₦airaland Forum

DIRECTOR FRENCH CENTRE PRESENTS ANOTHER FRANCO-AEFUNAI BENECIARY TO UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT
. Pledges to uphold University tenets.

Dr Mrs Nnenna Nwosu-Nworuh, Director, French Centre, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, and Co-ordinator of Franco –AEFUNAI Joint Scholarship, recently presented Mr. Stanley Chukwuebuka Obilikpa, yet another beneficiary of the scholarship scheme, to the Vice- Chancellor and other officers of the University.

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Dir. French Centre Dr. Nwosu-Nworuh addressing University Management

According to Dr. Nwosu- Nworuh, Mr. Kingsley Obilikpa has just returned from Universite Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), France, where he bagged a Master’s Degree (M.Engr) in Mechatronics Engineering with specialization in Control for Green Mechatronics. She further informed that Mr. Obilikpa was a Graduate Assistant in the Faculty of Engineering before proceeding to France in November 2017, to further his studies as beneficiary in the Franco- AE-FUNAI Collaboration.

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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba, receiving Mr. Obilikpa back on Campus

Receiving Mr. Obilikpa, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, who expressed dismay about his extended stay after conclusion of his studies, also admitted that he is proud to have him back after doing so well to uphold the prestige of our dear institution to the point where the Foreign University wants him and other colleagues studying in France to be retained. “Our plants are yielding fruits”, he stated.

Prof. Nwajiuba while addressing those present frowned at what he referred to as a “generational problem” which is the inability to keep to agreement among youth of today, stating that it is an act of indiscipline to disregard an agreement. VC advised that those fortunate enough to benefit from the scholarship scheme should do well to respect the agreement. He further announced that the University Management would be ready to support them to Ph.D. studies and be part of their success story. ‘’We must do the right thing’’, he reiterated, warning that any of them who fails to keep to the agreement and stays longer than necessary or refuses to return at all, would be frowned at and sanctioned accordingly. He wished Mr. Obilikpa the best and encouraged him to give back to the University by imparting his students sufficiently with the knowledge he has acquired.

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VC with Mr. Obilikpa, Mr. Onwumere F.U (L), Representing the Registrar and Dr. Nwosu-Nworuh (R)

While sharing his experiences out there in France, an elated Kingsley Obilikpa narrated how he was taught by world class lecturers who were so committed to applying the best techniques in their teaching. He said he had opportunity to spend six-months, from March 14th to September 17th 2019, at Laboratory for Dynamics and Control of Nanosystems (LDCN), University of Texas Dallas, one of the best laboratories in USA, for his laboratory wg.ork.

Obilipka thanked VC and University Management for the opportunity, stating that the last two years of studies in France and USA were great and in fact the biggest period of his life and career. He specially appreciated Dr. Mrs Nnenna Nwosu-Nworuh for all her commitment to ensuring that they had a successful stay in France. He pledged to apply the knowledge he has acquired to impart on the students as much as possible and to also make the University proud by upholding the principle of Excellence and Integrity of the young University.

Decries the escalating insecurity in the Sub- Sahara Africa.
University French Teachers Association of Nigeria (UFTAN), on 14th October, 2019, commenced her 22nd Annual Conference /Annual General Meeting at Alex- Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, with focus on Regional Security in Sub-Sahara Africa and Role of French Language.

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VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, addressing officials of UFTAN.

President of UFTAN, Prof. Austin Moye, at the courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, at VC’s Conference Room, appreciated VC for receiving the association and approving the hosting of their 22nd Conference/AGM at AE-FUNAI. He applauded him and the University Management for the visible transformation going on in the university, which he said was happening as a result of the visionary leadership Prof. Nwajiuba is driving. He mentioned that the annual conference would focus on the positive role French language and its teachers can play, to ensure effectiveness in learning the language and applying it as tool for restoring peace in our sub-Region.

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Prof. Austin Moye, President of UFTAN making his presentation at the Conference.

Prof. Moye, further said that they (UFTAN) would call on the Embassies of Francophone countries in Nigeria, to consider the propagation of French in Nigeria, as a worthy venture that merits their support by way of donation of academic textbooks and other materials, which could be sent to the library of the Nigerian French Language Village in Badagry. He added that UFTAN is delighted to note that French language is gaining grounds among staff and students of the University especially as AE-FUNAI is the only University in Nigeria that runs an efficient French Language Centre (FLC), where staff and students go, with enthusiasm, to learn French.

Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Romanus Ejiaga, introducing officers of UFTAN, said that he was excited as the 22nd Conference/ AGM was hosted by AE-FUNAI and informed VC, that a new program on French will be introduced soon.

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Prof. Romanus Ejiagha, Dean, Faculty of Humanities, presenting welcome address.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, in his welcome remarks, thanked UFTAN for holding the Conference in AE-FUNAI, stating that the University will also be ready to host next UFTAN Conference, come 2020, if the association oblige. He affirmed that AE-FUNAI will start a compulsory French GST Course for students, to encourage the effectiveness of learning the language and that the University will continue to sponsor lecturers in the Department of French on Post-Graduate studies abroad.

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Dr. Onyebuchi Chima, Ebonyi State commissioner for Education making presentation.

In his presentation on the theme: The Challenges of Promoting Regional Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: The French Language Perspective, the keynote speaker, Prof. Samuel Ade Ojo opined that individual universities and NUC must be concerned with the need to upgrade the curriculum to produce French graduates who will be saleable in the job market and suitable for positions in relevant governmental organisations, as well as multinational companies and organisations. Prof. Ojo further stressed the need for compulsory computer literacy for French students in the curriculum, adding that students who have bilingual status have advantage in job selection in their professional areas over their monolingual professional colleagues. He above all, emphasized the impacts French language teachers and the language itself can make in achieving unity, peace and stability within West Africa and beyond

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VC, acknowledging Prof. Samuel Ade Ojo, Keynote Speaker.

Having concluded the event successfully, the President announced that their next annual convention would be in October, 2020, at the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. The Conference thereafter issued a Communique, presented by Dr. Marinus Yong, a senior lecturer and Head of French Unit, AE-FUNAI, as follows; Government should review its recruitment policies to include at least any two Proficiency French Language Certificates, for all security officers; UFTAN decries the continuous insecurity, leading to loss of life and property and opportunity for children attending schools, calling on the government to ensure the safety of all; The French Embassy should be fair in selection of teachers at all levels for training in France. Nigerian Teachers of French Language should be given topmost priority, above Francophone teachers of French; UFTAN calls on the National Universities Commission to ensure that French language is taught in all Nigerian Universities as general studies course as contained in the benchmark for minimum academic standard; UFTAN strongly urge all departments of French in all Nigerian Universities to continue to send their students to the Nigerian French Language village for the mandatory French language intensification programme.

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Dr.Mrs Nnenna Nwosu, Director, French Centre, AEFUNAI, making presentation.

Ebonyi State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Dr Onyebuchi Chima, who was present at the courtesy call said that the State Ministry of Education is currently engaged in training exercise for teachers and seeks the assistance of the University. He further said he would like to synergise with AE-FUNAI French Centre, to introduce what he called ‘International Desk Office’ that will be in charge of German, French and Chinese languages, concluding that he seeks the full support and collaboration of the University management, especially the Vice Chancellor.

Other Officers of UFTAN present at the courtesy call include Prof. Doris Obieje, Vice President, Dr. Ngozi Iloh, Secretary, Prof. Victor Aire, Past President, Prof. Union Edebiri (OFN), Fellow, Prof. Kester Echenim, Fellow and Chairman Board of Trustees and Prof. Laditan, Ag. Director, French Village, Badagry.

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VC (5th left) and University Officers in group photograph with UFTAN officials.

Dr. Mrs Nnenna Nwosu – Nworuh. Director, French Centre, AE- FUNAI, in her vote of thanks, appreciated VC AE-FUNAI, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba and the University Management for the opportunity, support and encouragement that made hosting of the conference a huge success. She thanked all participants who came from Universities across the country for their presence, wishing them journey mercies to their various destinations.

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Cross section of participants at the conference

Highlight of the event was the award of Fellowship of the University French Teachers Association of Nigeria (FUFTAN), to Prof. Raufu Adebisi, Prof. CyriL Mokwenye, Prof. Vincent Okeke (Post mortem), and Prof. Tar Adejir.

