were bestowed that same day.

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Prof. Nwajiuba appreciating the award
First was Faculty of Education, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi state, which honoured him with presentation of ‘Climate – Smart Campus Award in marking the 5th (Special) Convocation Ceremony of the University coming up on Tuesday, December 15, 2020.

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Who the cap fits…Prof Nwajiuba adjusting his new cap
While making the presentation, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Rosemary Igbo, who led her team to Vice- Chancellor’s Conference Room to decorate the Vice – Chancellor, stated that the ‘’CLIMATE-SMART CAMPUS AWARD’’ on the Vice-Chancellor was to appreciate him for tremendous greening and beautification of AE-FUNAI Campus alongside accelerated infrastructural and academic development of the Faculty. She iterated that VC, as an Agricultural Economist of global repute, has achieved wide-ranging tree planting in AE-FUNAI, through the Campus Green Initiative which has transformed the campus into a University in a garden.

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Prof. Nwajiuba displaying award certificate
Prof. Igbo further stated that the Campus Green Initiative has planted over 5,000 ornamental trees and fruit trees to serve as food and dietary enhancement for students, staff and the entire University community as well as protect campus edifices from vagaries of the weather. These according to her, was achieved through the hard work of our visionary Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nwajiuba with a collaboration of donations from staff, students and friends of the University.

Elated Prof. Nwajiuba appreciated Prof Rosemary Igbo and her team for remembering to honour him even as he is almost gone. He iterated that whatever achievements recorded in his tenure in whichever area came as a result of the cooperation, support and teamwork which he regarded as key elements for the high achievements. He prayed that God will bless everyone who contributed in one way or the other in the success his administration has recorded since 2016.

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Prof. Nwajiuba with the host community delegates
Next was a delegation of the market women from the immediate host Community, who presented Bibles to VC, in recognition and appreciation of his commitment to cordial host community relationship and the love he has shown the rural women and the villagers since he assumed office as VC. They prayed that God will continue to bless Prof. Nwajiuba and his family for all the good work he has done in the university and host community. Over joyed Prof. Nwajiuba in appreciation of the honour accorded him, sang and danced with the women in their native tune and step, to the admiration of other university functionaries present at the event.

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Registrar, Odisa Okeke (Mrs) Presenting award to VC
Prof. Nwajiuba was also given two awards by the University Sports Unit, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in sports development in AE-FUNAI and the state, after the novelty match between AE-FUNAI and Federal Polytechnic, Uwana, Ebonyi State, organised in his honour, Prof Nwajiuba was the striker for the AE-FUNAI side. The

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Mr. Emeka Ogbu, NUGA Vice President, and Chairman South East Universities Games Assoc. presenting 2nd award to VC


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Prof. Nwajiuba displaying award in group photo with staff of unit

Following the latest management directives for “Slight Modifications in Faculties and Staff Positions”, Dr. Makuachukwu Ojide, Ag. Director, Research and Development, takes over from Dr. Mrs Anne Nwankwo as AE-FUNAI TETFund Desk Officer with effect from Thursday 10th December, 2020.

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MRS NWANKWO MAKING PRESENTATION
In a brief handover ceremony at the new AE-FUNAI TETFund Desk Office, located at the Language Centre Building, on Thursday, December 10, 2020, Dr. Anne Nwankwo, outgoing Officer, recounted her achievements within the short but momentous time in office, pointing out that on assumption of office on 3rd March, 2020, she set out 4 Point Agenda as cardinal drivers to optimum performance. She made bold to state that she and her team successfully delivered on the key areas which were actualizing the development of Academic Manuscript into Books (AMB), implementing justifiable parameters for the section of staff for capacity development through Conference attendance without fear or favoritism, Secure of more academic sponsorship opportunities for local scholars and getting office accommodation and facility for the day to day running of AST& related matters.

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MORE PRESENTATIONS
She provided relevant details of all the achievements during her tenure and outstanding assignments in the handover note, to properly guide the incoming officer, including introduction of her assistant, Miss Zainab Oji, who she said will be very helpful to the new officer. Dr. Mrs Nwankwo promised to be available to give all assistance he may require, while enthusing that her stay in the office was, though challenging but very interesting and successful.

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MRS NWANKWO INTRODUCING MS ZAINAB OJI
The outgoing Officer pointed out that the choice of Dr. Ojide as her successor is very appropriate, especially as he has served in the University TETFund Committee. She thanked VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba for giving her the opportunity to serve in that capacity as TETFund Desk Officer.

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DR.OJIDE RESPONDING
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ojide, told his predecessor that they have always been together in the TETFund team and has always admired her courage, commitment and team spirit, urging her to always be there for him, as he steps into “the big shoe”. Dr Ojide thanked VC and management for finding him worthy of such sensitive assignment, pledging to do his best to deliver on the demands of the office while exhibiting team spirit and discipline.

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MRS NWANKWO AND DR OJIDE WITH MR EJIKE (Coordinator, Library Services) Right, CHRIS AKUBUIRO (PRO) Left and ZAINAB ORJI, 2nd from right.

Arrewa:
Zulum was 100% percent right!!

When zulum speak out against the military and the government you'll all hail him.

But the moment he acknowledged the effort and success of buhari in the war against insurgency... He had automatically become an enemy.

The north is peaceful compare to how it was before the coming of Buhari... This is the bitter truth you lot don't want to hear.

Back then no single state was safe in the north including kano and Abuja.

Now in the whole of North East we only having Bokoharam in Borno villages that are close to the forest.

Adamawa that was once under Bokoharam is now free and doing well.

Yobe is now developing and growing stronger than ever before.

Gombe is now free and also fast developing.

Bauchi is free too and developing...


North east is now safe... And soon Borno villages will be set free.

The only security challenges in the north west is banditry in the villages of South Kaduna, Zamfara and kastina.

Apart from the 3 states I mentioned above... Other 16 northern states are safer than the East.

what kind of weed do you smoke before you start commenting?
typical blind sheep

FerdinandAbah:
What have you done about the killings by Boko Haram, bandits and unknown gunmen? You're a joke.

i guess they are comfortable with the killings since he is not affected,, idiot old baggar

misano:
We don't want to hear senseless killings of innocent people o. If we hear, Obaseki will be responsible.

I trust Obaseki to do the right thing.

atleast he called the army in full glare of the public unlike Lagos coward liar governor

Sirmwill:
Jeez
If all of these are true then this has been a Major Legit Scam...

so she was never black,, just politics to get votes

Public Universities closed for eight months and the Story of King Solomon and the Two Women

By Chinedum Nwajiuba

I write. I write with pains. I write with reluctance. Reluctance due to the transient office I occupy, and for filial reasons that can elicit misunderstanding. I write, nevertheless. Yes, I write with pains. I write because I heard from my father in the 1970s that the education and training of a child cannot wait. And so, I write. I write for my children, biological, social, and inloco parentis, whose education have to wait. I write because I am alive, and I watch my son Idle at home, and yet I wake each day, eat, drink, laugh, and sleep, and wake. I write because of the lessons of King Solomon’s judgement of the two women in 1 Kings 3:16-28.

“16 Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him. 17 And the one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house. 18 And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house. 19 And this woman's child died in the night; because she overlaid it. 20 And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom. 21 And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear. 22 And the other woman said, Nay; but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son. And this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son. Thus they spake before the king. 23 Then said the king, The one saith, This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead: and the other saith, Nay; but thy son is the dead, and my son is the living. 24 And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king. 25 And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other. 26 Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it. 27 Then the king answered and said, Give her the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the mother thereof. 28 And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment.

Moral? The woman who truly owned the child wanted the child to live, even if the other woman took the child. Who owns our universities? Who wants our universities dead? Who wants our universities alive? Who will let go, to avert the death of our universities?

As we may claim to understand, there are some issues making the education of our children since March 2020 (Eight months as at date, this November) to wait. These include:

1. Revitalization fund for universities/NEEDS Assessment. This has been in existence and the last time Government released N200 billion, which as at date not all universities have completely accessed what was allocated to them. ASUU is asking for another N200 billion, but Government is insisting only N20 billion can be provided due to the prevailing economic condition, especially the slump in crude oil revenue, and Government does not want to sign an agreement she knows will not be implemented. Government position is that this is a continuum, and not an urgent matter since Universities will still have to conduct assessment of their needs.

2. Earned allowances. Government has offered N30 billion for all in the system (ASUU, NASU, NAAT, and NASU), as previously done, but ASUU says the N30 billion should be for ASUU alone. Government says the economic situation makes it difficult to offer more for now and granting the request of ASUU and nothing for the other unions will create other challenges in the university system.

3. Visitation Panels. Government has said the President has approved this, but it is yet to be Gazetted and that this is currently at the Ministry of Justice. What is not clear is if ASUU wants proof of the President’s approval, inauguration of the panels, or that the panels start work.

4. Change in the headship of the Renegotiation Panel on the 2009 Agreement. The issue was supposedly that Dr. Wale Babalakin should be replaced. Government has done this and replaced Dr. Wale Babalakin with Prof. Munzali Jubril. What is not clear is if ASUU wants meetings of this Panel to commence.

