₦airaland Forum

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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(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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
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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.

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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?

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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.

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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”

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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.

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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.

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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’.

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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.

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VC, PROF CHINEDUM UZOMA NWAJIUBA INSPECTING THE TREES PLANTED IN THE UPCOMING “ CAMPUS IN A GARDEN”
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Dr. Onwe Ogah (CMD) signing the MoU
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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’’.

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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,

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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.

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Prof Nwajiuba (centre) and Dr Ogah, Prof Elom, Mrs Odisa Okeke Prof Ezeonu and other officers


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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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(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.
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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.

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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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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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.
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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.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba (1st R and clapping) monitoring the 2020 tree planting campaign in the University
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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MR. PIUS NWANKWO PLANTING
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MR. CHRISTIAN EZUNU PLANTING A TREE
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SURVEYOR N.D GARBA PLANTING
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ARC. ALOYSIUS NWALOZIE TAKING HIS TURN
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SEEDLINGS READY FOR PLANTING
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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.

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VC, Prof Receiving gift for SUG President
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Registra, Mrs Odisa Okeke planting a tree

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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(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.

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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.

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Prof. Dr. Johnny Ogunji making presentation

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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.

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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.
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Cross section of students at the seminar
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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.

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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.

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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
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Conducts training on Econometrics Analysis
The Centre for Entrepreneurship and Employability (CEE), Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, recently awarded fourth year students of Economics, Accounting, Banking and Finance and Business Administration, certificates of accomplishment, having undergone entrepreneurship training in Econometrics Analysis at the Centre. Sixty seven (67) students benefited from the special training and award.

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Dr. Makuachukwu Ojide making opening remarks

In his introductory speech at the event, which took place at the Centre’s Conference Hall, Ag. Director of the Centre, Dr. Makuachukwu Ojide, informed the students that the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba has given mandate to the Centre to promote entrepreneurship and employability among students and members of the host community, iterating that employability has a lot to do with skills acquisition, as people are employed based on the skills they possess. He revealed to the students that the training was to expose them on the basics of Econometrics Analysis, which fundamentally deals on software, like, EVIEW, STATA and SPSS and that the certificates awarded to them was to prove that they have skills in the specific subject, to enhance their employability after school. Dr Ojide encouraged students to go further to enhance their skills in the programme, through reading and research, stating that the training has introduced them adequately to the programme.

The Director further advised the trainees not to take the training for granted, despite that it was free, as well as the certificates awarded to them, which was made possible by the generous contributions of staff of the Centre, adding that, he wants students to testify that CEE AE-FUNAI added value to their lives.

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Barr. Adekola Ayoade addressing participants

Addressing the students, Head of Administration, Barr. Adekola Ayoade, pointed out that ‘’when a student possesses special skills, the labour market will look for you’’ and wished them well in their future endeavours.

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Dr. Lasbrey Anochiwa talking to the students

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Samuel Okenna Victor making vote of thanks.

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Blessing Onyemaechi Ejike making vote of thanks.

Dr. Lasbrey Anochiwa, HOD, Economics, who was present at the event, expressed delight for the opportunity to witness such training for students and appreciated Ag. Director of the Centre, Dr. Ojide, for organizing such essential training for AE-FUNAI students. He noted that the training is to prepare them well to face the obvious future challenges in the labour market, highlighting that what will make the difference for the students is in the extra effort they would put in applying what they have learnt and prayed that God will help them do that.

Mr. Samuel Okenna Victor and Blessing Onyemaechi Ejike, both of Department of Accounting, who spoke on behalf of other students, thanked the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba for establishing the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Employability, enthusing that one rarely sees a University in Nigeria today that is so dedicated to training students, like is done in AE-FUNAI. The spoke persons also appreciated the Ag. Director of the Centre and organizers of the programme for a job well done.

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Presentation of Certificates


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Dr. Ojide and other University officers and the students

2019/2020 LAW Post UTME Screening Resulthttps://www.funai.edu.ng/news/2019-2020-law-post-utme-screening-result/
We hereby inform all candidates who sat for the just concluded AE-FUNAI 2019/2020 LAw Post-UTME Screening that the results are out.