ANA SIGNS MoU WITH AE-FUNAI
Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) on Thursday 24th October, 2019 paid courtesy visit on the Vice –Chancellor, Alex- Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner AE-FUNAI in meeting their social responsibilities and encourage creative writing in the University. The officers of ANA were presented to VC at the Conference Room by Prof. Mrs. GMT Emezue, Principal Organiser of the association in AE-FUNAI.

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VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba receiving ANA officials in the conference room.

Barr. Isaac Ogezi, Vice President of the association, who spoke for the officers, started by apologizing for the unavoidable absence of the President who was represented at the event by Mr. Cornelius Uka. While speaking, Barr. Ogezi likened literature to the shell of the tortoise with patches of knowledge, pointing out that it is only in Literature that you find synergy of connections with various forms of knowledge. He appreciated the Vice chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, saying that he is a ‘phototrophic leader’ who is always looking forward in his decisions and actions, and that ANA remains proud of him. Ogezi equally mentioned that ANA will be having a conference for the first time in thirty eight years of its history under the watch of VC, stating that the conference will not be complete without publication of a story or collection of poems by Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba.

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Prof. GMT Emezue, presenting ANA delegates.

ANA hosts conferences and workshops annually to address the work of new writers and publish them in journals and also get experts in the genre of literature (drama, poetry and prose) to train and work with intending/up-and-coming writers.

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Barr. Isaac Ogezi, Vice-President of ANA, making his speech.

Responding, VC said he is impressed by the level of creativity in the works of young writers in the association. Speaking further, he said if AE-FUNAI is able to sustain creative writing, they will be kinetizing the potentials of young writers. He also reiterated that there is the culture of seriousness in the university, pointing out that if AE-FUNAI takes creative writing seriously, valuable prizes would be won, in future. He wished that the University sustains and keeps the flag flying after him.

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VC, signing the Memorandum of Understanding.

To seal the treatise, the Memorandum of Understanding was signed by VC and members of the central organizing committee of ANA in the persons of Prof. Emezue G.M.T, Dr. Romanus Nwoma, Dr. Arua Omaka, Mr. Sylvanus Oko, Mr. Ama E. Agwu and head of legal unit Barr. Ogochukwu Onuoha.

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Barr. Ogezi, signing the Memorandum of Understanding for ANA.

AE-FUNAI Creative writers Association had four of its student officials in attendance, who were Chukwuma Yustus, President, (Psychology), Okechukwu Iruoma, Vice- President, (Biology Education), Areh Charles, secretary, (Chemical Engineering) and Otubo Praise, PRO, (Economics).
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VC in group photograph with ANA officers, student members And some staff.

AE-FUNAI CES DECLARES 2019/2020 ACADEMIC SESSION OPEN WITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE AND ORIENTATION
On Thursday, October 10, 2019, Alex- Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, organized an inter- denominational thanksgiving service at the University Main Auditorium, to begin the 2019/ 2020 academic session with God. As a follow up to that spiritual event, Centre for Educational Services on Monday 21st held thanksgiving service and prayers to hand over the Centre to God. The 2-day program which ran from Monday 21st to Tuesday 22nd Oct, 2019, was organized by the Director, Prof. Dr. Johnny Ogunji and his deputy Dr. Charles Ogbaekirigwe, had Mr. Ama Omaha, Secretary of the Centre, Rev. Cornelius O. Eke of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, who delivered the sermon, and University staff and students.

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Prof. Dr. Ogunji, Director, CES, addressing the students.

First day of the event was the thanksgiving service to usher in students into the 2019/20 academic session, while a fully loaded orientation programme to sufficiently prepare the students to key into the school system, took the second day.

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Dr. Charles Ogbaekirigwe, Deputy Director, CES, making presentation.

Rev. Cornelius O. Eke, who spoke to the students on “Overcoming the initial Struggle” reiterated that every successful person in life struggled at one point or the other to get to where he or she is, pointing out to the students that their future is embedded in the foundation of their education and as such, they should work hard and be focused on God, avoiding distractions of all sorts and slothfulness. He equally gave them tips on how to overcome initial struggles in their studies and life as students. Prayers were thereafter offered for Nigeria, Ebonyi State, AE-FUNAI, and Centre for Education Services, respectively by Mr. Michael Eze and Mr. Ajah.

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Rev. Eke speaking at the event.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Johnny Ogunji, Director, CES, advised the students to take their studies seriously, as they are expected to pass all their courses, to be recommended for admission into AE-FUNAI. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might,” he said. He equally made bold to state that AE-FUNAI is one of the Universities with the best admission policies in Nigeria. Prof. Dr. Ogunji warned the students to always wear their identity cards, failing, the defaulter would be sent back home right from the gate.

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Omaha delivering his lecture.

Dr. Lawrence Ogugua, Director, Quality Assurance, AE-FUNAI made presentation on Quality Assurance and Academic Performance, while Mr. Amah Omaha, Assistant Registrar/Secretary CES, talked on Strategy for Successful Completion of JUPEB and Pre- Degree Programme. He hinted the students on how to compute results, criteria for JUPEB and Pre-degree programs and equally advised them to attend weekly science practical classes, as that would help boost their academic performance in the science subjects.

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Dr. Ogugua, Director, QA, making presentation.

Dr. Ogugua, in his presentation, made it clear to the students that the University is there to examine issues of Quality Assurance, as it relates to academic performance of students, reiterating that students need to be motivated, and tasked them to find the driving force to success. He also told the students that they must be disciplined and able to manage their time well enough, to achieve academic excellence.

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Cross section of the students during orientation.

Engr. Handel Emezue, who took the students on use of ICT, benefits and impacts on academic performance, stressed that ICT in AE-FUNAI, CES has an Electronic Information Portal (e-portal) that is accessible to users with proper authentication. Speaking further, he said that ICT is highly efficient, effective, reliable and innovative and gave instances to buttress his points.

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Engr. Emezue, making his presentation.

Mrs. Ngozi Nwudu, a Counsellor in the Department of Guidance and Counselling, AE-FUNAI, advised the students to always consult the Counsellor on issues concerning their academics and challenges of relationship with the opposite sex, rather than bottling them, which according to her, could be harmful to their emotional intelligence and development.

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Dr. Nwudu, counselling the students.

Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Nnebedum, a lecturer with the Department of Igbo Language, advised and encouraged students to select Igbo Language as one of the courses they need, especially for those who are in the Faculty of Humanities and Social sciences, pointing out that it would boost their chances of gaining admission into AE-FUNAI.

Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, recently met with Students Union Government (SUG), Dean, and Assistant Dean, Students’ Affairs and some officers of the University Parents’ Forum at VC’s Conference Room to address the issue of improper and inappropriate dressing among students in the University.
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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba taking time to explain dress codes for students.
At the meeting, VC expressed dismay over the poor dressing attitude of some of the students and posited that indecent dressing has been outlawed in the University and so no student is expected to go unpunished if found guilty, as the rule takes care of that. He noted that it had come to the notice of the University management that some of the students do not dress properly, stating that his main concern and reason for convening the meeting was to address the issue.
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Dean, Student Affairs, Dr. Otu. O. Akanu, expressing delight over the new development.
Prof. Nwajiuba made it clear that there are dress codes for every occasion, for which people are usually identified. He stated that for students to wear sports dresses, swimming trunks, torn jean trousers, slippers and all manner of unsuitable wears to lectures, while on campus and even off campus can no longer be tolerated, and therefore called for opinions on way out of the situation, emphasizing that “the way you dress, is the way you are addressed”.
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SUG President, Comrade Chima Chijioke revealing his plans to tackle indecent dressings.
Responding, SUG President, Comrade Chima Chijioke Solomon said that SUG would organize sensitization programmes to address the anomalies, and lecturers should also be involved in this, by addressing the matter in their lecture halls and possibly penalize any student who comes to class not properly dressed.
Dean, Students’ Affairs, Dr. Otu Otu Akanu, said that enlightenment on the issue was necessary and that proper dressing would be one of the topics during the orientation programme for freshmen.
Assistant Dean, Students’ Affairs, Mrs Chiaka Nnodum reiterated the need for posters and banners to provide sufficient information to students on the importance of proper dressing. VC directed Mrs Nnodum to organize programmes on the subject matter, for female students and staff, as the matter concern them most.
In conclusion, Prof. Nwajiuba told the students’ representatives that University Management would not stand by and watch any of the students damage the image of the University, especially as the school is gaining more popularity, nationally and internationally, adding that he would personally visit the classrooms on routine check on their dressing and any of them found not properly dressed, would be sent out of the class and punished.