5. IPPIS vs UTAS. ASUU does not want IPPIS because it does not work well with university autonomy, as it fits best the civil service, and not the university system. Government is reluctant to accept this because according to Government there are technical and bureaucratic reasons with integrating any other system, it entails running parallel portals for Government which government does not want to do, and will encourage other arms of Government to come up with their own platforms, including other unions in the university system, and that by law, NITDA will have to approve.

I hope I got these five right. If, however it turns out that I am wrong, those who will point out my mistakes and/or errors, should please do so as should be. I do not claim to know everything, and I have no other motivation for this, but my hope that somehow, someone will want to be the woman who truly owns the child who should not die.

Proverbs 14:12: There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, is the Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

athletes or celebrities, who use puma footwear more?

Due to the current situation in our country, the 2020 National Youth Summit has been postponed. New dates will be communicated.
May God preserve our Nation

Management of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, on Friday, October 16, 2020, demonstrated love and kindness to the immediate host community as usual by distribution of palliatives to women of the community. The women gathered at the Convocation Arena to receive food items, including mini bags of rice, condiments and cash, provided by University Management, in collaboration with AE-FUNAI Parents Forum.

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Cross Section of the Women Present to Receive Palliatives
Distribution of the items was coordinated by Mrs Grace Eze-Ali, Coordinating VC’s Office and Chris Akubuiro, University Public Relations Officer, who told the women that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba took that step to show love and care for them, as he has always done prove they are considered part of the extended university community and for their good neighborliness. According to him, management is aware and concerned about their plight, resulting from the long COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, especially those of them engaged in petty trading, with university staff and students as target customers, who have been away for over seven months due to the lockdown, which has affected their businesses and incomes negatively and brought more hunger.

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Mrs Grace Eze- Ali handing the items to the women.
It was recalled that five aged women among them paid solidarity visit some days back, to express appreciation to VC and his team for the good works going on in the university, which among other things, have provided temporary employment for most of their women who are engaged at the construction sites and in other services in the university. The women requested for support to cushion effects of hunger on their families. Distribution of palliatives was to fulfill VC’s promise to assist. PRO encouraged the women to continue to cooperate with university authorities, to enhance the existing cordial relationship between the university and the host community.

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Cross Section of the women with the University representatives.
Spokesperson for the highly delighted women, Mrs Grace Nwali, thanked VC, management and Parents Forum for the kind gesture, show of love and care for the women, their families and host community, praying fervently that God will continue to bless and prosper Prof Nwajiuba and his family, management, staff, students and the young university.

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Some of the women smiling home with their gifts.

It was yet another occasion of joy and appreciation of the marvelous work of God, as another staff of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu- Alike, Ebonyi State, Mr Kelechi Emenekwe, of Physical Planning, Works and Services Unit (PPW&S) and his wife, Mrs Lucy Emenekwe, on Monday, October 19, 2020, presented their new born baby boy, David, to VC, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, in his office. Father of the new born baby, stated that the presentation of little David to VC was to show their profound appreciation for all his love and kind gesture to his young family.

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Prof. Nwajiuba Receiving Baby from the Mother.
While receiving the baby, Prof Nwajiuba enthused that each time he carries a new baby presented to him, he sees the beauty of new life and gets excited to behold the blessing of God in creation. He prayed for God’s abundant grace and blessing upon the new born and his parents and encouraged the parents to try their best to give the child proper upbringing to open ways towards a bright future for him.

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Prof. Nwajiuba admiring little David.
Recall that recently, precisely in August, 2020, Mrs Enene Fonne, staff of Bursary Department of the university, presented her miracle child, safely delivered after loss of two earlier pregnancies, to VC, Prof Nwajiuba

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Prof Nwajiuba with David and His Parents.
appreciation for all the Vice-Chancellor has done for his family.

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VC and the Emenekwe family

THEME :CREATING ONE MILLION JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE NIGERIAN YOUTHS

WED 28TH OCTOBER- SUNDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2020
VENUE: THE ECUMENICAL CENTRE BY SPERA-IN-DEO JUNCTION, ABAKALIKI, EBONYI STATE

MORNING SESSION: 9AM/ EVENING SESSION: 4PM

EXTENSION OF CLOSING DATE FOR THE REGISTRATION FOR THE 2020/2021 AE-FUNAI POST UTME/DIRECT ENTRY SCREENING EXERCISE
This is to notify eligible candidates that the closing date for the registration for the 2020/2021 AEFUNAI Post UTME/Direct Entry Screening has been extended to 19th October, 2020.
Also, interested eligible candidates are encouraged to apply for change of course, through JAMB, into the under-listed programmes which are under subscribed:
 Agri Business And Management
 Agricultural Education
 Agricultural Economics And Extension
 Animal Science
 Applied Geophysics
 Biology
 Biology Education
 Business Administration Education
 Chemistry
 Chemistry Education
 Crop Science
 Education Guidance And Counseling
 Education Management
 Fine And Applied Arts
 Fisheries And Aquaculture
 French
 Geography
 Geology
 Igbo
 Linguistics (English)
 Linguistics (French)
 Lingusitics/Igbo
 Mathematics
 Mathematics Education
 Music
 Physical And Health Education
 Physics
 Physics Education
 Religion
 Soil Science
 Statistics
 Theatre Arts (Fine & Applied Arts on JAMB Portal)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
During registration, candidates are strongly advised to use GSM numbers and E-mail addresses that are easily accessible to them. This is important for fast and easy communication.
MODE OF PAYMENT AND REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
Eligible candidates are required to pay a screening fee of N2,000 only.
• To register, follow the steps outlined below:
• Visit the University website: www.funai.edu.ng, go to ADMISSIONS at the top menu or QUICK LINKS,
• Click on 2020/2021 PUTME Screening Registration OR 2020/2021 Direct Entry Admission Registration
• Click on “Prospective Students”
• Click on “Click to Apply” under 2020/2021 Admission Screening Application
• Enter your “JAMB Registration Number”
• Select your payment mode (Generate Remita Retrieval Reference Number).
• Proceed to any commercial bank for your payment with your Remita number.
• Return to the Application page and enter your “JAMB Registration Number” again.
• Proceed with the completion of the form
• Submit your application.
• Print out your acknowledgement slip.
Candidates who successfully complete the above process will be allowed access to a link through which they can upload their O’Level credentials for screening.
NOTE: For Candidates with Awaiting Result
Candidates with Awaiting Result can fill the registration form with the steps below:
On the Result Upload Page
• Enter asterisk (*) in place of Examination Centre and Examination Number
• Select the relevant O’Level Subjects
• Select AR (Awaiting Result) for the grades of all selected subjects
• Repeat the same on the Result Upload confirmation page
Complete the form and submit.
Signed:
Odisa C. Okeke (Mrs.)
Registrar

The Managing Director of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has pledged readiness of the bank to avail Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu- Alike, Ebonyi State the opportunity to benefit from the bank’s products. The pledge was made during the recent courtesy visit of the Vice- Chancellor, AE-FUNAI, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba and his team, to the Bank’s Managing Director, in his Abuja office.

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(R-L): Prof Nwajiuba, Hon Ogah and Arc Dangiwa during introductions
In his presentation during the collaborative meeting with Arc Dangiwa, Prof Nwajiuba narrated the acute need for housing and hostel facilities for staff and students of the university and therefore appealed to the Bank’s management, for inclusion of AE-FUNAI in the Bank’s housing scheme. Reinforcing VC’s appeal, Honourable Comrade Chinedu Ogah, member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, who accompanied Prof Nwajiuba in the visit, added that, as the University is located in his constituency, he was pleased to join his voice in requesting for the partnership, asserting that Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba has exhibited unequalled commitment and purposeful leadership within his tenure as VC in the young university. He pledged to provide all the required legislative framework to facilitate the collaboration.

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The meeting in full session.

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The meeting in full session.
Arc Dangiwa outlined the bank’s range of products from which the university could benefit, going further to graciously promise to avail the university opportunity for 100 units of staff housing in the next phase of the banks housing development project, due to commence very soon; 2 units of hostel complexes for male and female students, and engage the university in the banks research development plan. A joint committee of the university and the bank representatives was set up to work out necessary modalities for the collaboration.

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Arc Ahmed Dangiwa(Centre) presenting gift to Prof Nwajiuba, while Hon Ogah watches with excitement.
Other officers in the Vice- Chancellor’s team were Mr Chris Uwadoka, Director, Partnerships, Mr Ejike Uchegbu, SA to VC on Partnerships and Private Sector, Barr. Mrs Grace Eze-Ali, Coordinator, VCs Office, representatives of the University Bursar, Director, Physical Planning, Works and Services and AE-FUNAI Parents Forum.

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Prof Nwajiuba,Arc Dangiwa, Hon Ogah and other members of the team

send an email to the ict@funai.edu.ng or to the pro@funai.edu.ng, thank you

AE-FUNAI CES LAUNCHES ADVERT FOR FRESH MEN AS IT CELEBRATES END OF 2019/2020 ACADMIC SESSION.
The Centre for Educational Services (CES), Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, on Friday 25th September, 2020, held a get together at the Centre’s Auditorium, to mark the end of 2019/2020 academic session for the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) and Pre-Degree students. It was a great day as Tutors of CES, Deans and Directors from the mother institution (AE-FUNAI) gathered to appreciate God for his mercies and protection that despite the COVID-19 Pandemic, the centre was able to meet up with their academic calendar. This of course was achieved through the effort of our dear visionary Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba by his commitment towards the success of the Centre.

