₦airaland Forum

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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/su1x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/su2x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/su3x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/su4x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/su5x.jpg
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”.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/su6x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/su7x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/fet1.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/fet2.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/fet3.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/fet4.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/fet5.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/fet6.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/fet7.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dvc1x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dvc2x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dvc3x.jpg
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’’.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dvc4x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/hand1x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/hand2x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/hand3x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/hand4x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/hand5x.jpg
Prof Ejike, flanked by Prof Ezeoha(R), Prof Otu(L) and other University Officers

Tree Planting To Mark Handing Over at DAP
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/hand6x.jpg
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/hand8x.jpg
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/hand9x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/hand10x.jpg
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”.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/hand11x.jpg
Prof Otu Signing Handover Notes

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/hand12x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/hand13x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/hand14x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/hand15x.jpg
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.”

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/b1x.jpg
BEFORE

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/b2x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/b3x.jpg
BEFORE

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/b4x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/b5x.jpg
Landscaped and beautiful environment

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/b6x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/b7.jpg
BEFORE

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/b8x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/b9x.jpg
1st phase of College of Medicine Building


https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/b10x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/b11x.jpg
2,500 capacity main auditorium

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/11BXXX.jpg
Faculty of Agriculture Buildings


https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/b13x.jpg
One of the Engineering workshops

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/b14x.jpg
VC commissioning the 1st set of lecture seats donated by the parents’ forum



https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/b15x.jpg
New Faculty of Law Building

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/b16x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dv1x.jpg
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.



https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/dv2x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sup1x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sup2x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sup3x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sup4x.jpg
(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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/lan1x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/lan2x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/lan3x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/lan4x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/lan5x.jpg
DR MRS ONUORA SPEAKING AT THE EVENT


https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/lan6x.jpg
DR MRS NWANKWO FLANKED BY DR MRS OKOLO(L), DR MRS ONUORA(R) AND UNIVERSITY OFFICERS
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/lan7x.jpg
(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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ce2x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ce2x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ce3x.jpg
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.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ce4x.jpg
Dr Ojide (2nd L), Dr Mbaeyi(2nd R) with staff of the Centre

PROF NWAJIUBA REFLECTS AGAIN ON HIS PARTING MANTRA “PLEASE DON’T LET THIS DREAM DIE” AS TETFund BENEFICIARIES GIVE BACK TO THE UNIVERSITY
For the third time, Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu- Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba spoke on what has become his parting mantra, “Please Don’t Let This Dream Die” and this time, focus was on the ‘Culture of Giving’, at the occasion of presentation of office equipment by some TETFund Scholarship beneficiaries, as a way of giving back to the University and mostly to assist the University TETFund Office responsible for TETFund AST+D in AE-FUNAI.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/tet1x.jpg
Prof Nwajiuba speaking at the event
Following the culture of giving which the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, has successfully instilled on members of the university community, some TETFund beneficiaries decided to support the Vice-Chancellor’s vision by donating a Refrigerator, one photocopier and a printer to the University TETFund Desk Office.

While addressing the Vice-Chancellor and those present, TETFund Desk Officer AE-FUNAI, Dr. Anne Nwankwo, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for honoring the invitation under such a short notice, noting that the scholars had approached her saying they wanted to do something for the school to show their appreciation so far and pleaded with her to make it possible for them to make their presentation directly to the VC, which was why we all gathered. Dr. Nwankwo then introduced Mr. Stanley Iheanacho and Mrs. Uju Nwanji as Beneficiaries of TETFund local sponsorship to the Vice-Chancellor.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/tet2x.jpg
Dr Mrs Nwankwo making presentation
Speaking on behalf of the TETFund AST& beneficiaries, some of who were unavoidably absent while presenting the gifts on their behalf, Mr. Stanley Iheanacho thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his unwavering support towards the growth and development of the institution, stating that all his efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. He said himself and the rest of his team agreed to make the freewill donation to the TETFund Desk office after the Vice-Chancellor’s approval for them to be paid their final tranche of scholarship from TETFund. “This is our own way of supporting what VC has been doing in the university and also our way of giving back to our university community” he noted.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/tet3x.jpg
Mr Iheanacho (Left) presenting the items to VC, Prof Nwajiuba (Right)
Prof. Nwajiuba appreciated the donors, saying that he was delighted for the kind gesture of the scholars and hoped that the culture of giving does not leave AE-FUNAI with him. He pointed out that five months from now, he will be addressed as the former Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike and that he won’t be leaving with any of the donations individuals and groups have made since he assumed office. He went down memory lane of the state of the school when he became VC in 2016, how students sat on bare floor to receive lectures and take examinations, how a set of students skipped workshop for a semester due to lack of a engineering workshop in the campus and made bold to say, “but today the story is different”. He also pointed out that he had lived by example in giving to the young University, to the extent that he had made numerous donations such as bringing rods from home and other equipment to support the development of the institution.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/tet4x.jpg
(R-L) Prof Akor, Dean PG School, Odisa Okeke (Mrs), Registrar, Prof Nwajiuba, Mr Iheanacho, Mrs Uju Nwanji, Dr Anne Nwankwo with Prof Ejike, DAP and Chris Uwadoka, Ag. Dir Partnership at the 2nd Row
VC recalled his earlier speech as VC when he requested all hands on deck to expand the school and forge the university to greater heights, having met only three faculties and how members of the university community cheered not understanding the implication and dynamics of change. He acknowledged that there has been positive response from some staff who donated their salaries and other materials at some point to help grow the school. He pointed that he was proud to say that AE-FUNAI is now described as the most serious public university, iterating that “discipline and order are the challenges of man so when you enforce it, it doesn’t make you popular” He remembered struggling with staff on the time they report to work and how it has improved to a reasonable level, praying that the dream of ‘sustainability’ does not die in the university and that seriousness will continue to be a culture of the institution.

VC pointed the key components that he envisioned in time which had helped him accomplish a lot in the university, as energy, passion, competence, knowledge and character, urging the scholars to take their studies and their jobs seriously because analog lecturers interacting with digital students cannot work and that one major responsibility of a leader is to prepare the next generation of leaders.

As support and in appreciation of the good work of the amiable Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, a philanthropist, led by one of the University staff, Mrs Enene Fonne visited VC today, 26th August 2020, to make donation of a Silky Hand Washer Machine, to the University, in support of COVID-19 prevention protocols in the University.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/mach1x.jpg
Mrs Enene Fonne introducing the donor
While introducing the donor, Emeka Akachukwu, Managing Director, HANSKING Group, to the Vice-Chancellor, leader of the delegation Mrs Fonne noted that he (Emeka Akachukwu) is a lover of AE-FUNAI Women Association (AE-FUNA WA), and has previously donated some clothing and bottled water to the women during one of their programmes. She equally mentioned that AE-FUNAI OUT LOOK was not left out in his donations as he had shown gratification by donating water cooling equipment to them.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/mach2x.jpg
Prof Nwajiuba experimenting on the use of the machine
Receiving the gift, VC thanked the team for their show of love and said that the University would be getting more of the machines from them to be strategically placed at the Health Centre and Faculties as measure for prevention of spread of COVID-19 in the campus. The machine is specially built with soap water washing, clean water rinsing and hand sanitizer compartments.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/mach3x.jpg
VC, Prof Nwajiuba flanked by Mrs Chibuzor Owualah of VC’s Office, Mr Akachukwu(R) and Chris Uwadoka, Ag. Dir. Partnerships and Mrs Fonne(L)

By: Elom Iyke Ubochi

SA to VC on Documentation

The degree of work efficiency and effectiveness among staff of any organization is hinged to a large extent on the capacity of the leader to create and sustain an organizational culture that is conducive for employees to thrive and advance in their chosen careers without hindrances. In such a situation the leader serves as a source of support, encouragement, empowerment and inspiration to staff and as an enabler that helps employees to attain their legitimate career goals. This underscores the words of an American entrepreneur and television personality, Jon Taffer who said “The greatest gift of leadership is a boss who wants you to be successful.” The above submission by Taffer aptly captures and summarizes the attitude and disposition of Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba towards the staff of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State in the last 4 and half years.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/wel1x.jpg
A section of the staff quarters constructed by the administration of Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba
Under the watch of Prof. Nwajiuba, staff welfare has been elevated and made paramount through the provision of conducive work environment for staff to fulfill their dreams and potential in various ways. The yearly promotion of all qualified persons (teaching and non-teaching staff inclusive) who meet the promotion requirements without any form of bias or favor to any selected few is one of the high points of the Vice-Chancellor’s administration. His knack for discovering, mentoring and supporting budding talents to attain excellence in their chosen fields of endeavour is legendary. He also has continued to give opportunities to young, talented and competent staff to occupy appointive positions such as Heads of academic or administrative departments, Directors of Centres and Deans of Faculties, thereby grooming a critical mass of competent middle level managers that would take the University to the next level in the nearest future. In addition, 40 academics have been sent to France for further studies on scholarship under the postgraduate partnership between the University and the French government. AE-FUNAI is the only university in Nigeria that has such collaboration with the European country.