Vice-Chancellor, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, accompanied by staff embarked on special project inspection walk around the university campus on Wednesday 16th Oct, 2019. The tour which commenced at about 9:00 am, from the University gate took VC and his entourage through to Green Corpers’ Garden site and the ongoing University Crèche/Nursery/ Primary School building site where he commended the Contractor for the extent of work done so far and promised to do all he can to ensure the building is completed in record time for take-off soon. Some amendments were recommended, however even for the children play ground and standard sports field.

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VC, Prof Nwajiuba leading the ‘Project walk’.

At the Faculty of Humanities, VC said that a comfortable convenience should be built to replace the existing one which is too obvious for a toilet. VC never missed to spot some students who were not properly dressed and reprimanded them accordingly. Meanwhile the one assessed to be properly dressed amongst the numerous students who were seen around the walkway, was rewarded with a cash prize by VC, as a way of encouraging students of the University to dress properly and appropriately at all times.

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VC, encouraging the properly dressed student

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while admonishing the improperly dressed student.

The active, Prof. Nwajiuba and his entourage thereafter proceeded to the new Medical Students’ Male Hostel where the obviously excited young medical students, in their white and black uniform received them. There, VC directed that the rooms should always be properly opened to allow for adequate cross ventilation. He encouraged the students to always be well focused in their studies so as to be awarded their degrees in character and learning and above all, be good ambassadors of AE-FUNAI wherever they find themselves, now and in future.

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At the Male Medical students’ Hostel

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At the Male Medical students’ Hostel

The ‘project walk’ team followed to Zone A part of the Campus, visiting students in lecture rooms and assessing the facility status of the lecture rooms and then to the back gate, where VC gave directives on some constructions to be executed, for the proper linkage of the two zones and effective security operations. From that point, the movement made a return to Admin zone through the Faculty of Science, where a lot of damages on the buildings, due to unprofessional handling, were identified. The Dean, Faculty of Science was urged to embark on tree planting around the faculty in line with the University Go-Green Agenda.

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VC, and entourage at Zone A.

Sites for proposed building of some new structures including Igbo Centre, French Center, Bank (UBA), Post office and recreation Centre were identified while the inspection tour was going on with VC assuring that foundation for the buildings will be laid in no distant time.

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VC, in one of the class rooms during the ‘Project Walk’.

The collapsing University Library was indeed an eye sore, when the team got there. VC pointed out that AE FUNAI Library Building is the worst in Nigeria, as confirmed by the team of inspectors, who came for accreditation from University of Lagos. There was thorough look at the different sections of the building with many of the segments gradually giving way, confirming the earlier prediction of Deputy Director, Physical Planning, Works and Services, (PPW&S), Engr. Nwali Eche who foretold that the building would not stand, due to very poor quality construction and use of low quality materials.VC however advised that the library building be brought down and rebuilt with proper structural effect.

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At the entrance of the dilapidated Library building.

VC and his entourage were also at the ICT Building and there, he lamented over the sorry state of the ICT block attributing it to very poor handling and use of very inferior building materials. Prof. Nwajiuba wondered why all the first set of buildings in the University were in such bad shape, even with the huge amount put into them. He compared them to the ones done recently and evidently positioned that the difference was very clear.

The uncompleted Senate Building as nothing seem to be going on even as the building lacked all it takes for a modern edifice that could stand the taste of time and when VC enquired why it was so, Deputy Director, PPWS, Engr. Eche said that the drawing was not properly interpreted by the Architect and designs were done without proper supervision.

From that point, some of the recent buildings were sited, including Faculty of Agriculture and College of Medicine and at that juncture, the walk ended with vote of thanks by VC to all who participated in the exercise.

Recently completed structures in the university.
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Dr Mrs. Nnenna Nwosu-Nworah on Tuesday 15th October, 2019, presented the third returnee from France, upon completion of his post-graduate scholarship programme to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba and other officers of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, at the VC’s Conference Room. Presenting Mr. Uchenna Nwokenkwo, Dr. Nwosu-Nworah said that he went to University of Bourgogne Franche-Comte’ Besamcon (UBFC) in 2017, to study Mechanical Engineering, under AE-FUNAI-France Collaboration and successfully completed his M.Sc. Degree studies with specialization in Control Mechatronics in record time and returned. She said that Mr. Nwokenkwo made record as the first male beneficiary who heeded her advice and came back in due time.

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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba in a hand shake with Mr. Uchenna Nwokenkwo

Dr Nnenna pointed out that UBFC has very good reports about the six AE-FUNAI staff studying there and had urged them to stay back at the university, but for her, that would not be in the interest of our young university where their services are most needed for them to contribute to the growth of the University and give back to the system as expected. She said that two more male beneficiaries from the same University were expected back soon.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba expressed gratitude to God for blessing the good intentions and plans for our staff ‘’the fruits of the planted are being harvested and God is blessing the work of our hands’’ he said. He welcomed Mr. Nwokenkwo back home and acknowledged the good things the university in France said about AE-FUNAI staff studying there. Nwajiuba reiterated that it is ‘’good to be faithful in small things’’ and told the returnee that because of his faithfulness, the University would show him love. He however warned that any of them who fails to respect the bond will not earn any respect from the University.

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VC, in a warm embrace with Mr. Uchenna Nwokenkwo, with Dr. Nnenna Nwosu-Nworuh watching in admiration.



Mr. Nwokenkwo, shared his very wonderful experiences out there in France and thanked VC and the University Management for the opportunity, pledging his continuous loyalty and faithfulness to the university.

Driven by their passion for Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi state, and the visionary leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor. Chinedum Nwajiuba, which according to the donors has translated to the rapid infrastructural development in the University, a group of three male traders and a woman (Matron) from Izzi, Ebonyi state, Messrs.’ Dioke Joseph, Obinna Madu, Umeh Onyebuchi and Mrs Akpa Chinyerem, have made donation of 900 bags of cement, to support on-going projects in the university.

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Mr. Obinna Madu, speaking on behalf of the Team.

Mr Obinna Madu, spokesman of the team, who were led on a visit to the Vice-Chancellor in his office by Mrs. Okonkwo, staff of Faculty of Engineering, AE-FUNAI on Monday 14th October, 2019, said they were in the new university in 2013 on invitation but saw nothing impressive about the school. The quartet expressed delight that presently AE-FUNAI has experienced visible transformation in infrastructural development, academic excellence, and discipline and could be counted among the shinning universities in Nigeria. He said these were simply the outcome of the visionary leadership and commitment to service driven by Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, the active Vice-Chancellor. They asked to be counted as fans of the university and promised to continue to support the good work going on in the university, regretting that Prof. Nwajiuba will be missed when he leaves, but will be much remembered for the legacy he will leave behind.

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Mrs. Chinyerem Akpa, appreciating the VC.

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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba (C) with Principal Officers and the Donors.

Prof. Nwajiuba, impressed by their kind gesture thanked the donors for the support and their very kind words of encouragement. He prayed that God will bless them even more abundantly, and assured them that the bags of cement will be into projects that will ever attract God’s blessing as we put such places in use. VC, immediately asked the Directorate of Physical Planning, Works and Services to apply the bags of cement to the on-going university Crèche/Nursery and Primary School, and Anglican Chaplaincy, so that each day the children pray and services are conducted in the chaplaincy, God will continue to bless their intentions and endeavors.

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The bags of Cement donated.

Institutes Grants for Scholarship and Research
Executive Governor of Abia State, Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr Victor Okezie Ikpeazu visited Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, to honour the invitation of the Local Organizing Committee for 3rd International Conference on Food Security and Hidden Hunger to deliver keynote speech on the second day of the conference, Tuesday, October 8, 2019. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu was received at the University Main gate by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof. Sunday Elom, and other officers of the University on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, who was out of the state at the time of the visit.

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DVC, (Academic) Prof. Sunday Elom, welcoming the Governor at the university gate.

After the brief reception ceremony at the University Senate Chamber, the Governor was led to the NEEDS Assessment Building, venue of the event for the keynote presentation. In his address of welcome, Prof. Elom, who shared his memorable times with the Governor, as a younger colleague, at Ebonyi State University, told Dr. Ikpeazu that VC was unavoidably absent and would have loved to receive His Excellency personally to the University for the very first time. Prof. Elom further said that VC wished the Governor a fruitful stay in the campus.