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Prof. Dr. Ogunji presenting his address
Pastor Francis Ajah of Seventh Day Adventist Church, Abakaliki, led the opening prayer. While delivering his sermon, the Pastor took the bible reading from Proverbs Chapter 22: 29 ‘’Do you see a man diligent and skilful in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men, maintaining that loving what you do is the best way to be productive. He posited that it may be difficult for anyone to give his/her best in a situation where the person does not love giving, adding that for you to be diligent in your duties, it is required of you to love what you do, putting in your best in a particular thing you have been asked to do, making sure that you excel and produce both quality and quantity, ‘’Do your best and God will give you the best’’ he said.

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DVC, Prof. Philip Omoke making speech
The Director, Centre for Educational Services, Prof. Dr. Johnny Ogunji, in a welcome address, thanked our action Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, and his management team, for their relentless effort in planting the seed of quality leadership and academic excellence at the centre in particular and the University at large. He affirmed that Prof Nwajiuba has consistently been responsive to the financial, material cum personnel needs and the continued development of the Centre.

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Prof Ejike proposing a toast
Prof. Ogunji reiterated that the administration of Prof. Nwajiuba has been a favourable one to the Centre as one of the recent show-of- interest is the acquisition of a parcel of land for AE-FUNAI CES Permanent Site. He further adduced that this seed the VC has planted will continue to grow and fly at an eagle’s altitude, asserting that the Centre for Educational Services of AE-FUNAI is already one of the leading progressive JUPEB/Pre-Degree Centres in the South East, having gotten 80% recommendation by the JUPEB Panel after their visit in January, 2020. He assured that the standard will be sustained by the grace of God.

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Mr Chris Uwadoka, Ag. Dir. Partnerships, observing the cutting of cake
The Director stressed further that during the academic year, the Centre registered a total of 390 students, comprising of 270 JUPEB Candidates and 120 Pre-Degree students, noting that COVID-19 Pandemic and the new normal imposed with the pandemic affected the academic calendar and cost of running the Centre ,however, the overhead cost has remained optimal.

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Prof Rosemary Igbo launching the adverting campaign
Prof Ogunji, mentioned that during the lockdown, the Centre in a bid to cover their syllabus and adequately coach the students to pass requisite examinations, engaged in zoom lectures, The measures he added helped them in completing their scheme of work and getting the students ready for the 2020/2021 exit examinations.

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The Comforters performing
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, who was represented by DVC (Administration) Prof. Philip Omoke, thanked the management of CES for the quality of leadership and commitment they have shown, which have brought increase in students population and IGR. He commended the Centre for the award of 80% Gold certificate received, urging them to improve more to get to the Diamond award by next year. Prof. Nwajiuba further assured them that admission into AE-FUNAI will not be a problem to students that meet the required grade into the university.

Assistant Registrar/Secretary, Centre for Educational Services, Mr. Ama Omaha, took time to read out the content of the flier advertising the Centre’s admission processes and eligibility and appealed to the teachers and staff of AE-FUNAI to help in advertising the programmes of the centre.

Prof. Rosemary Igbo, Dean Faculty of Education, added her voice, commending the management of CES for providing an online avenue of accessing the form, requesting staff of the centre and university to help in circulating the good news. She prayed that God will take the adverts to where it should go and expect that responses will come positively. It was her prayer that AE-FUNAI will benefit more than it has always benefited from the centre. She thanked the Director and staff of CES for all the effort and went futher to flag off CES 2020/2021 admission drive, using the flier and online advert, to the glory of God.

Prof Chukwunonso Ejike, Dean, School of Post- graduate Studies,AE-FUNAI, proposed a toast to the success and progress of the Centre, while Mr Noble Onukwue, Deputy Registrar -Admissions, also of AE-FUNAI, gave vote of thanks. Other highlights were group performances by the Comforter Singers, and cutting of the ceremonial cake, to the excitement of the AE-FUNAI Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments and Units, staff, parents and other guests present at the event.

-Prays for Aspirants
Following that the Post of the Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu- Alike, Ebonyi State, will become vacant in February, 2021, and pursuant to section 3, Subsection 2,(b)(11)(111) of the Universities Miscellaneous Provisions Amendment Act of 2003, the University Governing Council is required to constitute a Search Team, consisting of two members of the Senate who are not members of Council, one of whom shall be a Professor, to identify and nominate for consideration, suitable persons, who are not likely to apply for the post. The University Congregation is also required to nominate two members to join the Search Team.


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L-R: Registrar, Mrs. Odisa Okeke, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, Deputy Vice Chancellors Professor Ameh Akoh and Professor Philip Omoke agreeing on modalities

Consequently, two consecutive meetings of Senate and Congregation were held at the University Main Auditorium, on Thursday, 17th of September, 2020 to elect members of the Search Team and Selection Board for a new VC for the University. Recall that internal and external advertisements for the position of the Vice- Chancellor had been placed in National Dailies and Social Media platforms since Monday, the 24th of August, 2020.
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Voting in progress

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, who will be exiting office in February, 2021, welcomed attendees at each of the meetings and requested that they sit according to Faculty and Departmental Divisions for proper identification and ease of vote casting. He thereafter called up the Registrar, Mrs. Odisa Okeke, to set the meeting in motion, which she did by enlightening participants on the purpose for the gathering, the guidelines and conditions for the free, fair and peaceful elections through which the members of the Search Team and Selection Board successfully emerged and were constituted.
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Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba addressing Professors in AE-FUNAI aspiring for the position of VC as advertised

Three persons from Senate accepted their nominations and stood for election for Search Team. J.O Adeyeye, a Professor of Management and Engineer Doctor C. Ezeah, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, were elected as Senate representatives for the Search Team. For the election of the two members of the Selection Board, who, following the provisions had to be Professors, Paul Ezeonu, Provost, College of Medicine and Abel Ezeoha, Director, Academic Planning emerged.
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Prayer session for Aspirants

At the end of the first phase of the day’s meetings, the Vice-Chancellor expressed his excitement and gratitude to all present for the meeting for their cooperation and good conduct. He also expressed gratitude to God that the process of selecting a new Vice-Chancellor to take over from him had commenced to the glory of God. He prayed for the will of God in the project and wished the teams well in their search and selection for suitable candidate(s).
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Professor Nwajiuba and other Principal Officers observing vote counting.

In further demonstration of his neutrality in the choice of his Successor and in acknowledgement of the fact that it is God who crowns Kings and Queens, Professor Nwajiuba called out all the aspirants for the post of Vice Chancellor, from among Senate membership, for special prayers and presentation to God. Authority to render the prayer was bestowed upon Venerable Dr. Obinna Ibezim, Ag. Director, Language Centre, who prayed that God would bless their aspirations and choose from among them, according to His will. Those who presented themselves for the prayer were Professors Sunday Elom, the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Michael U. Onu, Former Director, Centre for Education Services, Onuegbu O. Ugwu, Former Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Jonny.O. Ogunji, Director, CES, Rosemary O. Igbo, Dean, Faculty of Education and Chairman Inaugural and Public Lectures Committee and Fidelis O. Okpata of Faculty of Management and Social Sciences.
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Vote Counting in progress

The meeting of Congregation followed the established procedure through to nomination and voting for the two members of the Search Team drawn from Congregation, made up of Teaching and Non-Teaching staff with a minimum of First Degree from a recognized university. Positions in the Search Team for this segment are prerogative of Professors for teaching staff and from Principal Assistant Registrar cadre for non-teaching staff. At the end of the nominations and voting process, Dr. Henry Aloh, Ag. Director, Health Services emerged as the winner to represent non-teaching staff, while Prof. G.M.T Emezue, a Professor of English and Literary Studies, emerged as winner with a considerable number of ‘yes’ votes; when Prof. O.N Omaka, Dean, Faculty of Science and Prof Romanus Ejiaga, Professor of History and Strategic Studies and former Dean, Faculty of Humanities, declined their nominations.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Nwajiuba, did not hide his satisfaction at the high level of decorum and transparency in the conduct of the elections and declared his trust and confidence in the people elected to search for the right people, praying that God would lead them in the right direction. He revealed at the forum that had received approval from Senate and the Governing Council for Convocation and Award of Honorary Degrees to hold this year-at the usual time, all things being equal and asked Senate and Congregation to keep that in mind.

⦁ Justifies positioning as ‘Most Serious Public University’
Monday, September 21, 2020, marked the maiden visit of the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council for Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Emeritus Professor Nimi Dimkpa Briggs, to the University, since his appointment on July 13, 2020, alongside others, for the 12 new Universities founded by the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2011.

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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba and Former DVC (Academic) Prof. Elom receiving Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Briggs(L)
The Pro-Chancellor, who arrived the University campus in the company of his lovely wife, Mrs Data Briggs, was received at the University main gate by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba in the presence of Principal Officers and other top functionaries of the University, who were duly introduced to the special guest of honour.