More so, the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of having a University where staff and students live, work and interact together is being actualized through the construction of 14 units of twin 2-bed room bungalows as staff quarters. This has provided accommodation opportunities for some staff of the university to live on campus even as new buildings are still springing up.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/welfare2.jpg
VC, Prof. Nwajiuba welcoming back to the University one of the beneficiaries of the PG scholarship partnership with the French Government, Mr. Uchenna Nwokenkwo, after the completion of his studies
Prior to the emergence of Prof. Nwajiuba as the Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State in 2016, the industrial climate within the institution was anything but reassuring. This was because many academic staff of the institution who were employed as Assistant Lecturers were stunted in their career progression because of the existing academic staff promotion policy which stipulated that lecturers employed with Masters degrees cannot be promoted beyond their entry level until they bag their doctoral degrees. Though this was at variance with the National Universities Commission (NUC) regulation and what is obtainable in other public universities in Nigeria yet it was the norm. Additionally, the then policy on academic staff promotion also stated that for an academic to be promoted to a professorial chair in the institution, the individual must have published at least 35 papers in Thompson Reuters’ rated and other high impact internationally-acclaimed journals. This also stunted the academic growth of many senior academics as the number of papers required for promotion seemed to be on a high side in comparison to accepted standard prevalent in other Universities in Nigeria.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/welfare3.jpg
VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba (2nd R) receiving some bags of cement donated by members of NASU AE-FUNAI chapter in support of the developmental strides in the University
However, on assumption of office, Prof. Nwajiuba took notice of the anomaly and also listened to the cries and complaints of staff that had borne the brunt of the overtly ambitious policy. He took their matter to the University Senate and Council, who in their wisdom approved the review of the academic staff promotion policy. This led to a new guideline for academic staff promotion, which expunged those areas that had negatively affected the career growth of many academic staff. For instance, the number of Thompson Reuters ranked journal papers required for an academic to be prompted to the position of a professor was reduced to four (4) while lecturers with Masters degrees can now be promoted up to Lecturer 1.

Apart from yearly staff promotion, the Vice-Chancellor has overseen the proper placements of many staff who in spite of their academic and professional qualifications and years of experience were not properly placed when they were employed. He has also superintended the conversion of many junior non-teaching staff to the senior cadre after they had attained and presented higher certificates while some senior non-teaching staff were also allowed to convert to the teaching cadre after acquiring master’s or doctoral degrees. These were done effortlessly. In return, the Vice-Chancellor has continued to enjoy enormous goodwill from staff and staff unions who also are contributing personal money and donating their salaries and materials like trips of sand and bags of cement towards the development of the University. AE-FUNAI may just be the only public institution in Nigeria where such rare and commendable gestures are happening.
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/welfare4.jpg
VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba (2nd R) exchanging pleasantries with Dr, Sunday Nnamani who made a donation to the University on behalf of the staff of Department of Fine and Applied Arts/Music

In concluding, the positive disposition of the Vice-Chancellor towards staff welfare has endeared him to members of the University community who are happy that he is not only transforming the academic and infrastructural landscapes of the institution but also enhancing staff welfare It is based on this friendly disposition and the positive impact the Vice-Chancellor is making in the lives of the University staff that the Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU, NAAT and NASU, AE-FUNAI chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Chigbata during the celebration of the Vice-Chancellor’s 2nd year in office on 26th February, 2018 declared Prof. Nwajiuba “a worker-friendly Vice-Chancellor”.

HOLDS THINK TANK ZOOM CONFERENCE
Pursuant to the dream and passion to establish an Igbo Centre that will last long enough to serve out its purpose, at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, the Vice- Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba on Tuesday 18TH August, 2020 led the Steering Committee recently constituted “to address the question: what is this about or what should this Centre engaged with”, in a webinar think tanking on what an Igbo Centre in a University should be.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IGBO1X.jpg
Prof. Nwajiuba (left) and Prof. Ejike (Right at the Conference
In his introductory presentation hinged on the words he has recently adopted as theme of exit period, Please Don’t Let This Dream Die, Prof Nwajiuba raised some pertinent questions on the essence of the University and Centres in the institution, which border on the fact that, according to him,” Universities exist to teach, research and for community service. Universities choose to what Centres and Institutes or by whatever appellation there may be, to establish. When we do such, what is it about? What problems are we solving?

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IGBO2XX.jpg
Prof. Nwajiuba acknowledging a guest speaker
Prof Nwajiuba revealed that AE-FUNAI is completing work on two buildings for Igbo Centre, which will serve for Exhibition and Administration, wondering” how many Universities and certainly not at the age we are, have contemplated and delivering on such infrastructure”. He pointed out that it is not about the buildings but what to do in there. ”What should we exhibit… what really is the essence of exhibitions and what do we want to achieve? What shall we be administering, what shall we be teaching, to whom and for what purpose, what problems should we be seeking solutions to?“ Were among the issues he raised for the think tanking zoom conference.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IGBO3XX.jpg
Prof. Nwajiuba speaking at the conference
The Vice- Chancellor recounted the things put in place and achieved in the young University these few years, in supporting and promoting Igbo cultural heritage, to include annual celebration of Igbo Day, Serving local Igbo food in all events, Wearing of native dress to work every first Monday of the month, presentation of traditional Igbo Kolanut to major University guests and at events, when necessary, with observation of all relevant rituals, Igbo Language abstract for all sponsored researches as well as projects and theses, Igbo cap as part of the convocation ceremonial dressing and other similar events, promotion of Akwaete clothing and some other activities. For him, “Despite these, I believe we can do better. We should agree that we don’t know it all and avoid the arrogance of the ivory tower”

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IGBO4XX.jpg
Igbo Centre – Exhibition Building under construction
Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba went on to introduce the guest speakers in their various locations within and outside the country. First was Chief Ositadinma Chidoka, who recently presented a thought provoking talk on Uche, Uchu na Egwu Chukwu, that went virile, which Prof Nwajiuba has chosen to refer to as Osita Chidoka’s Thesis and equally adopted and expanded in a talk he gave recently on How Sons Should Be Trained by Fathers, Mothers and Community at a church in July 2020. Other major speakers were Chief Nnia Nwodo, President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chidi Magnus Onuoha, Barr. Basil Ugochukwu, Barr. Mrs Chioma Tony-Duruaku.

He (Nwajiuba) then stated;

How the Igbo Centre should be positioned to address the Igbo in the Universe,

her challenges in the today and the future, from the academic perspective and not

a photocopy of what exists elsewhere and with boldness and creativity, would

be my suggestion of pathway. What actions follow is even more important

as we look forward to a new leadership in a few months, hence the title of this

is, Please Don’t Let This Dream Die 2: Igbo Centre

In his keynote speech, Chief Ositadinma Chidoka enthused that the concept of Igbo Centre is totally a welcome development that is capable of enhancing propagation of the concepts of Uche, Uchu Nso Ani, which dehumanizes humanity, hardwork and other desirable values and virtues but however regreted that Igbos have lost trust in each other as build up effect of slave trade and that the Igbo language is not dynamic enough to fit effectively into the social flux.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IGBO5XX.jpg
Igbo Centre – Administrative Building under construction
Chief Chidoka was confident that the Igbo Centre will help Ndigbo articulate who the really are, and strengthen their ties which for him is the most important task of the Centre for now. “This is the place to start from and the Centre is critical about doing this” Chidoka inferred. He further iterated the challenge of sustenance for the Centre and opined that setting up proper organizational structure and a good Board to attract funding, stressing that articulated business plan, accountability and making the place some kind of tourist destination will go a long way to keep the Centre viable and sustainable. To buttress his stand, Osita Chidoka made reference to what his NGO, Nkemakolam Foundation and the Holocust Museum in Israel are doing and that the Centre should collaborate with corporate organisations, to achieve the dream.

Chief Nnia Nwodo in his presentation, went down memory lane, reflecting on the “the good old days”. He expressed deep concern over the dying Igbo language and culture as great challenge for the Centre. Chief Nwodo pointed out that the first and foremost thing to do is to definitely establish who Igbos truly are, what are their qualities, where are they coming from, to be able to determine where they are going. For him, this should be key responsibility of the Centre. He made bold to state that Igbos have made remarkable contributions to Nigeria nation building and the world, mentioning Igbo personalities like Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Akanu Ibiam, Michael Okpara, Kenneth Dike, Chinua Achebe, Chike Obi, Philip Ememagwali and others and charged the Centre to produce profiles and literature on these illustrious sons daughters of Igbo extraction in form of pamphlets for visitors to the Centre.