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DVC, (Academic) Prof. Sunday Elom, presenting welcome address on behalf of VC.

Prof. Dr. Jonny Ogunji, Chairman of LOC. introduced the theme to the Governor and participants for the day reiterating that micro nutrients such as Vitamin A, D, Iron, iodine have been noticed to be deficient in meals and that these deficiencies affect almost all new born babies in the country and that available record show that only 2 out of 10 children in Nigeria are reached with treatment, stressing that the report is frightening and needs to be addressed. He further pointed that the University hosted the event to avail the public privilege of the Executive Governor’s presence and lecture.

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Prof. Dr. Jonny Ogunji, speaking at the event.

Dr. Ikpeazu who delivered his lecture on the theme, Implications of Hidden Hunger on Nutrition and Health Security in the face of Climate Change, with a touch of class, started by sharing that it has been raining consecutively in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State, for 14 days counting and that it was as a result of Climate Change adding that it is therefore timely to consider the impact of Climate Change in the environment, which In turn affects the quality of nutrients we get from meals we prepare in our homes .The Governor stated that lack of micro nutrients in the body can cause goiter, amongst other illnesses , stressing that hunger is paramount in Africa, putting women and children from ages 0-5 in precarious situation, thereby reducing the mental and physical development of victims. According to Dr. Ikpeazu, other natural disasters including erosion that washes off the face of the soil, destroying farmlands and reducing space for both subsistent and commercial farming, abound.

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His Excellency, Dr. Victor Ikpeazu, delivering his lecture.

Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu pointed out that the average Nigerian meal is deficient in micro nutrients such as iron, iodine, zinc, vitamin A and D, causing stunted growth in children, not to mention a lot of health challenges that accompany deficiency of nutrients in the meals. He expressed his excitement that the University had put together such lecture even in a university setting which is rich with educated minds, and requested that more of these lectures be taken to the streets and market places, so that even a layman can understand the need for having micro nutrients in meals consumed.

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Dr. Gloria Okorie, presenting AE-FUNAI made Akwete Cloth to the Governor, on behalf of Registrar.

He made bold to inform his audience that Abia is the only state in Nigeria that feeds pupils from primary 1-6, stating that while the Federal Government feeds from primary 1-3, Abia State Government complements the feeding for primary 4-6, saying that it shows his government is passionate about alleviating hunger in the state and country at large, and that Abia State presently produces made in Aba rice, for both consumption and sales.

As demonstration of his passion and support for excellence in learning, teaching and research, Governor Ikpeazu announced cash award of N500, 000 for the best graduating student in Biochemistry and 2 Million Naira Research Grant each year, for 3 years, for Conducting research on Hidden Hunger Reduction: Production of Ready to use Micro Nutrient Formulae for Pregnant and Lactating Women plus Children.

Governor Ikpeazu received AE-FUNAI Hidden Hunger Reduction Ambassador Award for his wife, Her Excellency Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu. The Governor expressed delight for the award, stating that it would serve as a tonic that would make Her Excellency (Nkechi Ikpeazu) do more work, as the reward for hard work is more work.

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Prof. Sunday Elom, in a chat with the Governor.

Highlights were presentation and decoration of the Governor with AE-FUNAI made Akwete cloths and planting of trees by Governor Okezie Ikepeazu and Prof. Dr. Dieter Trautz of University of Applied Sciences, Osnabrueck, Germany, in support of the Go-Green Agenda of the University to actualize the VC’s vision to transform the University to Campus in a Garden.

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His Excellency, Dr. Ikpeazu, planting a Tree.

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Prof. Dr. Dieter Trautz, participating in the Tree planting.

Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ebonyi State, is presently admitting freshmen into courses in the college of medicine and the other seven faculties for the 2019/2020 Session. The university which is known for its serious mindedness is already running the registration of fresh students to enable them commence lectures immediately. In the same vein, the Students’ Affairs Unit recently used the opportunity to give students orientation to acquaint them properly with the university environment and system and prepare them to face challenges of university education.

Deputy Dean of Students’ affairs, Chiaka Nnodi, while welcoming the new students, thanked the university management for the opportunity to organize the program for the freshmen as it is important they have basic knowledge on how the university operates. She thanked the Vice-Chancellor for always putting the interest of the students first in all that is being done in the university. She urged students to pay attention and ensure they take note of all they would be taught and be ready to apply them during their stay in AE- FUNAI.

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DVC, (Admin.) Prof. Philip Omoke, addressing the Students.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Admin) Professor Philip Omoke, who represented the Vice-Chancellor at the event, congratulated the freshmen for making it into the university out of 18,000 applicants for this session. “I am here representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba and he has asked me to tell you AE-FUNAI is a serious university, therefore take your studies seriously. Students leave here every year due to probation or withdrawal, which is caused by un-seriousness. Desist from cultism, stealing and exam malpractice as AE-FUNAI has zero tolerance for such acts” he pointed.

Prof. Omoke advised the freshmen to resist and report any person, students, or staff who attempts to take advantage of them, as such person may end up ruining them. He told them that lecturers are meant to act as their parents on campus and should not demand sex from them, urging them to develop themselves while on campus in order to be useful in the society. Prof. Omoke emphasized the importance of timely payment of fees and other levies and made sure to tell the students that books are only sold in the bookshop and not in classrooms by individual lecturers.

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Mr. Vitalis Offor, presenting the Registrar’s Speech at the event.

The Registrar, Odisa C. Okeke (Mrs) represented by Mr. Vitalis Offor, introduced the university to the keenly attentive new students, starting from its establishment, Principal Officers, faculties, basic offices at their disposal, and registration points etc. Mr. Offor told the freshmen that every employee of the university is here to serve, teach and guide them, adding that AE-FUNAI has high and excellent relationship with students.

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Prof. P. Ezeonu addressing the students.

The Provost College of Medicine, Professor Paul Ezeonu, took time to address students, noting that the college of medicine is a special place where one learns about the living, from the dead. He advised the students not to get carried away by the excitement of being in a university environment devoid of their parents or peers, as that could make them fall off the journey of academics. He said “It is wrong for parents to push you into studying medicine because you are making A’s in your result. Studying Medicine is a decision you must take personally to salvage humanity”.

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Dr. Otu Otu Akanu, making his presentation.

Prof. Ezeonu pointed out that they are not expected to fail a single course, nor carry over any GST course. He charged them to be studious and avoid bringing shame upon their families. His parting words for the students were “Soar high like an eagle and perch on the mighty iroko tree so that people admire you and the tree you are perching on, do not be carried away”.

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Engr. Dr. Ngozi Eli-Chukwu speaking at the event.

Director, ICT, Engr. Dr. Ngozi Eli-Chukwu was on ground to give the students step-by-step approach on how to make payments online, check results and also access hostel accommodations at the convenience of their homes. She pointed out that ICT is the vehicle that will take them to their destination during the four/five years of their stay on campus. She told them to ensure creating a student profile with the ICT as failure to do so means that the student does not exist in the university.

The students were richly entertained by the Nkwa Umuagbogho Afikpo cultural dance during the lunch break. Shortly after, Dr. Kelechi Ani, gave the students a lecture on academic issues they may experience, when they fail to focus on their studies including probation, withdrawal, rustication and expulsion. Dr. Ejike Igwebuike talked on the use of University library. Several other units; Security department, Counseling, Service delivery, gave detailed lecture on their responsibilities to students during the orientation.

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Rev. Kelechi Okengwu, making presentation.

Reverend Kelechi Okengwu who came on special invitation to speak to the students on Campus Cultism exhaustively advised them to stay away from cultism as it is detrimental to them in all aspects of life. In his words;

I will be brutally honest with you, there are different cult groups with different

names and you need to be able to identify them so that you don’t join them.

You need to be careful with the friends you keep and the kind of places you expose

yourself to. The procedure for initiation into these groups expose you to deadly diseases

such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis and several other deadly diseases caused by blood

exchange etc. And often times, being in the midst of these deadly people could

put your life at risk especially during cult clashes where you can be shot if seen

together with a cult member, remember also that if the university finds

out you are a member, they hand you over to the police authorities where

you rot in jail”.
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Rev. Okengwu finally advised the students to be more devoted in the ways of God.