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VC giving information during the tour round
Special ride around the University to familiarize the Pro-Chancellor with the University environment, started from administrative block to Take- off site, renamed Zone A of the University campus, in line with the ongoing unification and transformation to one big Campus in a Garden. Prof. Briggs and wife, in the company of other officers of the university were taken round all the faculties, centres, major facilities and landmarks in the university, with VC, Prof. Nwajiuba providing details on all the locations visited, as the tour progressed.
The major areas and points visited include Security Post, Catholic and Anglican Chaplaincies (ongoing), faculties of Humanities, Education, Engineering and Technology, Science, Agriculture, Law, Management and Social Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, School of Post-Graduate Studies, Language and Igbo Centres, Arts Theatre, AE-FUNAIWA school building, New Administrative Block, Convocation Arena, Solar Power Plant, which Prof. Briggs confirmed that is not just the first, but the best in Nigeria. Among the places and things inspected, were also the network of internal roads, walkways and adorable trees, building up to the campus in a garden and many other ongoing project sites.

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VC, leading the Pro-Chancellor and wife to plant trees
The memorable tree planting by the Pro-Chancellor and his wife, to mark his first visit to the University was done in front of the main auditorium. Prof. Nwajiuba used the opportunity to do another round of introduction of the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Nimi Briggs and his amiable wife, Mrs Data Briggs, to the University Officers, who gathered to witness the special tree planting ceremony. Prof. Briggs thanked the University management for giving them the privilege to plant trees to mark his first visit, and establish himself as part of the community, expressing his delight in strong terms thus: ‘’VC, you and your team have done exceptionally well within five years of your administration here”. From that point, Prof. Briggs was led to his office, where the Registrar and Secretary to Council showed him round the facilities and introduced the staff to him.
At the Senate Chamber, venue of the reception proper, Prof. Abel Ezeoha, who led opening prayer, thanked God for the presence of the Pro- Chancellor and his wife, and prayed that his coming to AE-FUNAI shall end in glory.
VC, Prof. Nwajiuba went on to introduce all the university officers present at the reception hall, after which the traditional kolanut was presented to the Pro- Chancellor in the AE-FUNAI custom of receiving special guests and mark of honour and hearty welcome. The DVC (Administration), Prof. Philip Omoke took charge of the presentation protocol and the blessing in the language of the land, was done by Mr. Ikechukwu Elom, SA(Documentation). The university choir led by Jaye Folorunsho of the Music Department was on ground to spice up the event with renditions of a variety of songs of praise to God.
Elated Prof. Nwajiuba, formerly presented the 3rd Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of the University Governing Council, Emeritus Prof. Nimi Dimkpa Briggs and his dear wife, Mrs. Data Briggs, extolling his virtues and accomplishments in the academic and university administration. He announced that the gathering was therefore to herald the presence of the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council. He then heartily welcomed him in these words: “Welcome to AE-FUNAI where it has pleased God that you become the third Pro-Chancellor”.

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Prof. Briggs planting the memorial tree to the admiration of University Officers

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Mrs. Data Briggs taking her turn to plant a tree

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Prof. Nwajiuba leading Prof. Briggs and others on the walk way to the Administrative Block

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Prof. Omoke, presenting kolanuts to Prof. Briggs
Further in his welcome speech, Prof. Nwajiuba inferred that it is a mark of how serious the Federal Government takes this University, that they sent, a man whose colleagues refer to as numero uno Pro-Chancellor, to us. The VC was bold to affirm that AE-FUNAI’s appellation as ‘a serious public university’ in Nigeria, was invested on her by no less a personality and institution than the German Ambassador to Nigeria, when the university management paid him a courtesy visit at the their Abuja Embassy, some time ago. He added that this rating was based on the visible commitment of the University and hard work, in achieving success in her tripod mandate, viz: Teaching and Learning, Research, and Community Service.
The VC justified the branding of AE-FUNAI as the most serious public university in Nigeria, listing key parameters as pointers to seriousness. According to him, AE-FUNAI is the only Public University that concluded the first semester of the 2019/2020 academic session before the COVID-19 lockdown, whereas some universities are still battling with the 2018/2019 session; Here lectures start first week of resumption with 99% of lecturers in the classroom teaching, and on resumption, students rush back to school, unlike in other public universities, where students take extra one month and more, before returning for studies. And once the COVID-19 lockdown is over, the university will move into the second semester of the 2019/ 2020 session. Prof. Nwajiuba stated that the Quality Assurance Unit is active and working, ensuring the suitability of examination questions, marking and grading of students. He told the Pro–Chancellor that AE-FUNAI remains the only public university today, where students get their results while still at home on holidays and are graduated in good time to regularly meet the NYSC schedule, which they have never missed. The Vice-Chancellor also stated that the university has held four consecutive convocations in December of each year, since 2016, with the pioneer graduating set.

Prof. Nwajiuba was proud to tell the Pro-Chancellor that in a nutshell, that is the University which God has sent you to. He ended his speech in these words: “ Thank you sir, we join in prayers that God will bless the works of your hands, that your period of service in AE-FUNAI will be one to the glory of God, in Jesus’ name”.

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At The Pro- Chancellor’s Office
Responding to the Vice-Chancellor’s pleasant remarks, Emeritus Prof. Nimi Briggs stated that though he was not present at his inauguration alongside the other recently appointed Pro-Chancellors of the twelve universities established in 2011, and has not been able to visit the university as others would have done immediately after their inauguration in July, 2020, due to some circumstances, affirming that he is ready to start work fully and revealed that he has been in constant touch with University’s Management and Council members via Zoom meetings during which some major decisions have been made, and further informed his audience that Council meeting has been scheduled for October, 2020, when he will formally receive all the other members and have one–on–one contact with them.
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University Choir Performing with Jaye Directing
Prof. Briggs was delighted that he was being honored in such magnitude, stating that ” we are electrified about the level of welcome you have given my wife and I”. He also expressed appreciation to the Rivers State community in the university, for joining management to receive him, urging them to be responsible citizens of the community, contributing to its growth. He as well took particular interest in the songs rendered by the choir in Kalabari language of his home state, which he interpreted as being full of praises to God, confirming the common saying here that “AE-FUNAI is God’s own project”. He implored God to continue to bless the institution.

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Prof. Nwajiuba speaking
The Pro-Chancellor applauded the level of excellence he saw exhibited in the university since his arrival, which to him justify the position of the university, as showpiece and pacesetter for the community, reiterating that excellence is the essence of the university. He adduced that “AE-FUNAI, in no small measure represents this position…Since 1975, I have had experience of virtually all universities in Nigeria, what I have seen coming here today, impressed me tremendously”.

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Pro- Chancellor, Prof. Briggs making remarks
He however noted that the secret of the success as revealed to him by the Registrar, is that all staff of the university are committed to the institution, asserting that getting to the top is important but staying at the top is more important, and pledged that the new Council will evolve policies that will enhance what is already happening. The erudite Professor confirmed his conviction that the university is indeed a very serious one and elected to stand firm in selling the dictum that ”AE-FUNAI is the most serious public university in Nigeria”.
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Mama Data Briggs being decorated

Registrar, Mrs. Odisa Okeke, giving the vote of thanks, on behalf of management and staff, thanked Prof Briggs and his dear wife, whom she referred to as ‘ Papa and Mama’ AE-FUNAI, for visiting, recalling the overwhelming excitement that welcomed the news of the appointment of a man of his status and repute in the world of the academia and university administration with such intimidating CV, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the young university. “ We are in very good moment, having you, one of the best among all the Pro-Chancellors appointed recently”, she enthused, pointing out that he has kept on presenting and representing the university very well since his appointment. She prayed that God would bless him as he continues to give his best for the continued growth and wellbeing of the young, fast growing and serious university.

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Registrar, Mrs. Odisa Okeke giving the vote of thanks
Highlights of the event include the decoration of ‘ Mama AE-FUNAI’, Mrs. Data Briggs with a gift of an AE-FUNAI branded Akwaete cloth, produced by the AE-FUNAI Centre for Indigenous clothing, by Dr. Mrs. Chinyere Nwajiuba, wife of the Vice-Chancellor.

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Top: Prof Briggs and Mama Briggs, Prof Nwajiuba and Dr. Mrs. Nwajiuba and Principal Officers.
Bottom: Prof. Briggs and wife with Prof. Nwajiuba and Top Functionaries.

AE-FUNAI: VC LAYS FOUNDATION FOR THE BIGGEST SUG BUILDING IN SOUTH EAST.
It was recorded in the annals of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Students’ Union Government (SUG) history, as the student friendly and visionary Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba, on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at Zone A of the campus, laid foundation for SUG Secretariat, which will become the biggest among SUG secretariats in institutions of higher learning in South East, Nigeria.

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SUG President, Comrade Obinna Okorie presenting welcome speech
SUG President of the young and fast growing university, Comrade Obinna Collins Okorie, while delivering his welcome speech, thanked VC, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba immensely, for giving hope for brighter future for the university, especially his vision to transform the university to world class, inferring that VC’s exemplary leadership by which he has set standards and provided level playing ground, with adequate encouragement and support, made the foundation laying possible in his time.

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DSA, Dr. Otu Akani Otu making remarks
Comrade Okorie quoted Sir Syed Ahmed Khan “That the small plant will one day turn into a mighty tree whose branches will spread all over the world”, to set the tone of his presentation, stating that the event was in marking of the transition from planning to reality, with the foundation stone laying, to commence the construction proper, for the first ever SUG Secretariat in the university, which was actually flagged off on Friday August 28, 2020, upon receiving VC’s approval. He affirmed that the secretariat is completely students oriented, from construction, which is being executed in conjunction with Engineering students of the university, for cost-effectiveness and to provide opportunity for practical experiences, inferring that upon completion, the complex will house 10 offices, Conference Hall, Senate and Judiciary Chambers, Library, with state- of- the- art facilities, trusting that the building will become a reality in no distant time, to provide the next generation of AE-FUNAI SUG and students a functional office complex, which will support nurturing innovative, entrepreneurial and progressive leaders of tomorrow.