Chief Nwodo enumerated other aspects of Igbo culture that need to be rediscovered, restored, reserved and showcased for posterity. These include Igbo food and cuisines, which he said should be preserved and possibly exported; Igbo fabrics and dressing, Igbo mode of worship, marriage, land ownership, Igbo dialects etc. He heartily expressed profound gratitude to Prof Nwajiuba for being exceptionally visionary and his team for the dream of an Igbo Centre and organizing the webinar think tank, praying that the Centre be sustained.

Prof. Mostoa Onuoha of the University of Nigeria made the point that the case for AE-FUNAI Igbo Centre has been made and that it requires determination, persistence, asserting that funding for the Centre will come even from international organizations and Igbos in the diaspora. “The dream will not die like in some other institutions” he wished.

Making contribution, Barrister Mrs. Chioma Tony Duruaku suggested that the Centre should have a village for teaching the basics from nursery, primary to secondary school ages, stressing that fundamentals of Igbo language and culture should be taught at the Centre and that Igbo children should be made to have the conviction that first of all they are Igbo. She stated further that the virtue of respect for elders should be sufficiently inculcated in Igbo children and youths. Prof Nwajiuba interjected at that juncture to reveal that the Centre has plan to Holiday School for children on vacation, for the purpose of teaching and inculcating Igbo language and culture.

Prof. Chidi Magnus Onuoha appreciated Prof. Nwajiuba for the vision and without mincing words stated that the first step should be to do need analysis for the setting of the Center at this time. He called for the review of Igbo traditions and customs to identify and discard the elements and practices that are dehumanizing. While encouraging the writing of Igbo literature as it were. Onuoha viewed those Igbo dialectical differences as healthy and clear evidence of Igbo unity in universal and republican ideology which should be harnessed to strengthen Igbo unity and interface. He called on concerned Igbos to encourage and support the establishment of AE-FUNAI Igbo Centre, adding that translation of science and scientific concepts to Igbo language should be taken up by the Centre.

Barr. Basil Ugochukwu, who spoke from Canada emphasized that the Centre should be run in inter-disciplinary pattern, where the different faculties and disciplines have inputs. He posited that all hands should be on deck to support the Centre and prayed for God’s blessings upon the vision-bearer, Prof Nwajiuba, the team, the University and Centre.

Prof Chukwunomso Ejike, Director of Academic Planning, AE-FUNAI, and member of the Igbo Centre Steering Committee, gave a vote of thanks, appreciating the VC, Prof Nwajiuba, the keynote speakers, and all others who made contributions. He prayed that God would bless all participants and appealed that they should make themselves available for the growth and development of AE-FUNAI Igbo Centre, so “We Don’t Let This Dream Die”,

The Governing Council of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State has declared a vacancy for the position of the Vice-Chancellor of the University with effect from 11th February, 2021. In accordance with the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act No.11 of 1993 as (Amended), the Governing Council hereby invites applications from interested and suitably qualified candidates for the post.
1. THE UNIVERSITY
The Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI) in Ebonyi State was among the nine new Universities established by the Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s administration in February, 2011. It is situated in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State which is about 25 kilometres from Abakaliki, the State Capital.
The University is deeply committed towards realizing its dream for a world class status where research and innovations are the order of the day. Her philosophy is strictly guided by the desire to raise problem solvers for the nation through the production of highly skilled and motivated graduates. This informed her decision to recruit carefully selected and competent lecturers with commendable pedigree and international flavor for academic disciplines to ensure that the students are given the best attention and proper guidance throughout their stay in AE-FUNAI.
2. RESPONSIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION OF VICE-CHANCELLOR
The Vice-Chancellor is the Chief Executive and Academic Head of the University. He/she is the Chairman of the Senate, Congregation and member of the Governing Council. The Vice-Chancellor shall among other duties:
(a) Promote research, teaching, and a high standard of academic excellence.
(b) Be responsible to Council for the day-to-day running of the affairs of the University as well as the maintenance of peace, law and order in the University.
(c) Be competent at all times to advice Council on all matters affecting the policy, finance and administration of the University.
(d) Regulate the admission of students, subject to the guidelines and procedure approved by the Senate and other Statutory bodies.
(e) Be responsible for staff and students discipline and welfare in the University.
Applicants for the position of Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI) must be distinguished scholars with outstanding academic and administrative records. He/she must be a proven manager of human and material resources. Specifically, the candidate should be a professor of not less than seven (7) years standing, by February 11, 2021 when the office will be vacant, with ability to provide academic and administrative leadership for the University. Furthermore, the candidate should:
i. have held academic and administrative positions that are requisite to that of a vice-chancellor of a leading university.
ii. have a good understanding of the vision and mission of the University.
iii. be of a strong academic standing as evidenced by the publications of books and research in high impact journals.
iv. be able to attract research grants and complimentary funds from local and international agencies, and further uplift the academic status of the University.
v. possess personal integrity in the management of funds and be able to deploy financial resources as appropriate within the context of the University’s strategic plan.
vi. demonstrate interpersonal and team building skills and possess the ability to build bridges between staff, students and members of the University Community and its stakeholders.
vii. have demonstrable abilities to establish and maintain partnerships with local, international, government and non-governmental agencies and organizations.
viii. be an individual who, judging from his/her track records, is likely to command the respect as well as the loyalty of members of staff and the University Community.
ix. be able to demonstrate the ability to attract, motivate and retain highly skilled and talented staff (teaching and non-teaching).
x. be able to exhibit entrepreneurial drive and ability to attract extra statutory funds and mobilize other resources for the development of the University.
xi. have excellent written and spoken communication skills.
xii. should be in a position to ensure the enforcement of the University’s laws and regulations.
xiii. be information and technology proficient and be committed to its use as a management tool and its development in the University programmes and services.
xiv. be of excellent physical and mental health.
xv. must not be more than 64 years of age by 11th February 2021, when the position is scheduled to be occupied.
a. Tenure
The Vice-Chancellor shall hold the office for a single term of five (5) years.
b. Remunerations
The remuneration of and conditions of service for the post of Vice-Chancellor are as applicable in all Federal Universities in Nigeria and as determined by the Government of the Federation.
3. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION
Interested candidates are required to submit Fifteen (15) copies of their application and curriculum vitae in an envelope addressed to the Registrar, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, (AE-FUNAI) not later than six weeks from the date of the advertisement. The post applied for should be clearly written at the top right hand corner of the envelope. A separate submission of not more than one page of candidate’s vision statement for the University during his/her tenure if appointed, should be attached to the candidate’s application. Furthermore, the application should include photocopies of the candidate’s academic and professional qualifications, birth certificate or declaration of age, list of publications, verifiable evidence of work experience and curriculum vitae that should include the following:
i. Full name (surname, first name, middle name)
ii. Post applied for
iii. Place, State and date of Birth
iv. Nationality
v. State of Origin
vi. Permanent Home Address
vii. Correspondence address (if different from permanent address)
viii. Mobile phone number
ix. Email Address
x. Marital Status
xi. Number and Ages of Children (if any)
xii. Educational Institutions attended with dates
xiii. Academic Qualifications obtained with dates
xiv. Professional Qualifications obtained with dates
xv. Work experiences including full details
xvi. Community service(s) rendered (including dates and locations)
xvii. Full details of teaching and research experience
xviii. List of publications and dates where applicable
xix. Honours/Awards
xx. Extra-Curricular Activities
xxi. Name and addresses of three Referees one of whom must be from the last or current place of employment.
All referees should be asked to send their independent reports to the Registrar with full details of the applicant and the post applied for, not later than the closing date of this advertisement. It is the responsibility of the Referee to ensure that the reports get to the Registrar before the closing date of this advertisement.
Signed
ODISA C. OKEKE (MRS)
Registrar/Secretary to Council

AE-FUNAI REDOUBLES EFFORT AT ACTUALIZING ‘CAMPUS IN A GARDEN ‘VISION
Actualizing the vision to transform Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, to ‘Campus in a Garden’ has become a task that must be done, for the University Go-Green Initiative team, led by Mr Ifeanyi Chukwu, as they have continued to show more commitment, exerting more energy towards planting more trees in the campus, supplying manure regularly to the plants, replacing the weak and dying ones and protecting the plants from animals, insects, disease attacks and trespasses.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gar1x.jpg
TANKER SUPPLYING SEWAGE TO THE PLANTS
The visioner, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, has recently increased the frequency of his routine inspection of the young plants visibly growing around the campus. Prof. Nwajiuba has always put in his energy and eyes on the plants, providing seedlings from any where he could find the good and useful ones, even from his country home and personally sourcing for and directing supply of manure for the growing plants. He has actually shown uncommon love for nature and green environment, hence the laudable dream to transform AE-FUNAI to ‘Campus in a Garden’.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gar2x.jpg