Candidates can check their results on the university website .

Thank you.

PRO.

Wednesday 26th February, 2020, Ash Wednesday, was very special for Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, as the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba held a special spiritual driven celebration of his 4th year in office with the women of the University exclusively, enjoining them to pray fervently for whoever would take over from him as Vice-Chancellor.

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VC, Prof Nwajiuba addressing AE-FUNAI Women

Prof. Nwajiuba, who became Vice-Chancellor of the University on 26th February, 2016, disclosed to the women at the University Main Auditorium, venue of the event that “I called you for us to pray for our University. Today is 26th February, 2020. Exactly four years ago, God made it possible for me to step in as the Vice-Chancellor of this University”, reminding them that he was told that before his coming on board, women of AE-FUNAI, five years ago, prayed for the right Vice-Chancellor to come and that he has been told by many of that, God answered their prayers. He therefore urged them to start praying for the next Vice-Chancellor, who will take over from him, trusting that God will harken again to the cry and prayers of women as exemplified in the story of Mary Magdalene, in the book of John 20:11-18, the only scripture reading of the day, taken by Dr. Mrs Chinyere Nwajiuba, President of AE-FUNAI Women Association.

Prof. Nwajiuba told the women that the process for choosing a new VC to take over will start sometime this year, when his tenure ends in February, 2021, he trusts in the power of God since he has no power of his own, stating unequivocally that AE-FUNAI is a divine project and all the good things on ground, from infrastructure and human resources development, academic excellence, cordial community relationship to everything that happen here, is divine.

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Cross section of AE-FUNAI Women with Dr. Mrs Nwajiuba (L) and Mrs Odisa Okeke(R) sitting in front

Elucidating the consequences of getting a new Vice-Chancellor that is not God’s choice, Prof. Nwajiuba noted that persistent prayers by the women, is the key to having a VC that will make them happy. “Let us start that prayer and I give that back to the women. The meeting was spiritually enriched with sessions of prayer led by Dr. Tine Nwaeze, and rendition of praise and worship songs.

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Prayer, Praise and Worship session

The Vice-Chancellor expressed his abhorrence for sycophancy, nothing, according to Duncan in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, that “There is no art to find the mind’s construction on the face…” As he would always say, Prof. Nwajiuba concluded in these words| ‘‘I have raised the flag, that is my responsibility to do, but having raised the flag, it shall be your duty to keep the flag flying”. He pledged in keeping with the parable of the talents to continue to work with the same zeal and passion for the development of the university till his last day in office, conscious of the fact, that at the end we shall account to God, who has given this opportunity.

President of AE-FUNAIWA, Dr. Mrs. Chinyere Nwajiuba, affirmed to the Vice Chancellor that the women have been praying for the sitting Vice-Chancellor and will continue to pray for the will of God to manifest in the choice of the next VC for the young but fast growing University. The Registrar, Mrs. Odisa Okeke, gave the vote of thanks.

2ND DAY AND FIRST MONDAY OF MARCH, 2020
Another native dress day

See how colourful, beautiful, bold, original, proud and happy we are at work

Thank God, is another first Monday of the month at AE-FUNAI.
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AE-FUNAI GRADUATE MAKES RECORD, DELIVERS 5 NYSC COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS IN 5 MONTHS TO MEET 2030 SDGs.
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Mr Samuel Dike Omaka, (KW/19A/1928), a 2018 graduate of Computer Science at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike,Ebonyi state, who served in Kwara state, for the NYSC programme made record for championing 5 landmark Community Development Service projects in his state of service within 5 months during his service year which was a major breakthrough for some communities forgotten in the rural areas.

With the zeal of meeting the 2030 targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, Samuel Dike led World Suicide Prevention Day Campaign/Conference/Rally in Kwara state, which saved lives and hit national newspaper and local radio stations, sensitized over 1200 students on SDGs across 4 secondary schools in Edu LGA, Kwara, provided school uniforms to indigent pupils and pair of a dozen classroom chairs to LGEA Primary School Ndeji, Edu LGA, in a bit to lift pupils from writing on the floor and provided Sabongeri-Ndeji a borehole within a month.