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VC presenting speech
The President reiterated the commitment of his administration in perfecting the vision and plans of those who led SUG in the university before him, in delivering the dividends of good and progressive governance to AE-FUNAI students, while appealing for the continued support of the university management and cooperation of his fellow students.

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Pioneer SUG leader, Mr. Okafor David making vote of thanks
Dean Students’ Affairs (DSA), Dr. Otu Akani Otu, added his voice in appreciating VC, Prof Nwajiuba specially for considering students’ affairs key in his administration and providing support and encouragement to SUG, nurturing it from birth in 2017 till this moment, to the extent that he has made the building of SUG secretariat in the university, a dream come true.

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Prof. Nwajiuba acknowledging the audience
Prof Nwajiuba started his speech at the event by commending the present 7 man SUG, saying they do not need a crowd to achieve success and assured them of Management decision to support them in the project, declaring that he is a union person, for which reason he supports unions and established SUG and staff unions, which were not in existence before he assumed office as VC. He adduced that university is a serious place for serious minded people, recalling that “Students in those days, in our time, were highly respected; but now, the game is totally different”. VC noted that a Nigerian undergraduate earned respect from people within and outside the university environment but regrets that students nowadays behave like motor-park touts, wearing torn jean trousers about.

Prof Nwajiuba averred that as students are benchmark of the university, without whom there is no university, hence his choice of a prominent location in the campus to site the SUG secretariat, intentionally positioned beside the Staff Cooperative Block and facing the space across the road, where the Agriculture Green House will be sited, reason being that it is time to embrace agriculture and entrepreneurship, as the oil boom of the 1970s is over. He reiterated that being a university student is a serious matter and they should be conscious of that, encouraging them not to think that they are too young to do useful things. Prof Nwajiuba further counseled the students to be of good character, have integrity, hardworking, trustworthy and avoid doing things like people who did not go to school. He did not hesitate to educate them that “ This is a generation for entrepreneurship. The era of looking for white collar jobs after graduation is over. You must learn to do something to earn a living and help your parents who trained you. We are a generation called to build and we must build well”.

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VC cutting the tape, supported by Pioneer SUG leader.
As the good father he is, Prof Nwajiuba wished them well and prayed that they become greater than him, admonishing them to keep away from drugs, alcohol, prostitution, cultism, as they enjoy their lives, but focused, realizing there are no permanent students. He reminded the students gathered at the event that he had a deal with the students at his resumption, that the students should play their part well while he does his bit, for things to work out well for everyone.

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Prof. Nwajiuba laying the foundation
The occasion was graced with the presence of the pioneer Interim President of AE-FUNAI SUG during the 2017 formation stage, Mr. Okafor David, a 2018 graduate of Linguistics, who actually initiated the process of SUG Building. He gave the vote of thanks, appreciating VC, Prof Nwajiuba for making foundation of SUG in AE-FUNAI possible, giving all the support and midwifing it to this level of laying foundation for the biggest SUG secretariat in the South East. Highlight of the event was the presence of officials of National Union of Nigerian Students (NANS), who sang solidarity songs and showered encomiums on VC, Prof Nwajiuba, rating him first among equals and revealed that he has been listed for Award of Excellence by the association, before his exit in few months.

Thursday, September 10,2020 marked yet another step forward in the collaboration between Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu – Alike (AE-FUNAI) and now Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), when the Vice- Chancellor, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, in the presence of members of the University Management, Council and Senate, officially handed over AE-FUNAI Medical Outstation, Ebunwanna, Afikpo South LGA, Ebonyi State, to the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Onwe Emeka Ogah, accompanied by members of Management of AE-FUTHA, at the University Senate Chamber. Recall that the working relationship between the two institutions was fully consummated on Monday, August 17, 2020, when the MoU was endorsed.

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Prof. Ezeonu Stating reason for the meeting
The epoch making event commenced with invitation of Almighty God to take pre-eminence in the day’s event, in the prayer led by Prof Abel Ezeoha, Director of Academic Planning, AE-FUNAI, after which introductions of AEFUTHA and AE-FUNAI teams present at the event were done by CMD, Dr. Ogah and VC, Prof Nwajiuba, starting with AEFUTHA, the guests.

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Arc. Dr. Ezeocha enumerating the facilities at the outstation
Provost, College of Medicine and Surgery, AE-FUNAI, Prof Paul Ezeonu proceeded to establish reason for the gathering as requested by VC, highlighting that the essence of the meeting was to observe the administrative protocols for the official handing over of AE-FUNAI Medical Outstation located at Ebunwanna, Ebonyi State, to AEFUTHA, for proper use, in the training of the University Medical Students. Prof Ezeonu recalled that the Health Centre was ceded to AE-FUNAI by Ebonyi State Government in 2017, as authorized by HE Engr. Dave Umahi, Executive Governor, from where the able VC, Prof Nwajiuba took up the renovation of the centre, entrenched it in the university budget, taking it to enviable standard thereby attracting the support and backing of Senator Sonny Ogbuorji representing Ebonyi South in the red chambers, who facilitated the development of the medical centre to its present status of a fully equipped modern health centre and teaching hospital with state-of- the- art facilities. He reiterated that the medical facility is second to none in this part of the country and stands out as a fully equipped teaching hospital for the training of university students, and following the already existing marriage between the two institutions, the meeting is organized to officially hand over the facility to AEFUTHA to put to full use.

At this juncture, Architect Dr. Iheanacho Ezeocha, Director, Physical Planning, Works & Services (PPW & S), AE-FUNAI, presented list of the equipment and facilities available at the center, which include clinic building, surgery theatres, dialysis machines, wards, quarters for Doctors, Nurses and students, beds and a host of other medical support facilities.

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Prof. Nwajiuba speaking at the event
VC, Prof. Nwajiuba, then read the contents of the official handing over document to the hearing of every person present, pronouncing that AEFUTHA would take over the AE-FUNAI Medical Outstation at Ebunwanna, with immediate effect, thereafter copies of the document was signed and countersigned by VC, CMD and other signatories, then the handing over was completed.

Prof Nwajiuba did not hesitate to express his confidence and trust in CMD, DR Ogah, who he said has all it takes to take charge of the Medical Outstation entrusted in his care to operate and use for the effective training of university medical students.

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CMD, FUTHA, Dr. Ogah making acknowledgment speech
In his acknowledgment speech, CMD, Dr. Ogah, on behalf of Federal Ministry of Health, Board and Management of AEFUTHA, appreciated Prof Nwajiuba and his team, including Provosts, College of Medicine, Prof Ezeonu, Registrar, Mrs. Odisa Okeke, Prof. Ejike, and other Principal Officers for making the mutual relationship between the two Institutions possible, and for his (Nwajiuba) proactive decisions and actions in achieving the upgrading of the medical outstation to a teaching hospital of high rating and of course the historic handing over. He prayed God to protect him and move him to higher ground to continue in the service of God and humanity.

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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba Handing Over to Dr. Ogah with Registrar, Mrs. Okeke supporting
Dr. Ogah wished to tap from the VC’s vision, wisdom, wealth of connections and goodwill, to handle the responsibilities of managing the teaching hospital and existing working relationship successfully and wished that even as he is leaving soon, to always remember the legacies he left behind in AE-FUNAI and AEFUTHA. He reminded VC that he promised to extend the 24hrs uninterrupted solar power supply that the University is enjoying, to AEFUTHA, asserting that AEFUTHA has enough consultants to provide services and partnership with other hospital in Ebonyi state to maximize the potentials of more than Two Hundred (200) consultants in the Institution.

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VC in a warm handshake with CMD after the handover
Consequently, Prof. Nwajiuba requested the University Bursar to factor the Solar project for AEFUTHA and the Medical Outstation in the 2021 budget, as the 2020 University budget has already been concluded and sent out to the appropriate authorities.

At the end, VC requested a member of AEFUTHA team to offer prayers for Sen. Ogbuorji and his family, for his support in making the facility possible, asking GOD to replenish him, guide, protect and continue to use him to better lives of the generality [img][/img]his people.

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Prof. Nwajiuba and Dr. Ogah in group photograph with officers of AEFUTHA and AE-FUNAI

AE-FUNAI: ERUDITE PROF ELOM, DVC (ACADEMIC) HANDS OVER
Eulogizes VC, Prof Nwajiuba for providing enabling enviroment
It was another day of grand transition at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu – Alike, Ebonyi State, when on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), erudite Professor Sunday Elom, outgoing DVC (Academic) officially handed over mantle of leadership to his successor, the brand new DVC, Academic, Prof. Denise Akoh. Former DVC, Prof Elom was on the saddle for two tenures, 2016 to June 2020, but was asked to hold on, due to COVID-19 lockdown, till the new DVC (Academic) was elected recently, at the 62nd University Senate Extraordinary meeting of Thursday, August 27, 2020.