The Orientation came to an end with the presentation of Dean, Students’ affairs, Dr. Otu Otu Akanu with focus on depression and suicide, most trending topics amongst teenagers. He advised them to be strong willed and determined to face challenges as life in itself is not a bed of roses. Using himself as example, he shared the hardship he had to face in life as a young boy growing up and urged them to visit the counseling unit and discuss confidentially on issues bothering them to avoid bottling up emotional trauma or challenges they may be facing.

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Cross section of Speakers and Students at the Orientation.

NIGERIAN ECONOMIC SOCIETY RE-ELECTES AE-FUNAI STAFF INTO ITS GOVERNING COUNCIL…..
During the 59th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) held at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre, Abuja on the 18th of September 2019, one of our own, Dr. Basil A. Chukwu, of the Department of Economics and Developments, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, was re-elected into the Governing Council of the society as the Publicity Secretary for a period of two years.
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Dr. Basil A. Chukwu

In a letter addressed to the Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, the newly elected NES Secretary, expressed profound gratitude to VC, for providing him the platform to fly the flag of this great institution at both national and international levels. Dr. Basil promised to use his position in the Council of the Society to contribute his quota towards the repositioning of the Department of Economics and Development Studies of AE-FUNAI, to compete favorably with other great institutions of the world.

AE- FUNAI BEGINS NEW SESSION WITH GOD
Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba in collaboration with Christian Fellowship World Outreach, Dallas Texas, USA and Christian Fellowship AE-FUNAI on Thursday, October 10, 2019 held an Interdenominational Service with the theme, Beginning with GOD, to mark the commencement of the new session. The thanksgiving which was held at the Main Auditorium had Anglican Bishop of Ikwo, other guests of staff and students present at the capacity filled auditorium to thank the Almighty God and take authority from Him to start the new session.
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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba praising God at the Thanksgiving service.

While leading in the opening prayer by Prof. Fidelis Okpata, iterated that there is need to start the academic session with God as it is important to allow God pilot the affairs of the university. The session began with praise and worship led by AE-FUNAI JCCF choir and Sister Winifred Odoh of the Winners Chapel.
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Professor Nwajiuba, leading special guests from USA to the venue for the Thanks giving services.

In his opening remarks, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nwajiuba while thanking God enjoined all to join him in appreciating God for the good things he has been doing in the lives of every individual in the university. He said he had reasons to be thankful for the achievements of having students graduate in due time, go for National Youth Service and still collect their certificates at convocation. He also said A-E FUNAI is the only university that still has the academic calendar intact, where a four year program is done within four years and students convoke the same year they graduate. VC further led the congregation in songs of thanksgiving to express utmost gratitude to God for another academic year and everything the university has achieved.
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Elder Joe Agumadu, speaking at the service.

Elder Joe Agumadu, thought it worthwhile to start the session with God, regarding the event as a legacy that should be emulated. He promised to do all he can to keep showcasing the university and collaborating with the institution in lifting the name of God higher. He thereafter invited, Apostle O. C Obikaram, who came with him all the way from USA to attend the program.
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Apostle O.C Obikaram, rendering the sermon.

Apostle Obikaram while preaching talked about the importance of beginning the session and the year with God. He encouraged fresh men to welcome useful information and always have God as their number one priority. He further offered prayers to God for the university management, staff and students. The Apostle thanked the entire community of AE-FUNAI and asked to appreciate the wife of VC, Dr. Mrs. Chinyere Nwajiuba, for her commitment and support to her husband, for the land mark achievements so far while describing her as the person behind the land mark achievements and the smiles often seen on the face of the Vice-Chancellor.
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Rt. Rev. Kenneth Ifemene, leading prayers for the university community.

Speaking at the event, The Anglican Bishop of Ikwo, Rt. Rev. Kenneth Ifemene, remarked that he was proud of AE-FUNAI and the achievements that the university has recorded so far through the Vice-Chancellor. He prayed that Prof. Nwajiuba will never see failure and that the university will continue to grow from strength to strength. He further appreciated wife of the VC, alongside the delegation from USA. Bishop Ifemene concluded his speech by declaring the 2019/2020 academic session open with a session of prayers.
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Cross section of the congregation praising God.

Vice-Chancellor in his closing remarks, stressed that improper dressing will not be condoned in the university and that students who flouts this rule will be walked out of the class. Lecturers were also advised to attend classes when the have to, teach students as expected and ensure that examinations are conducted properly and results released timely. Prof. Nwajiuba had earlier in a meeting with officers of AE-FUNAI Parents’ Forum, Dean and Deputy Dean of Students’ Affairs and SUG counseled students to dress properly and appropriately, especially now that the university is gaining popularity. He stressed at that meeting that students will be addressed the way they dress. Prof. Sunday Elom, DVC, Academic brought the thanksgiving service to a close with vote of thanks.
Free pocket bibles were distributed to students at the thanksgiving service.

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DVC, (Academic) Prof. Sunday Elom, and other university Officers at the Thanksgiving service.


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VC, with Guest and university Officers.

• Urges Students to Break Free, Stand Strong and Find a Voice
In a bid to properly groom the students, especially the female folk, to be morally stable, and shun indecent dressing and all other acts that will lead to rape and sexual assault, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Women Association (AE-FUNAI WA), an umbrella body for all female staff of the University, in conjunction with Students’ Affairs Unit, on October 8, 2019, organized a one day conference for the students titled: RAPE: Breaking Free, Standing Strong and Finding a Voice, at the Main Auditorium of the University.
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Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Nwajiuba, addressing the students.

The President of the Association, Dr. Mrs. Chinyere Nwajiuba, Ag. Director, Centre for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, in her address, charged the students to break free, stand strong and find a voice, adding that ‘’RAPE is a form of sexual assault and misconduct forcefully carried out in a non-consensual manner to the victim’’. She urged the students to always stand firm and speak up whenever they are sexually abused by their lecturers or any male counterpart, while assuring them that the Vice-Chancellor, University Management and AE-FUNAI WA are available, accessible and willing to champion their cause.
Dr. Mrs. Nwajiuba, commended the visionary Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, for his passion in ensuring zero tolerance for rape and other forms of sexual violence in the university, adding that this is the only university where this is happening. She therefore called on the students to always dress properly and be mindful of friends and places they go, so as to avoid being victims. She however informed the students that there are units in the University where cases of rape and sexual harassment could be reported, which include Guidance and Counselling Unit, Health Centre, Office of Deputy Dean, Students’ Affairs (Female Matters).
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Guest speaker, Barr. Mrs. Joy Ogbonnaya, making her presentation.

While addressing the students, the guest speaker, Barr. Mrs. Joy Ogbonnaya, maintained that rape is an unlawful and a violent crime punishable by law. She advised them to shun temptations and distractions, be focused on their studies and always learn to say no, whenever the need arises. Barr. Ogbonnaya, encouraged the students to build self-worth in themselves, avoid low esteem, be strong and realize that it is not the end of the world, in case it happens.
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Barr. Mrs. Grace Chima, Chairperson (FIDA), addressing the students.

Barr. (Mrs) Grace I.P. Chima, Chairperson, International Federation of Women lawyers (FIDA), spoke on the legal perspective of Rape and Sexual Harassment, advising the students to be careful and mindful of the way they dress, as indecent dressing is a major way of falling victim of rape. She reiterated that they have serious role to play before seeking for justice. ‘’Be mindful of the places you go to, the friends you keep’’ she said. She further encouraged them to be whistle blowers and break free from the trauma and stigmatization of rape, but rather pick up the pieces and forge ahead.
Barr. Mrs Chima reminded the audience that FIDA is their friend at all times, stressing that no matter what level they find themselves, nobody has the right to violate any woman and go scot free, and that the law is not a respecter of any person. She enjoined the students not to be timid or naïve, but be strong and find voice in FIDA.
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Deputy Dean, Students’ Affairs, Chiaka Nnodi, making vote of thanks.

Deputy Dean, Students’ Affairs, female matters, Chiaka Nnodi, in her vote of thanks, assured the students of her readiness to assist on any issues relating to sexual assault within and outside the university community. ‘’Do not panic, be strong and feel free with your studies” she said.
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Cross section of Students at the Seminar.