Under the mentorship of Enene Akonjom Foundation, he was able to meet up with his targets before the end of his service year. The AE-FUNAI graduate dedicated the first 5 months of his service year preparing, planning, strategizing and carried out needs assessment in Edu LGA. Haven drawn up his over 9 community development driven plans, he strived to achieve results believing that giving up was like giving up the hope of many communities in Edu LGA.

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World Suicide Prevention Day Campaign/Conference and Rally which took place at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development on September 10th, 2019 was his first project and it was made possible through networking with over 18 organizations in Kwara State. With an unquenchable zeal to deliver on his well crafted agenda, Mr. Dike Omaka approached government and private organizations seeking for partnership, with enviable results to the extent that all resources and funds needed were contributed from different organizations, most of whom were people readily committed to the cause of suicide prevention. Suicide and Depression Awareness Foundation (SADAF) for instance partnered with Dike Omaka linking him to relevant sources for his requirements.

He also had UNILORIN students with burning zeal for humanitarian services as volunteers on WhatsApp. At that point he could use the power of collaboration with energetic youths to achieve the global goals. The Nigerian Red Cross Society was of a great assistance with their volunteers, technical advice and resources. The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development Kwara State offered their hall for the conference. Linkage from volunteers gave Omaka and his team free airtime to use UNILORIN FM 89.3 MHz for suicide prevention sensitization. The outcome of the whole event was pushed to feature in the Guardian Newspaper, all for free with Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) giving professional and technical assistance to the team. We utilized Online and outdoor campaign including billboards and radio stations (Harmony Fm and UNILORIN Fm) were utilized to reach Kwara people and the environ, all for free.


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In April 2019, the then Corper came across a primary school in Edu (LGEA Primary School, Ndeji), where pupils sat on bare floor to learn and triggered with empathy for those children he pledged trusting that he could lift them from sitting on the floor to learn, therefore began to seek support from NGOs who could assist in giving children more quality education.
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The advocacy was coupled with the provision of school uniforms to 15 indigent pupils in same school who could not have access to proper dressing. Enene Akonjom Foundation and Leave Impact for Eternity (LIFE) Foundation made donations leading to the construction of pair of dozen classroom chairs and 15 school uniforms at minimal costs for the chairs due to the mutual collaboration with the Community Timber Association supplied wood at 50% discount.

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October 2019, Mr Omaka set out to sensitize over 1200 students across 4 secondary schools in Edu LGA, on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Teaching the SDGs in secondary schools was a major target to raise the next generation social change-makers, who do not see problems from the perspective of government’s failure but as a global challenge that needs collaborative actions to make the world a better place to be.

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December 2019, he volunteered for the SDG Family Activation (World Largest Lesson) anchored by DEAN Initiative, to extend the SDG sensitization to a community in Edu LGA called Sabongeri-Ndeji. The outcome of the sensitization exposed the only source of drinking water which was bad and pitiable. The community pleaded with him to save them from the health danger they face with the water.


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Omaka quickly took snapshots of the situation in NYSC uniform and uploaded to twitter (@sam_unleash) seeking for intervention, taking it upon him to advocate for them which resulted in the collaboration with Mr Kehinde Akinsola, the Coordinator, World Largest Lesson Kwara Chapter and we formulated the #ConstructSabongeriWater twitter hashtag. The campaign officially kicked off January 1st, 2020 with the support of the Kwara State SDG Activators Team and a separate WhatsApp group of volunteers dedicated for the cause. Omaka’s responsibility was to compose daily advocacy tweet while the team made it viral. The viral campaign came across the path of many government organizations and NGOs as well as International organizations whose cause is about water. Next Blue Stories, an international storytelling platform about water followed the campaign update and sent a private message tagging the campaign an inspiring one and requested the inspiring story behind it published on their international storytelling platform. The campaign terminated on the 23rd day of January, marking 23 days of consistency. The #BuildAWell #FixABorehole #WaterTheNeedy twitter team intervened. Within 7 days, construction of a manual borehole was completed on the site and from 30th January, Sabongeri-Ndeji had access to clean water for the first time in the existence of the community.