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gar3x.jpg
Prof Nwajiuba has always reflected on how beautiful the campus will be in a few years to come, how the students will feed on the fruits from the garden and how the trees will form shades for ‘ get together’. Prof Nwajiuba is simply working the talk and the efforts are yielding results.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gar4x.jpg

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gar5x.jpg

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gar6x.jpg

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gar7x.jpg


VC, PROF CHINEDUM UZOMA NWAJIUBA INSPECTING THE TREES PLANTED IN THE UPCOMING “ CAMPUS IN A GARDEN”
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gar8x.jpg

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gar9x.jpg

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gar10x.jpg

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gar11x.jpg

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gar12x.jpg

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gar13x.jpg

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gar14x.jpg


https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/gar15x.jpg

AE-FUNAI SEALS ACCORD WITH FUTHA AS VC ENDORSES MoU
On Monday 17th August, 2020, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, witnessed the consummation of the working relationship between the University and Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, all in Ebonyi State, when the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba and officials of both institutions endorsed the Memorandum of Understanding at the University Senate Chamber.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/fet1x.jpg
Prof Nwajiuba making acceptance speech
Recall that on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, VC, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, inaugurated eleven man committee with Prof Paul Ezeonu, Provost, College of Medicine, AE-FUNAI and Mr Callistus Okonkwo, Head of Administration, AEFETHA, as Chairman and Secretary, respectively and Dr Onwe Emeka Ogah, Chief Medical Director, AEFETHA, Prof E.C.C Ejike, Director, Academic Planning, Barr Ogochukwu Onuorah of the Legal Unit, both of AE-FUNAI, among others as members, to draw up an agreement that will guide the mutual working relationship between the young University and the Federal Teaching Hospital. At that event, Prof Nwajiuba thanked the Federal Ministry of Health for approving the relationship and expressed his expectation that if properly managed, the symbiotic relationship for which the committee was constituted would yield desired result to the effect that qualified medical personnel will be trained to effectively provide professional services to the state and nation.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/fet2x.jpg
DVC, Prof Sunday Elom speaking at the inauguration of the Committee
After months of concerted efforts to deliver on the task of developing a working document for the smooth operation of the joint venture, representatives of the committee, led by its Chairman, Prof Paul Ezeonu were around to present the agreement for endorsement. After the welcome speech and introduction of the guests by Prof Sunday Elom, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, AE-FUNAI, Prof Ezeonu was given the floor to present highlights. In his presentation, the Chairman did not mince words to state that the event marked the successful end of a long journey started since 2018, which took the team to Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja on several occasions while seeking approval for the renaming and dedicating FETHA to AE-FUNAI, which has been achieved, hence the MoU. According to Prof Ezeonu,”the task was not easy due to grey areas that needed to be resolved and the MoU will enable the two institutions, work together harmoniously, to ensure that the College of Medicine produces the best”. He was confident that all areas are covered and protected in the MoU, stressing that getting the document ready was a great achievement that will enhance accreditation of the University College of Medicine. He thanked the VC and CMD for providing the enabling working environment and support and thereafter presented copies of the MoU to VC.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/fet3x.jpg
Prof Ezeonu presenting copies of MoU to Prof Nwajiuba
Receiving the documents, Prof Nwajiuba thanked the Chairman and members of the Committee for job well done, heartily appreciating the CMD, Dr Onwe Ogah for his commitment and show of love in the whole project. Prof Nwajiuba went memory lane on the establishment of Medical Schools in Nigeria, pointing out that AE-FETHA would become the 3rd Medical School sponsored by the Federal Government in the southeast of Nigeria. He encouraged the management team to work together in peace, respecting the accord. “Please don’t let there be quarrels and don’t let this dream die as I leave” he appealed, charging that all should be committed to achieving completion of the second complex, started for the College of Medicine “…don’t abandon it and never let this dream die and God bless you”, he reiterated. Prof Nwajiuba further informed his audience that the Community Health Centre sited at Ebuwana, Edda in Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, which has been completed, well equipped with dialysis, MRI and CT scan equipment, accommodation and other necessary facilities and should be taken over by the Teaching Hospital and put into proper use.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/fet4x.jpg
Dr. Onwe Ogah (CMD) signing the MoU
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/fet5x.jpg
Registrar, Odisa Okeke (Mrs) signing with Head Legal, Barr. Ogochukwu Onuorah watching
In his contribution, Dr. Onwe Ogah (CMD) commended Prof. Nwajiuba for his deep knowledge of history and expressed his confidence that ‘’the dream will not die as long as God exists”. He iterated that it is God’s intervention that the University (AE-FUNAI) is able to access the Teaching Hospital to train medical students, explaining the rigorous steps to getting the approval. He stated that AE-FETHA as it is presently known, is sufficiently equipped with over 200 consultants in various fields and has the capacity to serve up to four Universities, including Ebonyi State University. He thanked VC, Prof. Nwajiuba for the vision, and the Executive Secretary, NUC, Prof Abubarka Mohammed Rasheed, for his encouragement and all those who contributed in achieving the MoU, making bold to say that ‘’the MoU cannot be faulted and will be a proper guide to establish and operate the joint venture’’.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/fet6x.jpg
Mr Calistus Okonkwo signing his column
While giving the vote of thanks, Prof. Chukwunomso Ejike thanked the VC, Prof. Nwajiuba for his uncommon vision and prayed that the relationship so established will yield results and live the taste of time. Other officers at the event were the University Registrar, Odisa Okeke (Mrs), Mr Calistus Okonkwo, Head of Administration, AE-FETHA and Secretary of the Committee, Ag. Director, Partnerships, Mr. Chris Uwadoka, Barr (Mrs) Ogochukwu Onuorah of the University Legal Unit, and Barr. (Mrs) Grace Eze-Ali, Co-ordinator, VC’s Office,

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/fet7x.jpg
VC, Prof Nwajiuba endorsing the MoU
The Chief Medical Director, Dr Onwe Emeka Ogah was at the end of the exercise led by VC to plant commemoration tree around the Needs Assessment Building in the University campus in support of the Green Campus Initiative.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/fet8x.jpg
Prof Nwajiuba (centre) and Dr Ogah, Prof Elom, Mrs Odisa Okeke Prof Ezeonu and other officers


https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/fet9x.jpg
Dr Onwe Ogah planting commemoration tree

It was an atmosphere of happiness and praises during the early hours of today, Wednesday, August 12, 2020, indeed another day of joy at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu- Alike, Ebonyi State, when a staff of Bursary Department and mother of a bouncing baby boy, delivered after series of complications that could have taken the lives of both mother and child, Mrs Enene Fonne, presented baby to the Vice -Chancellor, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, in his office

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/M1XX.jpg
VC, Prof Nwajiuba admiring Miracle Chinedu
. While handing the miracle child to VC, to the excitement and admiration of Dr Mrs Chinyere Nwajiuba, Wife of VC, Mrs Odisa Okeke, Registrar, Chris Uwadoka, Ag. Director, Partnerships and Mrs Afoma Ifemene, Wife of Anglican Bishop of Ikwo Diocese, over joyed Enene Fonne announced that she had to present the baby to VC as mark of honour and in appreciation of all his prayers, encouragement and support in her marriage and throughout her difficult times in the pregnancy.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/M2XX.jpg
Dr Mrs Chinyere Nwajiuba with Mother and Child
The very happy mother, testified, while chatting with PRO, that she lost two earlier pregnancies before she was referred to Queens Clinic and Maternity, Wuse, Zone6, Abuja, at the third instance and that God used the hands of the medical personal there to deliver her from series of multiple complications that almost took her life and that of the baby. She expressed her joy that at the end, God heard prayers, had mercy and blessed her with the baby called Miracle.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/M3XX.jpg
Prof Nwajiuba praising God for the gift with Dr Mrs Nwajiuba and Enene.
Enene further stated that she is mostly excited by the enormous support, encouragement, care and prayers of VC, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, to the extent that he sent a delegation of two senior staff, Prof Nnenna Nwosu – Nworuh (Dean, Faculty of Humanities) and Chris Uwadoka (Ag. Director, Partnerships) to visit her while at the hospital at Abuja and also told her prayerfully that the storm will be over and that he (VC) was looking forward to the day she will present her child to him. “ Today, I am happy that I survived and today I am presenting the child to you Sir and his name is also Chinedu”, Enene enthused.

Receiving the baby Chinedu, elated Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba said that it is prayer answered, stressing that it all happened because “ God knows your heart and your love for humanity and Him.” He prayed that the Almighty God will bless the Father, Mother and Child and all women and parents waiting on God for fruits of marriage.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/M4XX.jpg
(R-L)Mrs Ifemene , Enene Fonne, Dr Mrs Nwajiuba,Prof Nwajiuba carrying baby Chinedu, Odisa Okeke(Mrs), Chris Uwadoka
Mrs Afoma Ifemene, Wife of the Bishop of Ikwo, Anglican Communion, offered prayers and blessed the new born and mother, thanking God for saving her daughter and seeing her through all her challenges and for blessing her and her husband with the special baby she referred to as “ David of our time.”