Highlight of the event was presentation of a mini drama sketch by a student of the university, demonstrating the agony of an imaginary victim of rape.
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President of AE-FUNAI WA, Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Nwajiuba with the Guest Speaker
and AE-FUNAI WA Executive.

PROF. AUGUSTINE NWAGBARA TASKS GOVERNMENT AND UNIVERSITIES ON DIASPORA PHENOMENON AS HE DELIVERS AE- FUNAI 7TH PUBLIC LECTURE….
Recall that in June, 2019, Prof. Augustine Uzoma Nwagbara, was specially received on appointment to complete his sabbatical at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, when his sabbatical appointment was abruptly terminated by the University of Winneba, Ghana, for expressing his opinion on the conditions of Nigerians in Ghana, at a meeting of Nigerians in that country. It was at that reception for Prof. Nwagbara at AE–FUNAI that the request for public lecture was made and approved by Vice-Chancellor, to give opportunity for Prof. Nwagbara to elucidate the subject matter, as raised in the video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzJff7vpz4k that went viral.
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VC, Prof Nwajiuba making opening remarks

Prof. Augustine Nwagbara, who was at the centre of the video under reference, and guest speaker for the 7th Public Lecture of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, titled ONE TALE, MULTIPLE VOICES : Oracular Entrapments at the Cross Roads of Imaginations, held at the University Main Auditorium, on Thursday, October 3, 2019, started by stating that ‘’the subject of this discourse is that surreptitiously recorded video that provoked serious furore between some Nigerians and Ghanaians across the world’’ adding that the lecture was to ascertain the lessons that could be learnt from that encounter and find ways to harness the lessons in the interest of all involved and affected parties, especially Nigerians, Ghanaians, Africans and the world community at large. According to him, the lecture would afford opportunity to interrogate some of the issues that precipitated the misgivings; and to study critically the various interpretations of and reactions to the content of the video, considered one of the social media hits of the year in Ghana and Nigeria.
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Prof. Nwagbara delivering the public lecture

As a way of establishing the roadmap for the lecture, Prof. Nwagbara pointed out that he has turned out either as a hero or a villain, depending on the citizenship of those involved in the discourse, and that the video has generated consequences and contradictions for him, his family, Nigerians out there, Ghanaians and Africans, especially those living in other countries, but however that all those outcomes were not in any form the intention of that meeting of Nigerians in Ghana. For him (Nwagbara) the public lecture is about wading through the various shades of ‘’toxic, nationalistic rhetoric and extreme unsavoriness, in the hope that this can help to redirect the discussion towards well-articulated intellectual, objectivity-sighted and refined postulations and thoughts’’
Prof. Nwagbara opined that since the content of the video is attributed to a scholar, the protagonist in the whole ‘’drama’’, though in a non-academic forum, has a traceable link to the university, home of ideas, where the narrative should be properly situated. He stated that it is only in the university that such ideas would be properly interrogated for ourselves and ascertain its significances to our society and put it forward to serve as guides, pointers, and directions to policies, programmes or actions for our society- Nigeria and Ghana, in particular, Africa and the black world in general. Nwagbara aptly presented the content of the video in question, the definitions of all the terms in the title of the lecture and the metaphoric narrations as it concerns our nationalities, the diaspora Nigerian students, the university, government actions and responsibilities of the media. He also, in the course of the lecture raised pertinent questions to which he provided sufficient relevant answers and for him, ‘’the answers to these questions may give insights into the reasons for the plight and predicaments of the diaspora Nigerian. The questions so presented include:
• How are Nigerians and the Nigerian state perceived?
• How does the Nigerian present or project himself/herself?
• Why are Nigerians always negatively projected and uniformly stereotyped across Africa?
• Can it just be envy as Nigerians tend to believe and express?
• Why are nationals of other countries not disapproved of in the same way as Nigerians?
• What are the issues at stake here really?
Prof. Nwagbara went ahead to set Agenda for the diaspora phenomenon by his prescriptions to government and universities, on ways out of the lingering challenges of the Nigeria Diaspora in Africa and the emerging dynamics of the phenomenon. He said that the university should occupy a unique position in the attempt to find ways to address the problem. ‘’It is now a challenge to which the university can give significant research attention and with its capabilities to interrogate and generate ideas, take up the issues at stake and shine critical light on them’’ he iterated. He said that given the recent events in South-Africa and other parts of Africa, the situation has become a severe national crisis that must be given urgent attention and interrogation by government, and that governments at all levels should task universities, research institutions and Nigerian academics as national and global agents for knowledge, development and growth, to search for best ways to address the diaspora issues in the short and long term, within the shortest possible time, pointing out that young universities like AE-FUNAI have very vital roles to play in this direction.
Nwagbara further recommended that the Nigeria diaspora population, who are mostly very resourceful young people and undergraduates and post graduates, should be attracted back, absorbed and integrated into Nigerian universities. Nwagbara said that Alex-Ekwueme Federal University could be regarded as a model young university in the country which can create policies and programing to allow children of diaspora Nigerians come home and get placements in the university and evolve means of aligning the curriculum and programmes of the institutions of the returnee students, to those of the university here. He called for review of state of affairs in our universities and education policies of the country, to discourage impetus to Nigerian students’ migration to other African countries, even sometimes to unknown, sub-standard institutions. Prof. Augustine Uzoma Nwagbara at the end requested VC Prof. Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba and the university management to ‘’consider the prospects of creating a Centre for Diaspora and Migration Studies, either as an independent arm or being aligned to any of the existing centres in the University’’.
In the opening remarks of the Vice-Chancellor, titled It Is About Us (Nigeria), and not Ghana, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, did not hesitate to state that he did not find enough reason to justify the reactions of our brothers and sisters in Ghana, toward Prof. Augustine Nwagbara, for airing his views, based on the circumstances he found on ground, but that on the other hand, our Ghanaian brothers and sisters may have reasons for their anger, in view of perhaps the Ghanaian expression, to the effect that ‘’however big the eyes of a visitor, he cannot see everything’’.
Referring to a lecture he delivered sometimes in 2013 entitled ‘’What is a Country Without a Thinking Elite’’, Prof. Nwajiuba raised issues about the challenges of Nigeria’s development and made reference to Lee kuan Yew, first Prime Minister of Singapore, who transformed the country to a modern state in his three decades as President, who said that‘’ a group of sheep led by a lion would likely defeat a group of lions led by a sheep; but only one person does not change the trajectory of a country or society’’. He pointed out that history has shown that there has to be a dominant elite that defines the direction a society must go and drives that society to achieve it. According to Prof. Nwajiuba, ‘’where a society approximates a country, and there is a dominant patriotic, enlightened and thinking elite, that defines the trajectory for that society, and musters the required energy to move the society in the desired direction, positive change occur’’ and he stated further that we need to study the absence of Pan-Nigeria dominant patriotic, enlightened and thinking elite, that defines the direction we ought to go and mobilizes Nigeria’s resources to lift Nigeria, rather than the existence of elites of sub-units of the country as we have today. He did not mince words to say that the absence of a pan-country elite in the political class is often accompanied by the absence of political leaders, with philosophical content and clear ideological inclinations, unlike what we saw in the likes of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Michael Okpara, Akanu Ibiam, Ahmadu Bellow, Tafawa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo, Ladoke Akintola and the rest, pointing out that ‘’the fruits of these philosophical and ideological hollowness can be simplified by looking at our universities’’.
Prof. Nwajiuba recalled that Prof. Nwagbara mentioned in that video, that Nigerian parents will not donate N50,000 to a university in Nigeria, but will pay $10,000 in Ghana, which for him (Nwajiuba) is a wake-up call for Nigeria to take her place but that it cannot be achieved without thinking, patriotic and enlightened elites. He welcomed Prof. Nwagbara again, stating that “We believe that a person should have honour and dignity and most importantly, something that is gradually becoming scarce in our clime, you must stand for something, Prof. Nwagbara exhibited these traits”.
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Prof. Rosemary Igbo, Chairman IPLC delivering welcome speech