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According to Mr.Samuel Dike Omaka, worthy ambassador of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State and a true patriot of this generation, the actualization of these projects tells how collaboration and networking with people (especially youths) of like-minds can be of great support for local actions towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. He challenged and as well encouraged all Corps members to live up to the tenets of their service to our fatherland through implementation of community development service projects and meet up with the main objective of the National Youth Service Corps scheme.

The Vice Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, on Wednesday 26th February, 2020 launched the first phase of allocation of stalls to traders, mainly members of the host community who had shops at the old mini market, which was removed to make way for the construction of the new Faculty of Management and Social Sciences and link road at the area. The University embarked on building a new ultra-modern market at a new site within the community, with water and electricity supply to accommodate the traders who were displaced due to the ongoing construction

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VC, addressing the AE-FUNAI Market Traders Association

The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied to the event which took place at the Old University Auditorium, Zone A by Director, Physical Planning, Works and Services, Dr. Iheanacho Ezeocha and some top University officers. Prof. Nwajiuba started by thanking AE-FUNAI Market Traders Association, for turning out en masse to witness the exercise which he was particularly present to lead. A total of 29 shop spaces were allocated to some of the market traders, who are mainly engaged in ICT and related businesses. VC directed that shops 1 and 2 be reserved for security personnel to enhance performance in their responsibilities of protecting lives and property in and around the market.

Prof. Nwajiuba asked those traders who were not given spaces at that first phase to exercise patience, as the allocation is o going and would get to every concerned person soon, promising to develop the market in a way it will suit them. He affirmed his earlier pledge to provide regular electricity, water supply and security and also to ensure the environment at the new market is clean enough for conducive atmosphere to carry on their business and advised them to constitute a committee that would work with the University Management to ensure quick and quality delivery.

The Chairman, AE-FUNAI Market Traders Association, Mr. Elom Nelson, commended the Vice- Chancellor, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, for his kind gesture and for giving them hope again when they thought all hope were lost after they were displaced from the former location and prayed that Almighty God will protect and guide him.

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VC and the traders during the allocation exercise

The Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu- Alike Ebonyi State, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba on 26th February, 2020 celebrated four years in office, this time with the female staff. Prof. Nwajiuba took over the mantle of leadership of the young University as 2nd substantive Vice-Chancellor on the 26th day of February, 2016, after Distinguished Prof. Oye Ibidapo- Obe, the pioneer VC.

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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba addressing AE-FUNAI Women

The special celebration which was held at the University Main Auditorium was specifically dedicated to the female staff of the University as they were exclusively invited to be in attendance . Speaking at the event, Prof. Nwajiuba thanked God immensely for granting him a successful four year in office and informed the women of AE-FUNAI that this day has been dedicated to them because, prior to his coming, he learnt that the women had prayed earnestly for a Vice-Chancellor who will lead them with the fear of God . He emphasized that women are dear to our Lord Jesus, as he showed Himself first to a woman after His resurrection, as recorded in the Holy Book. Prof. Nwajiuba told them that he has come to render account to them on his accomplishments as Vice- Chancellor of the University in the last four years, urging them to embark on prayers now his tenure is ending, so that another person with the fear of God succeeds him.

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Dr. Mrs Chinyere Nwajiuba making remarks

President, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Women Association ( AE-FUNAI WA ), Dr. Mrs Chinyere Nwajiuba in her speech, iterated that women were important to our Lord Jesus Christ, as she took the Bible reading for the occasion, taken from the Book of John, Chapter 20 Verse 11-18. She intimated the Vice-Chancellor that women of the University have started prayers every first Thursday of the month for the Vice-Chancellor and the University.