WHILE WE ARE AWAY
By: Elom Iyke Ubochi

SA to VC on Documentation

On 27th February, 2020, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported the first case of corona virus in Nigeria. An unnamed Italian who transited from Europe to Nigeria through Lagos State was reported as the first index case of the virus in Nigeria.

Owing to the havoc the virus was already wrecking in Europe and America, the Nigerian government announced some measures which included the closure of all schools in the country in order to curtail the devastating effect of the pandemic on the populace. Since that announcement in March 2020, academic activities in all tertiary institutions in Nigeria have been at a standstill. From then till now it has been one long deafening silence in our citadels of learning.
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/c1xx.jpg

The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it not only tales of sickness and death but also serious socio-economic problems that have impacted negatively on every aspect of our human lives including access to quality education at all levels. However, in spite of these daunting challenges, it has not all been doom and gloom. There have also been pockets of good news in different places, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State inclusive. The University has shown leadership by refusing to be held down by the unintended intervening variables brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The management of the University led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, has continued to re-position the University, to blaze the trail in the comity of Nigerian public institutions even as efforts are in top gear to make it a world-class citadel of learning reputed for intellectually rigorous research. So, in spite of the enormous challenges caused by the pandemic, AE-FUNAI has recorded some feats while we were away even as the lockdown continues to ease.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/c2xx.jpg
VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba
While we are away, the National Universities Commission (NUC) released the results of the 2019 accreditation exercise. The University had presented 12 academic programmes: Banking and Finance, Theatre Arts, Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Agribusiness and Management, Business Education, Education Biology, Education Chemistry, Education Mathematics, Education Physics, Education English and Literary Studies and Physical and Health Education, to the regulatory body for accreditation in 2019. From the result of the exercise released while we were away, 11 of the programmes have full accreditation while one -Fisheries and Aquaculture has interim, making it 92% success ratio.

While we are away, the result of the accreditation exercise for the Faculty of Engineering and Technology programmes by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) was also released and it was another round of success story. The University, had on Monday, 16th December, 2019 received an accreditation team from COREN where it presented 5 Engineering programmes for accreditation – Civil, Mechatronics, chemical, Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic Engineering. The result shows that Civil Engineering and Electrical/Electronic Engineering secured full accreditation from the professional body while the remaining 3 programmes have interim accreditation. With this, our engineering students are assured of being mobilized for National Youth Service Corps programme when they graduate as their programmes are both NUC and COREN approved and accredited.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/c3xx.jpg
AE-FUNAI campus road at night
As we are still away due to the increase in number of COVID-19 cases in Nigeria, the result of the accreditation exercise of the University MBBS programme by the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council was released, and like the other accreditation exercises, it was an outstanding success. The Nigerian Medical and Dental Council, had on Monday, 18th November, 2019, visited the University for the purpose of MBBS Programme accreditation. It could also be recalled that the AE-FUNAI commenced the MBBS programme in the 2017/2018 academic session.

This litany of good news at a time of serious pandemic will definitely be cheering to staff and students of the affected programmes including the parents and guardians of our students, who are now expected to be irrevocably committed to their studies having seen that the University management has kept their part of the bargain by ensuring that their courses were accredited by both the NUC and relevant professional bodies. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nwajiuba had on assumption of duty in 2016 vowed to ensure that all academic programmes of the University were fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant professional bodies before the expiration of his tenure in 2021. And he is walking the talk.

The excellent performances of the University in all NUC and professional bodies’ accreditation exercises it embarked on since the emergence of Prof. Nwajiuba is an irrefutable testament to the fact that the institution is on the right track. Prior to his assumption of office, the University had only two fully accredited programmes (Computer Science and Geology) and 15 other programmes were on interim accreditation. However, as at August 2020, the University has an additional 37 programmes with full accreditation and 3 on interim. The breakdown of the figure shows that the University presented 28 academic programmes in 2018 to the NUC for accreditation out of which 26 had full accreditation and two interim. And in 2019, 12 programmes were presented for accreditation out of which 11 secured full accreditation while one has interim. This is in addition to the accreditation of MBBS and engineering programmes by their professional bodies.The fact is that AE-FUNAI is on the right trajectory.

And while we are all away, the Vice-Chancellor and his team are still working. They are not resting on their oars neither are they leaving anything to chance.

AE-FUNAI: VICE-CHANCELLOR PAYS HOMAGE TO NEW PRO-CHANCELLOR
On Thursday, August 6, 2020, Vice – Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu- Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, accompanied by the Registrar, Odisa Okeke (Mrs.) and some officers of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, were at Port Harcourt, Rivers State, home of the newly appointed University Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Nimi Dimkpa Briggs, to pay homage and acquaint him with the young University.
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/pc1x.jpg
Prof. Nimi Briggs (R) receiving Prof. Nwajiuba

The VC’s entourage was warmly received by the host and his wife, Lady Data Nimi Briggs, who did not hesitate to express gratitude to God for granting their visitors safe trip to their Port Harcourt residence and appreciation to VC and his team for finding it worthwhile to honour them in that manner, despite COVID-19 challenges. Recall that on Monday July 13, 2020, new council members for the 13 Federal Universities, which AE-FUNAI is one, were inaugurated, with Prof. Nimi Briggs as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council for AE-FUNAI. Prof Briggs becomes the 3rd Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of Council, after the late Prof. Mba Uzoukwu (2016-2018), who unfortunately could not complete his tenure due to ill health and eventual demise. Engr Anayo Onwuegbu (2015-2016) was the first Pro-Chancellor and chairman of Council.
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/pc2x.jpg
VC, Prof. Nwajiuba speaking during the visit

While making presentations of relevant information and documents on the University, Prof. Nwajiuba enthused that the visit was to express the profound excitement of the University Community heralding his (Prof. Briggs) announcement as Pro-Chancellor of the fast growing University and to show solidarity to him in the new assignment. The VC stated that the University is lucky to have him, an erudite Professor of high standing and deeply experienced University administrator. Prof Nwajiuba revealed to the Pro-Chancellor that the University is acclaimed ‘most serious’ public University in Nigeria, having consistently achieved uninterrupted academic calendar since inception with no outstanding convocation, which has always happened in December of every year, from the 1st in 2016 to the 4th in 2019.
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/pc3x.jpg
Prof. Nwajiuba presenting documents to the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Briggs

Prof Nwajiuba also pointed out that the university is blessed with its naming after Dr. Alex Ekwueme, a renowned Nigerian and former Vice- President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, priding that going by what is happening with the institution, AE-FUNAI is God’s project. He reiterated that the strategy has always been the openness of the administration, enlarged management meetings, where people have opportunities to air their views and contribute in policy-making and execution and working in harmony with the staff.
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/pc4x.jpg
Registrar, Odisa Okeke (Mrs) making a presentation to Prof. Briggs

The documents presented to the new Pro-Chancellor include abridged update on the university, covering vision, mission, location, motto, academic programmes, population, officers, past and present council members and other information; staff and students manuals and all other relevant working documents.
Emeritus Prof. Briggs was elated as he received the presentations, expressing satisfaction and appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for the articulated presentations and the useable information made available to make his work easy. ”From all the records so presented, I can see the seriousness, commitment and co-operation in running the university and, I will take advantage of the existing conducive working environment to operate and succeed”. He however said that the first priority was getting a new Vice-Chancellor, to take over from the incumbent, Prof. Nwajiuba, who will be exiting in February 2021, when his tenure will end, and that the process will commence immediately. He prayed that God shall bring another Vice-Chancellor, who will take care of the young university as Prof. Nwajiuba is doing.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/pc5x-1.jpg
Professors Briggs and Nwajiuba pose for photograph

The Rivers State born Prof Nimi Dimkpa Briggs was Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt (2000-2005); Chairman, Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigeria Universities (AVCNU), 2004-2005; Distinguished Fellow of the National Post-Graduate Medical College of Nigeria (DFMC); Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Federal University Lokoja (2016); Pioneer Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Bayelsa University of Medical Sciences (2019); Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Port Harcourt, among other national and international responsibilities and recognitions.
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/pc6x.jpg
In her vote of thanks, the Registrar and Secretary to the University Council, Mrs. Odisa Okeke, thanked God for the appointment of a great man of honour, in the person of Emeritus Prof Nimi Dimkpa Briggs, as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the University, this particular period in the history of the young institution. She appreciated him and his amiable wife for the very good hosting. “God ordained you our Father now and God will give you the strength and divine wisdom to soar” She said.
Other officers in VC’s entourage were Chris Uwadoka, Ag. Director, Partnerships, Barr. Mrs Grace Eze Ali, Co-ordinator, Vice- Chancellors Office and Chris Akubuiro, University Public Relations Officer.
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/pc7x.jpg
From (R) Chris Uwadoka, Barr. Grace Eze-Ali, VC Prof. Nwajiuba, Lady Data Briggs, Prof. Nimi Briggs, Odisa Okeke (Mrs) and Chris Akubuiro