Chairman of the Inaugural and Public Lecture Committee, Prof. Rosemary Igbo, in her welcome address, thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the University management for making the event possible. She specially welcomed the guest speaker and other special guests for being present and urged everyone present to listen attentively to Prof. Nwagbara. The University Registrar, Odisa C. Okeke (Mrs.) who gave vote of thanks, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for providing unique leadership that is driving rapid mental, social and physical development in the university, stating that the lecture was a valuable take away for all who attended. Dr. Nnenna Nwosu-Nworuh, Director of French Centre, read the citation of the guest lecture, a full Professor of the University of Lagos and presented him for the lecture. Special guests who graced the event included Honorable Abike Dabiri–Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), who was represented by the Programmes Officer, Mr. Tobechukwu Obienu; Dr. Robert Obiora, Chairman, Editorial Board of Sun Newspaper, represented by Mr. Magnus Eze, Regional Editor (South East); Prof. Val Ekechukwu of University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and Prof. Michael Amadihe Ezugu, a representative of the Vice–Chancellor, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.
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Mr. Tobechukwu Obienu, who represented Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa making his speech


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Mr. Magnus Eze, who represented Dr. Robert Obiora

Prof. Nwagbara, earlier led the special guests on courtesy call on the Vice–Chancellor and other university officers, who thereafter led them to the lawn of the main auditorium for tree planting in support of the University’s Go-Green Initiative.
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VC, in group photograph with guest speaker,
and other guests


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Prof. Nwagbara, planting a tree before his lecture

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Mr. Tobechukwu Obienu, participating in the tree planting



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Mr. Magnus Eze, participating in the tree planting

Director, Academic Planning, Alex- Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Chukwunonso Ejike, on Wednesday 7th September, 2019 presented the accreditation team from National Universities Commission to Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba and other officers of the University at the VC’s Conference Room, where they were received.

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Prof. Oladele addressing VC and other officers.

Leader of NUC team, who came for accreditation of Banking and Finance Programme in the University, Mr. David Ihukwumere, introduced other members of the team on behalf of the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Rashid Adamu, and thanked VC for giving them a warm reception.

Prof. Patrick Olajide Oladele, Chairman, Banking and Finance Accreditation Team congratulated Prof. Nwajiuba and University management for the stable academic calendar of the university. He said they were in the university for physical inspection of the department, to look at the relevant documents and advise, where necessary, and that after inspection, the team would come back to give feedback to management, adding that he hoped the department was ready for the exercise.

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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba © with NUC Team

Vice-Chancellor wished the team a fruitful stay in the University, saying that the university is convinced in the role of NUC on quality assurance and that the university will continue to do the right thing and ensure students graduate in record time.

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Group photo of VC and university officers with NUC Team
The accreditation team concluded the inspection the next day and presented report to University management as promised. DVC, Academic, Prof. Sunday Elom, who stood in for VC told NUC team that the university appreciated the comments made on the new department and that though AE-FUNAI is a new University and funding has not been easy, they will do their best to meet up with the requirements of NUC for the accreditation. He further appreciated the commission for its efforts in ensuring that quality is maintained in both the university academic programme and education system in Nigeria.

Another beneficiary of Alex- Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State scholarship programme in collaboration with French Government, Miss Utibe Asuquo, was recently presented French VISA for her onward trip to France for Master’s Degree studies in French Literature at Paris 3 Sorbonne Nouvelle. Dr Nnenna Nwosu- Nworuh, Director of French Centre in the University, who presented Miss Asuquo, said that Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba had given approval for Asuquo to further her studies abroad under the scholarship scheme. She further affirmed that Miss Asuquo is very good in her area and more like a senior lecturer, though she is a graduate assistant who joined the University as Corps member in 2017 and was retained due to her very good performance. According to Dr. Nwosu- Nworuh, AE- FUNAI do not have experts in French Literature and as such, the University decided to engage Asuquo and encourage her to study the course up to Ph.D., and come back and develop to greater level in the area. She regretted that the French Centre would miss her but that they cannot afford to deny her the opportunity of getting more knowledge.

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Prof. Romanus Ejiaga, presenting the Visa to Miss Asuquo with Dr. Nnenna Nwosu-Nworuh watching with excitement.

While presenting the VISA to the beneficiary, Dean Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Romanus Ejiaga congratulated her for the scholarship award and advised her to stay focused in her studies and shun temptations and distractions, but rather face her studies, come back and make AE-FUNAI proud. “Always remember those who are sacrificing for you”, he reiterated.

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The beneficiary, Miss Otibe Asuquo.

Ag. Director, Centre for Development Assistance Management, Partnerships and Training, (CEDAMPAT), Mr. Chris Uwadoka, reminded Miss Asuquo that she has a bond which she must respect by coming back after her studies, to serve out the bond and get on progressing in her life endeavor encouraging her to take advantage of the opportunity to learn French language very well and come to help the University establish programme that other West African countries will benefit from. Prof. Akoh, Dean School of Post-Graduate Studies, who was present at the event, advised Miss Asuquo to remain a good ambassador of AE-FUNAI while out there in France.

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L-R Dr. Mrs Nnenna Nwosu-Nworuh, Prof. Ejiaga, Prof. Akoh (SPGS),Miss Asuquo and Mr. Chris Uwadoka.

Over whelmed Miss Otibe Asuquo expressed her gratitude to the VC and the university management for the opportunity given to her in tears of Joy and promised not to let the University down. She did not mince words to affirm that she will come back after her studies to make the University proud.

Franco-Funai Beneficiary Returns From France
Director, French Centre, Dr. Mrs Nnenna Nwosu-Nworuh, yesterday, October 3, 2019, presented to the Vice- Chancellor, Alex –Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba and other officers and guests of the university, at the Senate Chamber, Miss Victoria Ogbusu, one of the Franco – AE-FUNAI collaboration beneficiaries, who just returned after her post – graduate studies in France.
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Dr. Nnenna Nwosu presenting the student
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VC Prof. Nwajiuba addressing the student
While welcoming Miss Ogbusu, who bagged Master’s Degree in Law, excited Prof. Nwajiuba, said that Nigerian Universities should emulate how fast other universities outside Nigeria run their programs, to make it possible for students to finish their programs at the stipulated time and continue with the next phase of life. VC, pointed out that it will be fair that after paying huge amount to learn French in other schools outside Nigeria, students upon return, should be able to teach others what they have learnt, especially with respect to the language.
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VC in warm handshake with Miss Ogbusu
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Group photograph with VC and AE-FUNAI Officers
The elated Miss Ogbusu, said that her program lasted for 12 calendar months from September, 2018 to August, 2019, iterating that her experience in France was great and the people were nice, though the program was tasking. Miss Victoria thanked the Vice-Chancellor and management of AE-FUNAI for the opportunity given to her to obtain her LLM in record time.

EMERITUS PROFESSOR ADVOCATES RE-LECTURIZING IN INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING
AS AE-FUNAI INAUGURATES NEW CENTRE FOR ENHANCEMENT OF TEACHING AND LEARNING……
PAI Obanya, Emeritus Professor, Institute of Education, University of Ibadan, who was guest speaker at the inauguration of the new Centre for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETeL) at the main auditorium of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, on Thursday, September 26th, 2019, advocated the option of RE-Lecturizing, to meet the education needs of the younger generation, in our universities.
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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba inaugurating CETeL.

Recall that Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, announced to the audience, at the convocation lecture ground in December, 2018, when Prof. Emmanuel Nnadozie, Executive Secretary, African Capacity Building Foundation, Harare Zimbabwe, spoke on the theme, Fulfilling Education’s Promise in Africa: The Role of the University, that the university will establish a Centre For Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in AE- FUNAI, to deal with the challenges concerning university education in Africa, as raised in the lecture.
In his remarks at the inauguration of CETeL and orientation programme, Prof. Nwajiuba stated that the important thing seems to be that, for effective teaching and learning to be properly driven in our institutions, there is need for implementation of a common concept in economics called effective demand, which is not just want but ability to pay. He added that level of demand represent the students with real intention to acquire knowledge, and willingness of the teachers to do the work for which they are listed and transfer such knowledge to the students is the ability to pay. He further maintained that NUC expects us to have a number of Professors, who are able to provide academic leadership in teaching, research, community service and enabling younger academics to learn from them in a deliberate system of mentoring.
Nwajiuba reiterated that the Centre’s activities must not be limited to our university, staff and students but rather seek opportunities to interface with the State Government, of Ebonyi, which incidentally is the only state in the Southeast listed as educationally disadvantaged stressing that fortunately, AE-FUNAI has been handed over the drivers’ seat on education in Ebonyi state, with two of its staff, Dr. Onyebuchi Chima as Commissioner for Education and Dr. Mrs Chinyere Elom as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education. He appealed to them to be good ambassadors and not disappoint the university, while commending His Excellency, Governor David Umahi, an educated man, who many considers the best Governor, for giving him such privilege.
Prof. Nwajiuba joyfully welcomed the guest speaker, a world class Emeritus Professor, Pius Augustine Ike (PAI) Obanya, who came all the way from Ibadan to lecture us. He thanked CETeL for organizing the event, and thereafter, declared the centre open.
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Dr. (Mrs) Nwajiuba, Ag. Dir. CETeL making opening remarks.