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Mr Ubochi making presentation on Prof. Nwajiuba’s achievements

Mr. Ikechukwu Ubochi, SA to the Vice-Chancellor on Documentation made presentation on the major projects accomplished by the Vice-Chancellor within his four years in office, including accreditation and approval of academic programmes, attainment of global visibility/ranking, academic expansion, increase in admission and employment of students and staff, several inaugural and public lectures, creation of new directorates and centres, introduction of AE-FUNAI Parents Forum, participation of the University in National Research Exhibitions, engaging in numerous partnership with international/ foreign countries, installation of steady solar power supply, planting of trees in the University ,transforming it to ‘’ A University in a Garden ‘’,innovative teaching and learning environment, better staff welfare, infrastructural development, establishment of University revenue generating businesses, establishment of Students Union Government, hosting of numerous international conferences and AGMs, establishment of numerous organizational culture and several on-going projects for 2020. He informed the women that the past four years of the Vice-Chancellor’s administration has been exceptional.

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Registrar, Odisa Okeke(Mrs) giving vote of thanks

While making vote of thanks, The University Registrar, Mrs. Odisa Okeke expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for honoring women of the University and dedicating his 4th anniversary in office to them, pointing out that the gesture has distinguished women of the University as important in the growth of the University. She highlighted the several positions where the Vice-Chancellor has honored women in office in the University, promising that the women will not disappoint him in delivering on their duties in his remaining days in office.

Mrs Okeke congratulated Prof. Nwajiuba, on behalf of AE-FUNAI Women, for a successful four years in office and promised that AE-FUNAI women will continue to pray that as he comes to the end of his tenure, a man with the fear of God like him will succeed him.

Prof. Nwajiuba reciprocated their kind words by once again thanking the women for celebrating with him, stating that they are wonderful and very hardworking, enthusing that the future of the young University is in the hands of the female members of the university and urged them not to relent in prayers for the growing University.

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Cross section of AE-FUNAI Women at the event

AIRACC PROJECT TEAM VISITS AE-FUNAI
Assess the feasibility of having a Fabrication Laboratory in the University
On February 24th and 25th, 2020, Maria-Laetitia Ceccaldi of the French Embassy in Nigeria and the Project Coordinator of AIRACC, French acronym for Research and Innovation in Adapting to Climate Change, and Antonin Devillers, a French Consultant, visited Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, on a field mission to assess the potential/ possibility of building a digital fabrication laboratory at AE-FUNAI.

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VC, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba addressing the guests

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VC, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba addressing the guests

While introducing the guests, the AE-FUNAI-AIRACC Project Team Lead and Head of Department of Agriculture, AE-FUNAI, Dr. Robert Onyeneke, who led the team on courtesy visit to the Vice- Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, revealed that AE-FUNAI is one of the seven Nigerian Universities participating in the Embassy of France (in Nigeria) funded AIRACC project. He stated that the aim of the project is to create the right environment for starting research collaboration between a few institutions, focusing on adaptation to climate change, and that the project specifically targets a new generation of scientists from collaborating institutions.

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DVC, Academic, Prof Elom Presenting kolanut to the University Guests

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Dr. Robert Onyeneke introducing the team

Dr. Onyeneke further said that the collaboration involves 5 early career researchers per institution drawn from different disciplines related to climate change, giving rise to 35 young scholars and that the project consists of three components; kick starting collaboration, which seeks to build capacity of young scholars in collaborative research, encourage short exchange of staff between France and Nigeria on project basis and federate cross-universities teams. Whereas the second, Encouraging Innovation; seeks to build capacity in innovation process and project management, finance best three projects, build a creativity-oriented environment (innovation centers and fac/fab labs) and add values to projects; the third is basically about Project Management.