AE-FUNAI WITNESSING ACADEMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN SPITE OF THE COVID-19 HIATUS
By: Elom Iyke Ubochi

SA to VC on Documentation

The world has been on her knees, since the first quarter of 2020, because of the raging effect of the corona virus pandemic. Most countries are facing economic recession of major proportion with its concomitant effect of job losses, hyper inflation and poor revenue. The immediate consequences are increase in hunger and poverty at individual levels, as well as the inability of governments and corporate bodies to meet their financial obligations.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cv1x.jpg
VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba (5th L) in a group photograph with members of Management after inaugurating the newly completed Faculty of Law building on Monday, 27th July, 2020
On the education front, the COVID-19 pandemic which was first announced in Wuhan, China on November 17, 2019, and in Nigeria on February 27th, 2020 has led to serious hiatus in academic activities. In Nigeria, for instance, schools have been shut since March 2020, and it has been opined that if they are not reopened by the end of this month, August, the possible conclusion of the 2019/2020 academic session will be jeopardized. As the spike in infection continues to rise in the country, policy makers are at a quagmire on how best to re-tool the school system without putting the lives of students and teachers in danger. Trying to balance the delicate issues of life and economy, and opening of schools has been an uphill task for government and other stakeholders at all levels.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cv2x.jpg
A sample of the produced AE-FUNAI hand sanitizer
However, in spite of the precarious situation in which educational institutions in Nigeria have found themselves because of the pandemic, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi state has sustained her developmental strides on many fronts. Employing one of its three core mandates – research, the University engaged a team of scientists and researchers led by the Dean, Faculty of Science, Prof. Omaka N. Omaka to investigate on possible ways of arresting the malaise caused by the corona virus pandemic. As part of its work which is still ongoing, the team has produced authentic alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The Department of Fine and Applied Arts in its work also produced well-crafted cotton-based face masks. In fact, the University was one of the first government institutions to champion the production of locally-made hand sanitizers and cloth-based face mask to mitigate their cost which was on the increase at the inception of the pandemic. Through the production of the AE-FUNAI hand sanitizers and face masks, other private individuals and organizations in Ebonyi State keyed into the business. This created jobs and generated incomes for the people in a time of serious economic lockdown. Using 3D printing equipment and facilities assigned to the University’s Centre for Adaptive Research and Fabrication, and collaborating remotely with Steinbeis Consulting Center (IMAPS Institute for Material Applications & 3D Printing Solutions), Karlsruhe, Germany, Miss Chiaka Nnodum of Fine and Applied Arts department designed and produced 3D-printed face masks for some members of University Management.

In the spirit of community service, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, on May 20, 2020, donated 200 bottles of AE-FUNAI hand sanitizers and one hundred thousand Naira to the Ebonyi State government in support of the fight against COVID-19 in the State. These products (sanitizers and face masks) of the University are being patronized and used by members of the university community and other publics; they will, no doubt, be helpful in curtailing the highly infectious virus when academic activities resume. Also, the Vice-Chancellor had on March 13, 2020, before the Federal Government announced the closure of schools constituted a Committee on CONVID-19, Lassa fever and other infectious diseases in the University. The Committee was, among other things, charged with the responsibility of enlightening members of the University community on the dangers and remedies to infectious diseases. In the course of their work, the Committee has provided veronica buckets with running water and disinfectant at strategic places around the campus, thus promoting the culture of hand washing among staff and students of the University.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cv33x.jpg
VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba (C), Ms. Chiaka Nnodi ( R) and a staff when the cloth face masks were presented to the VC at his office
The University remains one of the few public higher institutions in Nigeria that concluded her first semester 2019/2020 academic session before the Federal Government ordered the closure of schools in Nigeria. In fact, AE-FUNAI concluded her admission process for the 2019/20 academic session on 24th January, 2020 when it held her matriculation ceremony for freshmen. While many Universities in Nigeria were still struggling with their admission process for the 2019/2020 academic session and others were yet to resume for 1st term of 2019/2020 session before the unplanned closure, AE-FUNAI had already concluded the first semester of the 2019/20 session on Saturday, 29th February, 2020 and academic activities were scheduled to resume for the second semester on Monday, 30th March, 2020 before the Covid-19 hiatus.

The commitment of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nwajiuba to the University academic calendar has been the magic wand. Since his assumption of office in 2016, AE-FUNAI has maintained her academic calendar, resuming for new sessions in October of every year and concluding in July of the next year. This has ensured that students graduate on schedule and are mobilized for the National Youth Service Corp programme in the year of their graduation.

While staff and students were away due to the lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, the University was turned into a massive construction site. Ongoing projects that are nearing completion include: Faculty of Education buildings, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences buildings, new senate building, 2nd phase of the College of Medicine building, 2nd phase of Postgraduate School building, Arts Theater, Igbo centre building, water project and inter campus link road and many others are still springing up at different areas of the campus. The Vice-Chancellor, who had vowed never to rest on his oars until the last day of his stewardship, has in spite of the lockdown, been coming to work, traversing every length and breadth of the campus, and monitoring on-going projects in the University. This is to ensure that contractors meet up with the scheduled time for projects completion and more importantly, to ensure that quality is not compromised.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cv44x.jpg
Newly completed Faculty of Law building inaugurated by the VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba on Monday, 27th July, 2020
Due to this single-mindedness of purpose, the University presently is wearing new look with many newly completed and soon-to-be-completed projects on campus. In fact, on Monday, 27th July, 2020, the Vice-Chancellor in company of other members of the University Management inaugurated a new building for the Faculty of Law. Other completed projects include the University demonstration school, which students in the Faculty of Education will use for their teaching practice. A bridge has also been completed, linking the back gate to Zone B part of the campus and walk-ways completed around the Faculty of Science, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Employability and NEEDS Assessment building. With this litany of new projects, staff and students will surely be in awe on resumption of work and academic activities because of the massive improvement in the environment

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cv5x.jpg
One of the many newly-completed walk-ways around the campus
As the lockdown continued, the Vice-Chancellor also took time to visit the General Hospital, Ebouwana, Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, to access the spate of work. The hospital is one of the Centres approved for the community medicine of the University’s MBBS programme. All these activities were geared towards ensuring that the University hit the ground running immediately the Federal Government lifts embargo on school resumption.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cv6x.jpg
VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba (6th R) in a group photograph with stakeholders of Ebouwana community during his visit to the General Hospital Ebouwana approved as one of the hospitals for community medicine for the students of the University MBBS programme
Being an environmentalist and one of the negotiators for Nigeria on climate change, Prof. Nwajiuba has continued to implement his vision of ensuring that AE-FUNAI becomes one of the most beautiful and eco-friendly Universities in Nigeria by leading the charge on a yearly tree planting campaign in the University where over 20,500 trees and flowers have been planted in the past 4 years. To maintain this yearly university tradition, the Vice-Chancellor led other members of Management to plant some tress on Monday, 27th July, 2020 at the back gate. His goal of making AE-FUNAI a University in a garden is gradually coming to fruition, with different shades of trees planted in different parts of the campus growing to maturity.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cv7x.jpg
VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba (1st R and clapping) monitoring the 2020 tree planting campaign in the University
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cv8x.jpg
VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba picking one of the flowers planted along the walk-way to the convocation arena

AE-FUNAI VIGOROUSLY WORKING TO KEEP THE ‘CAMPUS IN A GARDEN’ VISION ALIVE
University Special Guests Plant Trees.
Pursuant to the vision of the Vice- Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu- Alike Ebonyi State, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, to transform the University to ‘Campus in a Garden’, special guests to the University and stake-holders who visited to identify with the vision, were yesterday, August 4, 2020, hosted by VC and other officers of the institution at the Vice- Chancellor’s Conference Room. The guests were in the University campus to mainly participate in and support the Go- Green Initiative tree planting towards realization of the vision.