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Prof Elom making Speech.
The outgoing DVC, thanked God for the grace granted him to have served and completed two tenures, adding that it takes only the grace of God to achieve that. He lauded “our dear visionary, humble and workaholic Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, who granted me the privilege and support”. Prof. Elom inferred that the university has witnessed tremendous remarkable development and transformation under the able leadership of Prof.Nwajiuba, praying that God will continue to reward and protect him.

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Prof Akoh Receiving the Notes from Prof Elom
Prof Elom congratulated his successor, Prof Denise Akoh, affirming that his appointment was a very remarkable one, because of the upcoming transition of a new administration. ‘’You are a very lucky DVC as you are going to usher in a new VC in few months to come”, he said, praying that God will grant him grace to do the work.

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Prof Elom Endorsing Hand Over Notes
Prof Akoh once again thanked VC for giving him the opportunity to serve as DVC and also appreciated Prof Elom for his commitment and passion for the job, stating that he has set a tall record for him to beat. He assured him and university management that he has the energy to do the work, maintaining that he is committed to do the work efficiently and in keeping with what VC has always been saying, ‘’Do not let this dream die’’. Prof Akoh vowed to get more focused in letting the ‘’flag fly’’.

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Prof Elom (Centre) Flanked by Profs Akoh(L) and Ejike(R), Dean, SPGS

ANOTHER ROUND OF CHANGE OF MANTLES AT AE-FUNAI AS DIRECTOR AND DEANS PASS HAND OVER NOTES.
Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, witnessed another round of transfer of mantles of leadership on Friday, September 4, 2020, as Director of Academic Planning(DAP), Dean, Faculty of Management and Social Science(FMSS) and Dean, School of Post-Graduate Studies (SPGS) passed hand over notes to incoming DAP, Dean, FMSS, and Dean, SPGS, respectively, that same day.

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Outgoing DAP, Prof Ejike making his speech
Following the recent directives of University Authorities on 2020/2021 Disposition of Management, by which some Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments/ Units and Coordinators, were retained in their positions for another tenure after completing their tenures for 12 months as required, while some few others were moved to other positions, there has been occasions of official hand over of mantles of leadership, in meeting September 1, 2020 deadline for commencement of the 2020/2021 tenure, with Friday 4, 2020, recording three major hand over ceremonies.

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Incoming DAP, Prof Ezeoha making acceptance speech
First for the day was at Directorate of Academic Planning, where the outgoing Director, Professor Chukwunonso ECC Ejike organized special handover ceremony with a session of tree planting as memorial. Presenting his hand over notes to the incoming DAP, Prof Abel Ezeoha, who would in turn hand over his former position as Dean, FMSS, later that day, to the new Dean, Prof Smart Otu, Prof Ejike took his opening words from stanzas of AE-FUNAI anthem; By setting our sights on enlightened horizon, recognizing that sweet from sweat endures, we shall take our place among the stars!, and there after congratulated Prof Ezeoha on his appointment as DAP, urging him to be guided by the words of the anthem and ensure he lives up the expectations.

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Prof Ejike endorsing handover notes
The Professor of Medical Biochemistry, who would be assuming office later that day as Dean, SPGS, X-rayed the Directorate by way of presenting the total picture, to among other information, chronicle the responsibilities, achievements, available human and material resources, and needs impending tasks. Prof Ejike expressed profound gratitude to VC, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba for giving him the rare opportunity and privilege to serve the young university in very important positions especially for making his position as DAP count. He was also grateful to his predecessors, Professors Afam Icha- Ituma, Kevin Nwogu and Johny Ogunji, for laying the solid foundation and the university Senate, Management and staff, for their cooperation and support, concluding in these words; “ As DAP, I did my best. I know you will do your best. Those who set their hands on the plough would not look back; like the Roman soldier, they should be compelled to respond to the dictum ‘forward ever’ “, promising to make himself available to assist in any way and any time he is required to do so.

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Prof Ejike handing over to Prof Ezeoha
In his acceptance speech, the new DAP, Prof Ezeoha was all praise to God and gratitude to his predecessor, for the achievements of the Directorate during his tenure and for making the work easier for him by his articulated hand over notes, which will provide appropriate direction for the navigation, pledging to do his best and work together with staff of the Directorate and of course him (Prof Ejike), who he requested to always be there for him and the Directorate, to ensure no stone is left unturned in their effort to deliver maximally on the numerous responsibilities the Directorate is saddled with. He thanked VC, Prof Nwajiuba and university management for finding him worthy of the position.

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Prof Ejike, flanked by Prof Ezeoha(R), Prof Otu(L) and other University Officers

Tree Planting To Mark Handing Over at DAP
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Next for the day was at the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences (FMSS), where the outgoing Dean, Prof Abel Ezeoha, who took over as DAP, earlier in the day, handed over to Prof Smart Out, new Dean of the Faculty. While presenting his hand over document, Prof Ezeoha said that every information required for the smooth running of the faculty was contained there in, assuring the incoming Dean that he will always be available to provide more information and explanations on any part of the hand over note, whenever such are needed. He told Prof Otu that the structure he inherited from his predecessor, Prof Afam Icha-Ituma, who is currently Vice- Chancellor of Coal City University, Enugu, is still in place, pointing out that they have worked hard to align to the dream of Prof Icha-Ituma, which was to build an internationalized faculty, considering the profiles of the staff. He assured that the structure and dream, imploring the new Dean to work in that direction. Prof Ezeoha inferred that it is their collective responsibility to ensure that the mission of the university and dream of VC, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, as has been in his lips the past weeks, must not be allowed to fade off and die, affirming his confidence in the capacity of the new Dean, who he said, has all it takes to drive the faculty to the next level.

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Outgoing Dean, FMSS, Prof Ezeoha Handing Over to Incoming Dean, Prof Otu
Prof Otu thanked his predecessor for the way he piloted the affairs within the short period he was Dean, requesting that even as he goes to other responsibilities, he will always be available to interface with them as he will always be consulted for guidance, promising that he will do his best to sustain the global outlook of the faculty, live up to expectations and true to the confidence reposed on him, while working harmoniously with the faculty staff. He express his gratitude to VC, Prof Nwajiuba for giving him the opportunity to serve the university stating that “we shall ensure we continue to align with the vision and mission of the university”.

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Prof Otu Signing Handover Notes

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Prof Otu and Prof Ezeoha in group photo with Faculty Staff

At the School of Post- Graduate Studies where the third and last hand over for that day happened, Prof Akoh, outgoing Dean and new Deputy Vice- Chancellor (Academic), was simple in his speech, as he handed over mantle of leadership of the School to Prof Chukwunonso Ejike, former DAP. Prof Akoh, welcomed all colleagues and staff present at the brief event, excited that they were able to actualize the mandates of having to graduate Post-Graduate students who had stayed, during the last convocation and achieving overwhelming success in the resource verification for newly accredited programmes, within the one year, he was in charge, adding that they are hoping to have the first set of Ph. D graduates soon.

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Prof Ejike Signing Handover Notes at SPGS
The outgoing Dean did not hide his joy that he is leaving the seat for somebody he trusts has the capacity to paddle the school through its responsibilities and advance to higher level, expressing hope that COVID-I9 and lockdown will go finally to allow the running of the system. He announced to Prof Ejike that SPGS has very good set of staff who know their jobs and how best to provide support “ This note may not have accommodated all you require but with the presence of the highly experienced and committed staff and reliable data base, you can get all you need” he affirmed.

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DVC, Prof Akoh Handing Over to Prof EJike as New Dean, SPGS
In his response, Prof Ejike said it was a great honour and rare privilege that he was taking over from a Deputy Vice-Chancellor and someone he could confidently call his friend and more elated that staff of the School turned out in their numbers to witness the event, despite the lockdown. He said he would meet with the Secretary of the School on September7, 2020, to let him into the system and working of the school, for the smooth takeoff and plan for the way forward.

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Profs Akoh, Ejike,Ezeoha and Staff of SPGS in group photograph

By: Elom Iyke Ubochi

SA to VC on Documentation

Sometimes history makes us and sometimes we make history. On 11th February, 2016, history made Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba as he was appointed the 2nd Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ebonyi State; an institution established by the Federal Government with 11 others in 2011 to enhance access to tertiary education in every part of the country.

On assumption of office on 26th February, 2016, the Vice-Chancellor, armed with over two decades of post-doctoral experience as a seasoned academic and astute administrator left no one in doubt on his irrevocable commitment towards taking the young university to the next level when he said “I have come to work and make friends. My prayer is that at the end it may be said that a child of God has passed through this place.”


More so, on 26th August, 2016 while addressing the University community at the old university auditorium, the Vice-Chancellor had encapsulated his mission statement as thus “We hope we shall be able to address issues of staff housing on campus, change the landscape, commence public and inaugural lecture, and strengthen our faculties in the short and medium terms. We should have a green campus strong on alternative energy to fossils, including solar energy. We should attract international scholars, and build a University we shall be proud to have been pioneers.”

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BEFORE

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NOW


Taking a cursory look at what he set-out to achieve as Vice-Chancellor, it is crystal clear that over the past 4 years and 6 months of his administration that Prof. Nwajiuba has already achieved beyond his goals and objectives in specific and concrete terms, yet he is not resting on his oars until the last minute of his stewardship. Be that as it may, today I will only be delving into one of the segments of his trophy-laden tenure. And that will be on the silent revolution that is happening in the area of infrastructure.