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Marie-Laetitia Ceccaldi (Project Coordinator) Antonin Devillers (Consultant) at the event

The AE-FUNAI-AIRACC project team lead enthused that the project started in April 2019 and has achieved significant milestone. He pointed out that AIRACC sponsored some Nigerian young scholars to participate in Smart Energy Summer School at the University of Grenoble, France for a period six weeks (June to July, 2019). He further said the project approved three proposals from three different teams of young Nigerian scholars drawn from participating Universities for funding and two AE-FUNAI scholars, Mr Chukwuemeka Emenekwe and Mr. Emmanuel Etika, were members of the teams whose proposals were selected for funding and noted that the two AE-FUNAI academics would develop weather index based reference value for soybean and maize and also write a programme for designing an energy mix system, with the least carbon footprint.

Prof. Sunday Elom, DVC, Academic, who received the guests on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, told them that the University is ready to co-operate with them in order to achieve maximum results and wished them fruitful stay, adding that the University would provide everything needed to make sure their assignment in the University was successful.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Nnnenna Nwosu Nworu reiterated that AIRACC Project Coordinator, Marie –Laetitia Ceccaldi and Anton Devillers, Consultant were on a field mission to the young but most serious public University in Nigeria noting that the University has a long standing relationship with the Embassy and Government of France and that currently AE-FUNAI has 41 staff studying in France.

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Prof Nnenna Nwosu Nworuh speaking during the event

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University Guest at the Physics Laboratory

The team moved on to visit some Departments in the University, including Center for Climate Change and Development where Mrs, Ejike Alieji Adaeze took them to the meteorology station to see the available meteorological instruments and need for improvement. The team also visited the Faculty of Agriculture Laboratory, Physics/Geology /Geophysics Lab, Biology lab, Civil Engineering Lab, Chemical Engineering Lab, Mechatronics Lab, Electrical and Electronics Engineering Lab, Biology Lab and Chemistry/ Bio- Chemistry Lab, and the University Solar Plant.


In their exit remarks at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, where VC, Prof. Nwajiuba received them in person, the team thanked him for making available all that was needed for the outing to be a success and further said they were impressed so far with the giant strides of the Nwajiuba administration as VC of the fast growing University.

In his response, Prof Nwajiuba made bold to state that the University has strong relationship with the French Government through the help of Prof. Nnenna Nwosu-Nworu, urging all lecturers of the University to make research and training of students for the future, their priority, stressing that future generation should be better than the former. Prof. Nwajiuba noted that AE-FUNAI is a serious University and students of the University are willing to learn as he thanked his guests for coming and wished them well.

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The team at the Crop Science Laboratory

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Guest and some school officials at the Mechatronic Lab
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The Team at AE-FUNAI/IMAPS 3D Research Center with the Coordinator Chiaka Nnodi offering explanations

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Vc in group photograph with principal officers and University guests

AE-FUNAI CES DIRECTOR URGES LECTURERS TO ADOPT ON-LINE TECHNIQUE FOR PROCESSING OF RESULTS
The Director, Centre for Educational Services (CES), Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Professor Dr. Johnny Ogunji has charged the lecturers of the Centre to imbibe ‘’quality ‘’ as a tool for exceptional perfection in the discharge of their duties.


Prof. Ogunji stated this on Tuesday 25th February, 2020, while making presentation titled ‘Examination, Examination Malpractice and Quality Assurance’ during a one day training, organised for the lecturers of the Centre at the CES Auditorium. He noted that there is need to differentiate between external and internal Quality Assurance System as it is important for everyone to know the ethics and norms guiding the organization. The Director stressed that while external system imposes a mechanism of checking from outside the quality of service provided, internal systems on the other hand, are mechanisms established within an institution aimed at improving delivery of services.

Prof. Ogunji maintained that in as much as finance is a major constraint affecting quality, it is important that every staff should put their best as quality is key in proper management, adding that AE-FUNAI aspires to be a world Class University and the process to achieve it includes conduct of examination in a quality assured format. He enjoined the lecturers to administer standard examinations and discourage malpractice so that the quality of our products will be unmatched and our reputation will become high.

Mr. Handel Emezue, the WEB Master of the Centre, who took the lecturers on Online Result Processing, stressed that the benefit cannot be over emphasised. He iterated that the gains of the online application range from Faster result processing time, Elimination of ‘’certain’’ human errors, Ease of Score/Graph sheet, Tracking of result modification and Storage of result on the cloud, stating that more of a practical work is involved using internet enabled Laptop with the use of user name and password. Emezue assured the lecturers that he will always be available to assist in any area they find difficult.