Deputy Vice- Chancellor(Administration), Prof Philip Omoke who facilitated the courtesy visit formerly introduced the visitors numbering six, from different organisations and standing, to the VC and other University officers present. The August visitors included Mr. Sunday Nwambam, Chairman, Global Oil and Gas, Mr. Pius Nwankwo,Director, Native Kitchen,Mr. Christian Ezunu of NNPC, Arc Aloysius Nwalozie, Project Manager, TETFund, Surv. N.D Garba and Mr. Obi Aio, Executive Director, Royal Salt.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/tr1.jpg
VC, PROF NWAJIUBA LEADING THE GUESTS TO THE TREE PLANTING ARENA
Elated Prof Nwajiuba thanked Prof Omoke for all the support and cooperation he has shown since 2016 when he (Nwajiuba) assumed office as VC, especially for bringing the calibre of guests to support the University. He expressed profound gratitude to the visitors for coming to be part of the University’s tree planting and Go- Green Initiative and for their kind words of encouragement and demonstration of love, stressing that by the gesture, they have become part of history of the ‘most serious’ public University in Nigeria.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/tr2.jpg
AE-FUNAI TRANSFORMING TO ‘CAMPUS IN A GARDEN’
Prof Nwajiuba further made bold to announce to the August visitors that “ we are building a University of our era…we are planting for posterity. For us to achieve this vision, all hands must be on deck”. VC charged the Co-ordinator, AE-FUNAI Green Initiative, Mr. Ifeanyi Chukwu to ensure that the trees so planted are properly branded and appropriately placed in the records and further requested him to do all he can to facilitate the planting of all available seedlings to achieve the 3000 trees target for the year, before the end of rains.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/tr3.jpg
MR. SUNDAY NWAMBAM TAKING THE FIRST SHOT
The guests took turns to appreciate VC for his visionary leadership, unparalleled record of success in infrastructural development and mission to build AE- FUNAI to the University of the future and prayed that the University will continue to grow as the trees they planted grow, pledging their commitment to continue to be part of the success story of the young and fast growing University.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/tr4.jpg
MR. PIUS NWANKWO PLANTING
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/tr5.jpg
MR. CHRISTIAN EZUNU PLANTING A TREE
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/tr7.jpg
SURVEYOR N.D GARBA PLANTING
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/aloys.jpg
ARC. ALOYSIUS NWALOZIE TAKING HIS TURN
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/tr88.jpg
SEEDLINGS READY FOR PLANTING
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/tr9.jpg
VC (3RD left) and DVC (2ND right) in group photo with the guests

On Tuesday, August 4, 2020, the Acting President, Students’ Union Government of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Comrade Obinna Okoye and other SUG Executives were led by Dr. Otu Otu Akani, Dean Students’ Affairs, to pay homage to Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba in marking his 56th birthday celebration and present gift to him as expression of good wishes and love, on behalf of the students of the University.

While receiving them at VC’s Conference Room, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba appreciated the Dean, Students Affairs, and the Acting President and his team for their kind gesture and expression of love.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/clock1.jpg
VC, Prof Receiving gift for SUG President
https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/clock2.jpg
Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba encouraging and blessing SUG President to the admiration of Dr Otu Akani (DAS)

AE- FUNAI Management and Corporate Friends Celebrate VC at 56
Commissions Faculty of Law Building.
Two corporate friends of the University, TENECE, ICT Service provider and Native Kitchen, a major restaurant based at Abakaliki, took advantage of the expanded management meeting of the University on Monday 27th July, 2020, to celebrate the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, who turned 56 on Monday 20th July, 2020.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/vc1xx.jpg
VC, Prof. Nwajiuba addressing management team at the meeting
The duo presented birthday cakes and refreshment to the joy of the Vice-Chancellor and the University officers present at the meeting, with strict adherence to COVID-19 safety Precautions. Prayers and spirit filled songs were rendered in wishing Prof. Nwajiuba God’s blessings and many more fruitful years ahead. VC thanked God for keeping him alive and appreciated the donors and the University officers for all the support and prayers.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/vc2xx.jpg
Prof. Nwajiuba cutting the birthday cakes
As part of activities marking his 56th birthday, Prof. Nwajiuba, accompanied by the management team after the meeting, commissioned the Faculty of Law building, to the admiration of staff present at the event. In his remarks, Prof. Nwajiuba narrated how the University came about achieving the building in a short space of 8 months, which for him is result achieved. He expressed gratitude to God and all those who contributed in no small measures to realising the dream, especially Prof. Smart Otu, Dean of the Faculty. While handing over the building after the commissioning, VC charged the Dean and his team to ensure that the building and the available facilities therein are put into proper use, to uphold the ‘serious’ standing of the University. Prof Otu thanked the University management for providing such facility for the faculty and stated his commitment to taking the faculty to the next level.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/vc3xx.jpg
VC addressing staff at the commissioning
Afterwards, Prof. Nwajiuba led the officers to plant trees around the University Anti-Cult arena, Zone A, in keeping with the University Go-Green Initiative towards realising the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of transforming AE-FUNAI to Campus in a Garden.

Earlier, Ag Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Dr. C. Ezeah led heads of the various departments and other officers of the faculty to plant 212 tree seedlings, comprising fruits and shed trees around the faculty building, in support of the Go-Green Initiative.

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/vc8xx.jpg
Registra, Mrs Odisa Okeke planting a tree

https://funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/vc4xx.jpg

ADVERTISEMENT FOR 2020/2021 ACADEMIC SESSION POST UTME/DIRECT ENTRY SCREENING
This is to inform the general public that registration for the Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (P-UTME)/Direct Entry Screening of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, shall commence on 13th July, 2020 and end on 31st August , 2020.
Interested candidates who must have scored 180 and above in the 2020 JAMB UTME and who made Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State their first choice institution are hereby informed that the 2020 Post -UTME Screening shall be in a dedicated calibrated format devoid of any physical testing or examination in order not to expose the candidates to Covid-19. In addition, prospective candidates who did not choose AE-FUNAI as their first choice institution and wish to study in AE-FUNAI are eligible to apply for the screening. However, such candidates must effect Change of Institution/Course to AE-FUNAI on the JAMB Portal on or before the closing date of 31st August, 2020. Candidates for the MBBS programme should note that the minimum UTME screening score is 200.
The following are programmes offered in the Institution for the 2020/2021 Academic Session.

COLLEGE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
FACULTY OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES
1. Anatomy
2. Physiology
3. Medicine and Surgery

FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE
1. Agriculture (Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, Crop Science, Soil Science)
2. Fisheries and Aquaculture

FACULTY OF EDUCATION
1. Education Agricultural Science
2. Education Biology
3. Education Business
4. Education Chemistry
5. Education English and Literary Studies
6. Education Guidance &Counseling
7. Education Management
8. Education Mathematics
9. Education Physical and Health
10. Education Physics

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Chemical Engineering
2. Civil Engineering
3. Electrical/Electronic Engineering
4. Mechanical Engineering
5. Mechatronics Engineering

FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
1. Architecture
2. Geography

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
1. English and Literary Studies
2. Fine and Applied Arts
3. French
4. History and Strategic Studies
5. Igbo
6. Linguistics(Igbo)
7. Linguistics (French)
8. Linguistics (English)
9. Music
10. Philosophy
11. Religion
12. Theatre Arts

FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL SCIENCES 1. Accountancy
2. Banking and Finance
3. Business Administration
4. Criminology and Security Studies
5. Economics
6. Mass Communication
7. Political Science
8. Psychology
9. Sociology

FACULTY OF LAW
LAW

FACULTY OF SCIENCE
1. Biochemistry
2. Biology
3. Biotechnology
4. Chemistry
5. Computer Science
6. Geology
7. Geophysics
8. Mathematics
9. Microbiology
10. Physics
11. Statistics

Please note that candidates are encouraged to visit www.funai.edu.ng for additional information regarding programmes with substantial vacancies. Candidates shall not be allowed to change programmes after the deadline, 31st August, 2020.

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 UTME Admission 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.

For support:
E-mail: info@funai.edu.ng
Hotlines: 08139833300

For support:
E-mail:info@funai.edu.ng
Hotlines: 07066988253, 08170899288

Signed:
Odisa C. Okeke (Mrs.)
Registrar

It is yet another landmark achievement as Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, 3D Research and Training Centre has successfully deployed its new 3D research assets and expertise towards the production of masterwork 3D facemasks as commitment and contribution towards the prevention of the Coronavirus pandemic in Ebonyi State and Nigeria.

https://www.funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ma1xx.jpg
Coordinator, Ms. Nnodi presenting AE-FUNAI made 3D facemask to VC, Prof. Nwajiuba

As soon as COVID19 set in and was declared a pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO), and in response to the clarion call for actions on prevention of the virus disease during the national press conference of March 13, 2020 on COVID19 hosted at the University Campus by the Vice- Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, the 3D Research team at the AE-FUNAI/IMAPS Research Station, under the able leadership of Ms. Chiaka Adaure Nnodi, as Coordinator of the Centre swung into action to explore the solutions the 3D printer could proffer in the global crises, applying its addictive technology.