Prior to his emergence as Vice-Chancellor, the university that was barely five years then, was in short supply of critical infrastructure needed to ensure a conducive teaching and learning environment. The roads within the university were in a state of absolute disrepair with its attendant dust and mud during dry and rainy seasons. In fact, the university had no single meter of asphalt road. This caused a lot of environmental and health hazards to staff and students in particular and the university public in general. For instance, many students had asthmatic attacks due to the effect of dust. The university sits on a 438 hectres of land. Unfortunately the land was not fenced. This posed a serious challenge as security of lives and property could not be guaranteed on campus. Herdsmen and their cows were common sight in the university even as the university land remained at the mercy of land grabbers and speculators. As population of staff and students were growing there was not enough faculty buildings, lecture halls and staff offices to match the increase. This left many staff without offices and students scampering for the few available spaces for lectures. Lecture seats were also in short supply, as some students had to sit on blocks and at times bare floors for lectures.

The multi-million-naira university main gate was also not accessible despite been completed, and the university was running on power generators as t was not connected to the national power grid. The environment generally was bushy and unkempt especially at the Zone B part of the campus, formally referred to as permanent site with some tales of snake bites at night due to the bushy nature of the campus made worse by lack of lighting at night. To be candid, there were serious infrastructural gaps in the University.

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BEFORE

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NOW
But that is now in the past. A new dawn has emerged. Prof. Nwajiuba is making history with an unfathomable litany of projects that have turned the infrastructural fortune of the university around in a spate of 4 years and 6 months. History made him but today he is making history with over 5 kilometers of asphalt road networks completed around the campus and many still in the offing. The roads are also backed with solid drainage systems and solar-powered street lights. History has also been made when AE-FUNAI was connected to the national power grid, and also became the first university in Nigeria with 24-hours uninterrupted power supply courtesy of the 2.8 mw hybrid solar power plant built in the University by the Federal Government. This saved millions of naira that were hitherto used for purchasing diesel. With the asphalt roads and the uninterrupted power supply the era of dust and mud, asthmatic attack and snake bite are gone. The campus is now a wonder at night.

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Landscaped and beautiful environment

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Over 30, 000 trees and flowers planted so far
Nwajiuba is making history as the 438 hectares of land that the university is situated is being fenced. In fact, it is 80% completed, ensuring the security of lives and property on campus. The era of herdsmen and cows on campus is gone. The activities of land grabbers and speculators have been put to rest and never to rise again. Some of the original land owners have also been quietly relocated and settled. This has promoted harmony between the university and her host community. The Vice-Chancellor had sworn to remain at peace and harmony with the host community, no matter the provocation. History was also made when the hitherto abandoned multi-million naira gate was opened for public use through the construction of a box culvert across the road connecting the gate to the university. The Vice-Chancellor had noted that it was spiritually wrong for a completed gate to remain closed. It is instructive also to note that the building materials (iron and rods) used to commence the construction of the culvert was donated by the Vice-Chancellor (he brought it from his house in the village).This prompted many staff to make some donations in support of the project in form of trips of sands and bags of cement.

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BEFORE

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NOW
While history made him in 2016, Prof. Nwajiuba has continued to make history in AE-FUNAI with the provision of the necessary physical infrastructure to enhance teaching and learning in the university. Today, lecture seats are abundant. Students do not need to sit on blocks or bare floors as there are enough seats. Today, many faculty buildings have been completed while many others are nearing completion. Faculties of Humanities, Engineering and Technology, Law, Agriculture and College of Medicine as well as School of postgraduate Studies all have their buildings completed and being used. The story of Engineering is for another time – From a Faculty without a single room or equipment to a Faculty with a wonderful faculty block and three well-equipped workshops, in a spate of 4 years. Our Medical students also have a hostel completed for them- a requirement for accreditation by the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council. More so, the building for the newly established Centre for Non-Nigerian Languages has been completed and was inaugurated for use just on Wednesday, 2nd September, 2019 even as the building for the university demonstration school has also been completed. Other buildings that are nearing completion include Faculties of Education, and Management and Social Sciences as well as buildings for the Igbo Centre, university guest house, Arts Theatre, 2nd phase of the PG school, 2nd phase for the College of Medicine and many others. In fact, as we were all away on lockdown caused by COVID-19 pandemic, the university was turned into a huge construction site.

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1st phase of College of Medicine Building


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Faculty of Humanities
History is being made as the vision of having a campus where staff and students would live, work, school and interacts together as one big community is being actualized. This vision is in tandem with that of all great universities worldwide. In trying to achieve this lofty idea, the Vice-Chancellor started and completed 14 twin 2-bed room bungalows as staff quarters while new ones are also springing up and would be completed before the expiration of his tenure. Today, many staff are living on campus. As we speak, our university is becoming a beautiful campus because of its serene and eco-friendly environment. This is being made possible by the campus green initiative of the Vice-Chancellor where over 30,000 trees and flowers have been planted. It is his vision to make AE-FUNAI a campus in a garden. And it is his prayer that this dream do not die after he leaves office.

In concluding, it is not yet uhuru. A lot still needs to be done. But facts are sacred. History made Nwajiuba in 2016 but in the last 4 and half years as Vice-Chancellor of AE-FUNAI, he has made history in many fronts, and written his name in gold in the area of infrastructure.

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2,500 capacity main auditorium

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Faculty of Agriculture Buildings


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One of the Engineering workshops

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VC commissioning the 1st set of lecture seats donated by the parents’ forum



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New Faculty of Law Building

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Perimeter fencing of the university



… And many more

The Senate of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu – Alike, Ebonyi State, overwhelmingly elected the Dean, School of Post-Graduate Studies, Prof Dennis Akoh, new Deputy Chancellor (Academic), at the 62nd Extra-ordinary meeting of Thursday, August 27, 2020, held at the University Convocation Arena. Prof Akoh takes over from Prof Sunday Elom, whose tenure as DVC (Academic), just elapsed.

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University PRO, Chris Akubuiro, welcoming new DVC, Prof Dennis Akoh to his office
In a chat with University Public Relations Officer, Prof Akoh said his winning to become DVC was God’s doing stating that he never saw it coming and that the whole process was so peaceful and matured, without influences from any quarters whatsoever, so it became a surprise that he, out of all the professors who are all qualified to occupy the position was chosen. He vowed to get more committed to delivering on his new responsibility and ensure he does not disappoint all those who elected him, the university authorities who have found him worthy of such high position and the confidence and trust so reposed in him.



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Prof. Akoh speaking during the chat
Continuing on the election, Prof Akoh reiterated simply that at the risk of not sounding clichéd,”I will say it is God”, pointing out that in the character and policy of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, politicking and campaigning for such positions are not allowed in the university, as in the cases of political parties and some institutions thereby putting any aspirant at more advantage over others. He revealed that his was a pleasant surprise given that he was already reappointed Dean, SPGS by management, which foreclosed his considering himself available for the position of DVC and also from all the permutations among staff, he was not counted as frontline choice. As he stated in his acceptance speech, he not the most qualified as every Professor was qualified to be DVC of a university but maintains that it was just divine providence that he was overwhelmingly chosen.

In the course of the discussion, the DVC (Academic) asserted that he has held many academic and administrative positions at Osun State University, prior to his being invited over to AE- FUNAI, for the purpose of starting off the Theatre Arts degree progromme. These positions, apart from membership of committees, include Examination Officer for three sessions, an unlikely record, Head of Department, Sub- Dean of Faculty for three years, Acting Dean and later Dean of Faculty, Head of one of the six campuses of the university, Director of General Studies, among others, pointing out that his first shocker when he joined AE-FUNAI was his appointment as Head of Fine and Applied Arts, a department that was not his discipline but that at the end of his special assignment there, he was appointed Director of Research and later Dean, SPGS and now DVC. He is also a University Council member. Prof Akoh said that he was invited initially to start a programme which had received the nod of the NUC and that he intended to commence the programme, build capacity, and recruit strong hands to run the programme, so, he was not looking for position but to teach, build capacity and mentor junior colleagues.



Despite his earlier plan, Prof Akoh was caught in the web of serving in various capacities and in most cases, working with the VC, Prof Nwajiuba and in the process, according to him, he realized that “working with a man who is in a hurry to succeed, you must have this energy to work at his pace. I have studied him and worked with him, I am committed to ensuring that this ball set rolling by him, will not be stopped by anybody coming in as VC, otherwise he will have us to contend with”, he vowed. He reiterated his stand that as DVC, Academic, he and other officers will do their best to work with whoever is coming to take over from Prof Nwajiuba as VC, but will not allow the standard to be brought lower.

Prof Akoh further pledged that he will not in any way betray the trust, affirming that his hands will be on deck with other Principal Officers of the university to ensure that the vision is kept afloat and realized. He recounted the numerous commendations the VC and his team have received and keep receiving each time they are out to represent the university on external conferences, workshops and conventions such as Oil and Gas forum, TETFund and other official engagements and promised to work together with the university authorities to keep such public disposition to the young university alive.