Secretary of the Centre, Mr. Ama Omaha announced to the lecturers that lectures for the Second Semester will commence on Monday 2nd March, 2020 and as such they should work hard to prepare the pre-degree students for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board Examination that will hold from 17th March, 2020.

It is interesting to note that CES started registration of JUPEB students on Monday 24th February, 2020 for their external exams. According to Prof. Ogunji, about 245 students have already successfully completed the registration exercise.

Pursuant to achieving excellence in academics and attaining world class status, which the young but fast growing University aspires by every of its policy decisions and actions, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, has been consistent in the exposure of its staff and students to international programmes, by way of post-graduate studies, training, seminars, workshops, conferences, internship, excursions and other international engagements, under the watch of the visionary Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba.

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The AE-FUNAI students on arrival to France

Recently, the University’s French Centre, under the Directorship of Prof. Nnenna Nwosu-Nworuh, took three 300-level B.A French students of the University to France for Language Immersion (Year Abroad) Programme. This is coming when Nigerian Universities no longer consider sending students studying French to France. According to Prof. Nwosu-Nworuh, who personally accompanied the students on the trip, the purpose was to properly groom the students in French language and culture.

Prof. Nwosu-Nworuh applauded the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, for approving the trip, adding that students of AE-FUNAI were the only ones from West Africa, amongst other undergraduates from USA, Asia, Oceania and South America to be sent for such programme. She stated that the programme, which would last for 7 months, started with placement test which yielded positive results, as the students’ proficiency level matched the tested competences, for which they were commended, indicative of the fact that AE-FUNAI French Unit is doing a great job.

The students attending the programme in France are Emmanuel Daniel EZE, Samuel Enyinnaya NWORUH and Amarachi Daniella OKECHUKWU.

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(L-R)Emmanuel, Samuel and Amarachi

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(L-R)Emmanuel, Samuel and Amarachi

Students of the Faculty of Agriculture, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, recently embarked on a maiden agricultural extension village outreach, in meeting with the requirements for their 400 level course, Agricultural Extension Practice (AEE 403). The course which is designed to expose the fourth year students of Agriculture to real-time agricultural extension practices focuses on the importance of income diversification for the improvement of rural livelihoods and food security, with specific interest on all agronomic practices of cucumber as a way of increasing household income. The choice for Cucumber production as revealed by the team leader was as a result of the increasing demand for the product in the State as well as the requisite knowledge of the agronomic practices involved in producing the crop, which the students garnered in their earlier years in the university.

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The students sensitizing the villagers on their arrival for the programme

The team of staff and students led by Prof Mabel Dimelu, a Professor of Agricultural Extension on sabbatical in the University, visited Onyikwa, a nearby village to the University, where they first embarked on sensitization tour round the village after which the students used drama to educate the villagers on the health and income benefits of cucumber. They had two presentations; one of which focused on the need for the villagers to diversify their income by planting or engaging in different agricultural practices, and the second, on the agronomic practices of cucumber production. The farmers expressed joy for the visit by the staff and students of the University and look forward to more benefits from the Department and University. They expect to work with the University in solving some of their social, household and agricultural production challenges.

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Students inviting the villagers to the venue

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One of the village youth expressing his joy

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Students sharing sliced cucumber to the villagers

The Head of Department, Dr. Robert Onyeneke described the maiden village extension outreach of the Department of Agriculture, AE-FUNAI as a step in the right direction because it will raise hope for a new collaboration between the host communities and the University.

The students were accompanied to Onyikwa village for the extension outreach by the academic staff teaching the course, Prof. Mabel Dimelu, Mr Sikiru Ibrahim-Olesin and Mr Loveday Njoku, and the Acting Director Extension and Community Service of the University.

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Villagers listen with rapt attention

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Sensitization continues

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Students educating through drama

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Students educating through drama