Describing the process as interesting, especially “as we are still on the learning curve”, the Coordinator and her team embarked on the project vigorously, with every commitment to achieve result. Following all details, first producing design for the 3D mask at the research laboratory and finally the state- of- the art AE-FUNAI brand 3D Face Mask, despite the initial challenges.

https://www.funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ma2xx.jpg
The 3D Mask Design on Display

AE-FUNAI/IMAPS Research and Training Centre, an initiative of Ms Chiaka Nnodi of the Fine and Applied Arts department, was established when VC, Prof Nwajiuba, on the 6th of April, 2018, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Steinbeis Institute for Material Applications and 3D Solutions (IMAPS).

https://www.funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ma3xx.jpg
The 3D Printer at the AE-FUNAI/IPMAPS Station

In his rationale for the establishment of the centre and the collaboration, Prof Nwajiuba affirmed that as we are in the era of 3D printing (Industry 4.0) and rapid industrial development, AE-FUNAI has to be a part of that process, asserting that ” we are training people that will operate at the global level”. The 3D printing or additive technology has been said to have so much great potential in the Medical, Engineering, Manufacturing, Fine and Applied Arts(Museums) and other relevant fields.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Nwajiuba has challenged the 3D Research Team, to try producing a prototype ventilator and the team has enthusiastically taken up the challenge and presently working on production of dental examination tools and will soon churn out samples.

It is worthy of note that the Centre has recently developed social media platforms that will showcase activities of the Centre online, and could be used for online training on 3D technology in the light of the present COVID19 challenges. This will make the centre accessible from anywhere in the world, through the links.


In her words of appreciation, Ms. Chiaka Nnodi, Coordinator of the Centre, made bold to state that the young but fast growing AE-FUNAI is fast becoming the driving engine of the 3D printing technology in the South East, and so a whole lot of interesting things will begin to happen at the Centre and University in terms of training, research and partnership. She attributed the success story to the visionary and development oriented leadership of Prof Chinedu Nwajiuba, as VC of the highly reputable institution.

Promotes Quality and Inspiring Teaching from the Global Perspective.


Occasioned by the desirable fruits of Franco- AE-FUNAI educational agreement signed in 2017, designed to offer placement to the University staff to pursue masters and doctoral degree programmes in top universities in France, Centre for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning(CETeL) in collaboration with French Centre, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, recently held a one-day Teachers’ Talk Forum at the University NEEDS Assessment Building, towards showcasing the success of the educational agreement.

https://www.funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ce1x-1.jpg
Dr. Mrs Chinyere Nwajiuba making opening remarks

Four staff beneficiaries namely; Engr Stanley Obinikpa, Engr Uchenna Nwokenkwo, Mrs Ginika Udeh and Barr. Victoria Ogbusu shared their academic experiences with members of staff across faculties in AE-FUNAI in line with the essence of the forum which was to promote good and inspiring teaching from the global perspective, to enhance students learning experiences in AE-FUNAI.



The Forum was declared open by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, who was ably represented by Dr. Mrs. Chinyere Augusta Nwajiuba, Ag. Director,Centre for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETeL). The vice-Chancellor emphasized that the Forum was in keeping with the mandate of embracing the latest advances in pedagogy across the globe and creating positive transformative learning experience for students in the context of Higher Education. Dr Mrs Nwajiuba welcomed the Guest Speaker, Professor Cresantus Biamba, a Professor in Education at the University of Galve, Sweden and a Visiting Professor in AE-FUNAI Faculty of Education.

https://www.funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ce2x-1.jpg
Prof. Cresantus Biamba presenting keynote speech

While making his presentation, Prof. Biamba shared his experiences on Promoting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students through Internationalization. He explored the relevance of internationalization to the curricula and perception of its influence on teaching and learning within disciplines. In the light of the discussions, lecturers in AE-FUNAI were urged to deploy variety of lecture, assessment and feedback methods. Emphasis was laid on the fact that lectures should be highly interactive and examination questions made more practical rather than theoretical to encourage critical thinking and analysis by students. The use of ICT in teaching and learning and proper timetabling of lectures were encouraged while use of over 3 to 5 years recycled lecture notes without update with recent research findings and information to teach students was discouraged.

https://www.funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ce3x-1.jpg
Prof. Nnenna Nwosu-Nworuh making remarks

Professor Nnenna Nwosu-Nworuh,Director, French Centre and Co- host, in her remarks, commended the AE-FUNAI academic staff who completed their studies and returned to give back to the University. She applauded the Vice-Chancellor for supporting the programme which currently has over 41 staff of the University in top universities in France for various postgraduate programmes. She further advised that Dean, Students’ Affairs should ensure that CETeL and Lecturers are present at students’ orientation on a theme focused on students learning.

https://www.funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ce4x-1.jpg
(3rd -6th L) Dr. Mrs. Nwajiuba, Profs Nwosu-Nworuh, Biamba and Ezea with the Franco-AEFUNAI staff beneficiaries

Present at the forum were Prof Chukwunonso Ejike,Director, Academic planning unit, Prof Smart Otu, Dean, Faculty of Law, Dr Lawrence Ogugua, Director, Quality Assurance and Data Base Management (the raportuer of the event), Prof Rosemary Igbo, Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof Ezeah, Director, Internationalization and other teaching staff from all the faculties in AE-FUNAI.

https://www.funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ce5x-1.jpg
Keynote Speaker with Hosts, Organisers and Participants

In her vote of thanks, Dr. Mrs. Chinyere Nwajiuba highly commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba for the Franco – AE-FUNAI vision and accomplishments. She also appreciated Professor Nnenna Nwosu-Nworah for facilitating the processes as well as ensuring the comfort of the University staff in France. The Ag. Director thanked her CETeL team, ably led by Dr Rowland Uwakwe, for their support and the FRANCO-AE-FUNAI staff for joining in the discourse. The Guest Speaker, Professor Cresantus Biamba, was highly appreciated for the erudite and scholarly keynote lecture he delivered.

COUNSELING UNIT TAKES-OFF AT CENTRE FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
The Guidance and Counselling Unit of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi state, recently organized a one day seminar for Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) and Pre-Degree students at the Centre for Educational Services (CES). This is coming immediately after the approval of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba, for a formal and effective commencement of Guidance and Counselling activities at the centre.

https://www.funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COU1X.jpg
Prof. Dr. Johnny Ogunji making presentation

https://www.funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COU2X.jpg
Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Nwudu, addressing the students

The focal person of the Counselling Unit, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Nwudu, while delivering her lecture, titled Good Study Habit, enjoined the students to develop good study plans in order to meet the academic demands of the University and be independent of issues associated with lack of planning. She stressed the need for good study habit that will lead to acquisition of abundant knowledge within a short space of time, emphasizing that students with good study habit can independently pass their examinations and be reliable in future, standing in a position to defend their profession anywhere.

Dr. Nwudu added that regular class attendance, active participation during class work and formation of study groups among others are the tips for academic success.

https://www.funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COU3X.jpg
Mr. Ama Omaha, making presentation

Speaking on the Topic, Anxiety and Stress Management, the Assistant Registrar/Secretary, Centre for Educational Services, Mr. Ama Omaha, described anxiety as fear of the unknown, a disturbance caused by uncertainty which can lead to health challenges and death. He encouraged the students to do everything they can to extinguish anxiety. Mr Omaha stressed that anxiety and pressure have the tendency of retarding comprehension and retention of knowledge. He enjoined the students to shun bad associations and habits that can lead to poor performance.

Earlier, the Director, Centre for Educational Services, Prof. Dr. Johnny Ogunji congratulated the counselling team for a smooth take-off and expressed satisfaction on the content of the counselling schedule for the semester as presented by the Counselling Unit.
https://www.funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COU4X.jpg
Cross section of students at the seminar
https://www.funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cou5x.jpg
Cross section of participants listening with keen interest

AE-FUNAI RECIEVES 100 BAGS OF CEMENT FROM A PHILANTHROPIST
A philanthropic business mogul and Managing Director of F. A Onyeasoziri Trading Company, from Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Mr.Francis Ukpa Agwu, who was accompanied by his friends, Comrade Nwafor Joshua and Mr Onyemerela Chinedu, on Friday, 13th March, 2020, visited the Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, to show solidarity and support to the University Management for the ongoing rapid infrastructural development in the University with the donation of 100 bags of cement.

https://www.funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/CEM1X.jpg
Prof Nwajiuba (L) in group photograph with the Donor and Friends

Receiving the donor, Prince Ukpa Agwu and his friends in his office, Prof Nwajiuba appreciated him for such kind gesture and prayed for God’s abundant blessing and enrichment upon them and the work of their hands, while encouraging other business executives and stakeholders in the state and beyond to emulate the footsteps of donors to the University and keep supporting the young but most serious University in Nigeria, to keep growing.

https://www.funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/CEM2X-1.jpg
Prof. Nwajiuba (L), appreciating the donor

HAPPENING TODAY at the National Science, Technology and Innovation Expo 2020, taking place at Eagles Square FCT ,Abuja.

Vice Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ebonyi State, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba with his team at the University Stand.

The event opened today 16th March and will last till 20th March, 2020.
Watch out for updates.
PRO
https://www.funai.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ABJ1.jpg