The DVC (Academic) enthused that the greatest thing that has happened to him is working with men and women who have capacity to work and that he has learnt so much from the VC, Prof Nwajiuba’s decisions and actions this while. According to him, “Success is about that focused leadership, which has brought us where we are in the university; using limited resources to accomplish so much tasks”. He added that in the first instance, he could not have successfully worked with the VC if they were on parallel lines. He stressed on his pedigree about focus and conviction on task, and objective, which makes it difficult to make him change his conviction: “I saw a VC that is blessed with wisdom, which makes it possible for him to excel and having gone through proper mentorship right from my tender age, I have the capacity to deliver. Once I accept to do a job, I do not fail and I have no apology for doing what is right. As a child of God, we believe in integrity and I have energy to deliver on my responsibilities as DVC”.

Prof Akoh further averred that it is their responsibility as sitting officers to let any coming VC understand that the administration has to run with the vision as AE-FUNAI is a university on a mission and the wording of the university anthem is enough information and guide. He concluded with these words, “I have intimidating confidence as a man of faith, I believe we are matching ahead to greater heights, and the dream will not die”.

It was like the story of the ten lepers healed by Jesus Christ with only one returning to give thanks to Jesus, their benefactor, as reported in the Book of Luke, Chapter 17 verses 11 to 17; When on Tuesday September 2, 2020, a beneficiary of the Vice- Chancellor Students Support Fund, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Miss Angela Awuloha, came back at the expiration of her National Youth Service, to thank VC, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba and University Management for helping her conclude her studies successfully through the fund.

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MRS. GRACE EZE-ALI, COORDINATOR VC’S OFFICE, INTRODUCING THE BENEFACTOR
The 2018 Psychology graduate, who hails from Abia State, told her pitiable story of the loss of her sponsor during her 200 level with almost all hope of continuing lost, but for the intervention of VC, Prof Nwajiuba, through his Students Support Fund. Miss Awuloha said that it was the grace of God that she was remembered by Prof Nwajiuba, the voice of the voiceless and helper of the helpless, who, out of his large heart, she benefited from the fund and completed her studies in the university.

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MISS ANGELA AWULOHA
“ The day I collected the receipt of payment of my school fees, I told myself I must come back to say thank you Vice- Chancellor, Prof Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba and the university management for making it possible for me to graduate”, she stated, praying that God will continue to guide, protect and bless Prof Chinedum and Nwajiuba family and as he goes about doing good, God and posterity will remember and reward him.

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DVC, PROF. AKOH SPEAKING
Professor Denise Akoh, DVC, Academic, who received Miss Awuloha, on behalf of VC, thanked her for remembering to come back to pay homage and express her profound gratitude to her benefactor and Alma mater. He said she had just replicated the story of the only one leper, who out of the ten healed by Jesus Christ, returned to give thanks, encouraging her to continue to show good examples in her endeavours, to keep attracting the blessing and favour of God through men and women of good will.

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(R-L) PROF. AKOH, MISS ANGELA AWULOHA, MRS. GRACE EZE-ALI, COORDINATOR VC’S OFFICE,CHRIS AKUBUIRO, PRO.

Former head, Department of Languages and Linguistics, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu- Alike, Ebonyi State, Dr Mrs Onyinye Anne Nwankwo, who is currently AE- FUNAI TETFund Desk Officer, on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, hosted special transition ceremony in her office, where mantles of headship of her former single Department were handed over to two Heads of two new Departments as the former has been split into Linguistics and Nigerian Languages, as one and Foreign Languages as another.

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Dr Anne Nwankwo DELIVERING HANDOVER SPEECH
Dr Nwankwo started her handover speech by praising God Almighty for His grace and protection throughout her one year in office as pioneer Head of Department of Languages and Linguistics, having assumed office on September 1, 2019. She thanked the Vice- Chancellor, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba for giving her the opportunity to serve and benefit from one of his core responsibilities which is “… growing young talents to perfection”. She recounted the initial challenges of not having the required human and material resources to start the new Department, which was then demerged from the defunct Department of Languages/ Linguistics/ Literary Studies/ Theatre Arts (LLLTA), in response to the wave of transformation sweeping over the young and fast growing university. She stressed that despite the challenges, the new Department never relented in getting the work done as required. As the HOD, she was charged with receiving NUC Verification team, just a month into her resumption of duty. According to her, “the priority of the young Department was to succeed against all odds by ensuring that the Programmes became successfully verified”. With the full support of the Vice Chancellor and to the glory of God, the four undergraduate programmes and two Post-graduate programmes received NUC approvals. This she enthused was a dream come true.

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DR MRS NWANKWO PRESENTING HANDOVER NOTE TO DR MRS OKOLO
Dr Nwankwo revealed that one of the techniques she adopted to succeed was delegation of duties to committees set up to take charge of the various functions, including Examinations, Students Discipline, Appraisal, Quality Assurance, and that she, as HOD, was member of each of the committees. “ She encouraged them to continue with that. She made bold to state: “During this time, the Department was opportune to witness the birth of two Professors: Nnenna Nwosu and Eugenia Nnenna Mbanefo as well as a Reader, Dr Samao Yong. We are still hoping for the birth of another Reader”. She also projected that soon a Departmental journal will be in place and that the Department has produced a GST Igbo Curriculum which has been presented to the Senate for approval. The former Head of Department did not hesitate to mention that the department admitted 112 students during 2019/2020 academic session.

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DR MRS NWANKWO HANDING OVER TO DR MRS ONUORA
For all these achievements, Dr Anne Nwankwo reiterated her gratitude and indebtedness to VC, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba and Prof Nnenna Nwosu- Nworuh, Dean Faculty of Humanities, for their unalloyed support and encouragement. She also expressed profound gratitude to Professors Onukawa, Iwu Ikwubuzo, Nwokoye , Mbanefo, Dr Uguru and Dr Ugwuona for their sacrifices and all her colleagues for their relentless commitment. She urged all the staff and students , to continue working together to ensure that the dream of building a great Department, Faculty and University is realized. She charged them to extend the same full support and hand of fellowship to the incoming Heads of Departments. Dr Nwankwo urged the two new Heads of Departments to do their best to keep the raised flag flying even higher. While assuring them of her support and readiness to answer their questions and clear any grey area in the hand over note when the need arises, she prayed that God will bless them and their tenures.

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DR MRS OKOLO MAKING ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
The new Heads of Departments, Dr Theresa Ngozi Onuora, Linguistics and Nigerian Languages, and Dr Chinwe Okolo, Foreign Languages, took turn to appreciate their predecessor, Dr Mrs Anne Nwankwo for setting the pace, laying the good foundation for the Departments and for providing accurate road map for the way forward. They promised to put in their very best in ensuring that her efforts and those of the Faculty and University authorities in achieving academic excellence will not be in vain. They both requested the former Head of Department to always make herself available as they would, from time to time need her attention, in the spirit of teamwork, as had been the tradition in the former Department under her headship. They prayed that God will guide and sustain her and themselves in their new assignments.

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DR MRS ONUORA SPEAKING AT THE EVENT


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DR MRS NWANKWO FLANKED BY DR MRS OKOLO(L), DR MRS ONUORA(R) AND UNIVERSITY OFFICERS
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(L –R) DR MRS OKOLO, DR MRS NWANKWO AND DR MRS ONUORA

On Monday, August 31, 2020, there was handover ceremony at Centre for Entrepreneurship and Employability (CEE), Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, when outgoing Ag. Director, Dr. Makuachukwu Ojide transferred mantle of leadership to Dr. George Mbaeyi, who assumed office as new Ag. Director for the Centre, with effect from September 1, 2020.

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Dr. Makuachukwu Ojide speaking at the event.
The outgoing Ag. Director warmly congratulated the incoming Dr George Mbaeyi on his appointment as Ag. Director for Centre for Entrepreneurship and Employability, AE-FUNAI and also wished him success and God’s favour as he takes over leadership.

Dr. Makuachukwu Ojide was appointed Acting Director for the Centre on September 1, 2018 and having served out a second tenure on August 31, 2020, had to ensure his exit did not create any operational gap, and to resume in his new position as Ag. Director, Research and Development, he found the timely hand over necessary.

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Dr. Makuachukwu Ojide handing over documents to the incoming Ag. Dir. Dr. George Mbaeyi.
Dr. Ojide recounted his numerous achievements during his two years stay as the Ag. Director of the Centre, including but not limited to Fidelity Bank Campus Activation Train Program, Annual Table Calendar production, introduction of Computer Based Examination for ENT 201, ENT 301 and LEP 202, Employability Skill Workshop in Collaboration with MTN, Mentorship Support and Training on Photograph, Entrepreneurship Development in the production of Quality Honey, Train-the Trainer Workshop and Google Digital Skill Training, among others

He urged the incoming Ag. Director to put in his best towards actualizing the goals and aspirations of the Centre, thereby bringing out the best in the students and the Centre, assuring him of his support while he prayed for divine guidance and direction for him (Dr Mbaeyi) in the new assignment.

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Dr. Makuachukwu Ojide congratulating Dr. George Mbaeyi
The incoming Ag. Director Dr.George Mbaeyi thanked Dr. Makuachukwu Ojide for a work well done, his wonderful speech and also his promising to be available anytime the Directorate needs him. He also wished the outgoing Ag. Director Success in his new appointment.

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Dr Ojide (2nd L), Dr Mbaeyi(2nd R) with staff of the Centre