Dr. (Mrs) Chinyere Nwajiuba, Ag. Director CETeL, in her opening speech, thanked the Vice-Chancellor and other management staff, for making the day a reality. She stated that the choice of the topic” Re-lecturing the lecture” for the orientation, is in response to the need, reflected on what and how students are thought in AE-FUNAI. She stressed that there is need to adequately prepare the graduates for the labour market and as well give them value for the fees they pay.
Dr. Nwajiuba maintained that knowledge is power but most powerful when applied and properly transferred. Our students are leaders of tomorrow and as such should be thought properly to be able to reflect what they have learnt, write it, relate it to past experiences and apply it to their daily lives. She stressed that CETeL is established by VC with the mandate to promote innovative and inspiring approaches to enhance teaching and learning across faculties, for new and experienced staff in AE-FUNAI, as well as to impact latest advances in pedagogy and creating positive transformative learning experiences for students and diffusion of effective academic practice throughout the university, through workshops and professional development programmes.
The Ag. Director, appealed for Partnership/Collaboration with Ministry of Education, Ebonyi State and International institutions including University of Kent, UK and University of Galve, Sweden. She encouraged staff members to give maximum cooperation, as the Centre delivers on its mandate.
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Dr. onyebuchi Chima, Commissioner for Edu. Ebonyi State, speaking
at the event.

Dr. Onyebuchi Chima, Commissioner for Education, Ebonyi state, and former Ag. Director, Centre for Human Resources Development (CHRD), AE-FUNAI, thanked the Vice-Chancellor and Ag. Director CETeL, for making the event a remarkable one, adding that he is captivated by what is happening in AE-FUNAI. He assured the Centre that Ebonyi State Ministry of Education, will partner it, assuring the support of His Excellency, Engr. David Umahi, Executive Governor, Ebonyi State, who is seriously fighting against the state being labelled educationally disadvantaged in Southeast.
Dr. Chima maintained that they will collaborate with CETeL to help in training their children, to know how to read and write, while appealing to the faculty of Education to allow their Teaching Practice students teach in the state Primary schools.
Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Ezeanyim, Chairperson, Secondary Education Board, Ebonyi State, thanked the university management and Ag. Director, CETeL for organising such programme and assured the board’s willingness for collaboration and Partnership.
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Emeritus Prof. PAI Obanya, key note speaker delivering the lecture.

Emeritus Professor PAI Obanya, who delivered a laudable lecture on the topic for the orientation, stressed that RE-Lecturizing sees the relationship between Teacher and Student less from the angle of telling and more from that of guiding. He stated that teachers do transform lives in divers ways and in highly sustainable manner and that Re-lecturizing helps to enliven the students and create avenue for making them employable in the labour market.
Prof. Obanya iterated that Re-lecturizing has become imperative in higher education pedagogy for reasons related to peculiarity of today’s tertiary-level students. He stated that children of today are not children of yesterday, as the world is completely internet driven, adding that as the world is globalizing, teachers on the other hand should follow the trend of the digital space. ’’ It is what you know that you will deliver’’, he said. Obanya further emphasised that teachers should harness the potentials of ICT, which according to him is the greatest magic of Digital Age, for effective teaching, sourcing materials on a variety of subjects and topics, getting acquainted with teaching methods and materials used in far off places, making lectures come alive through power point led presentations and so many other modern strategies.

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Prof. Chukwunonso Ejike, Director (DAP), giving vote of thanks.

Professor Chukwunonso Ejike, Director Academic Planning (DAP), in his vote of thanks, commended the guest speaker, Emeritus Prof. PAI Obanya for honouring the invitation and his masters piece delivery on the subject matter. He also thanked university management under the watch of our action Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, for making resources available for the success of the event.
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VC, presenting the Akwete cloths to the guest speaker.

Highlight of the event was special presentation of AE-FUNAI made Akwete cloths to the guest speaker by the Vice-Chancellor.
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VC, Principal Officers, guest and other staff of the university
in a group photograph with guest speaker

In his commitment to ensure that medical students of the university have suitable living place in the campus and in fulfilment of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) regulations on medical students hostel accommodation, The Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, on Friday, 27th September, 2019, commissioned the new medical students’ male hostel, built to taste.
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Front view of the new Medical Students’ Hostel

The building project which commenced on March 6, 2018, was ready for commissioning on record time, especially as the 2019/2020 session begins first week in October, 2019. The project was funded by AE-FUNAI Medical Students Parents Forum, in support of the unique initiative and the ‘all hands on deck’ philosophy of the action Vice-Chancellor of the university.
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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba speaking at the commissioning.

While commissioning the hostel, Vice Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba attested that he should have been resting by now, looking at his various achievements since assumption of office; but that he cannot stop working because it is a mission from God which he must accomplish. He also affirmed that he still has one more hostel and an administrative block building projects, for AE-FUNAI Teaching Hospital and one other female medical students hostel, so that “ when am done, it will be said that a child of God passed through AE- FUNAI”.

Speaking further, Professor Nwajiuba made bold to state that AE-FUNAI remains the First University around that got approval to start medicine with its first application. This he said is a clear evidence of the uniqueness of AE-FUNAI and that such feat should be applauded and sustained by putting more hands on deck.
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VC, and Chairman of Parents Forum, Engr. Ogah commissioning
the new building.

The chairman of AE-FUNAI General Parents Forum Engr. Chidi Onwe Ogah, who stood in for Chief Edward Ngene, Chairman of Medical Students Parents Forum, while cutting the tape to open the hostel, prayed that FUNAI Medical students will be distinguished, while their stay in the building will bring more wisdom and understanding to them, and knowledge to perform exceptionally in their academic pursuit.
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Course Rep. of Medical Students, Mr. Joseph Agha unveiling the plaque.

The highlight of the event donation of twenty pieces of 30/4, size foams and 20 pillows by Mr. Chukwuemeka Offordebe, MD/CEO of MaxiDove Forms & Chemical Industries LTD, Ebonyi State. While making the presentation to VC, Prof. Nwajiuba, Mr. Offordebe said that his company is delighted to identify with and support the VC and the College of Medicine for the good work going on in the university. Prof. Nwajiuba thanked him for the kind gesture and assured him that the university will always extend hand of fellowship to the company.
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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba reading out content of the plaque.

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Group photograph of VC, members of Parent Forum and staff after the
Commissioning.

VICE-CHANCELLOR MEETS WITH UNION OFICIALS IN AE-FUNAI
• RECIEVES EXPECTATIONS FOR 2019/ 2020 ACADEMIC SESSION.
In his efforts and administrative strategy to ensure that all segments of the university are carried along and form part of the university decision making as the new academic session commences first week in October, 2019, Vice- Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu–Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba and Principal Officers, on Monday, September 23, 2019, hosted all the officers of the various labour unions and Students’ Union Government, to an interactive session, to further exchange ideas and together forge ways for the smooth commencement of the new academic session.
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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba addressing the Officers at the meeting

Nwajiuba told the officers that it was important for each union and principal officers to put heads together, exchange ideas and prescribe best policies, plans and expectations for the coming session, hence his invitation to them for the meeting. Professor Nwajiuba went on to state that he was happy that he has revealed the hidden curriculum on leadership by exposing a lot of people in the system to basic leadership requirements, which has become the average discussion in the country today. According to him, people are looking forward to having link to building expanded management, a strategy AE-FUNAI enjoys today more than other institutions around.
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ASUU Chairman, Dr Egwu Oguguo making presentation

The meeting had the officers of A E- FUNAI chapters of ASUU SSANU, NAAT, NASU and SUG in attendance and each team were given time to present their plans and expectations for the 2019/2020 academic year. Major among their various expectations as put forward include; more laboratories and equipment, office facilities, seats for students, renovation of some buildings that were devastated not quiet long ago by wind storm and sustenance of examination conduct standard, to maintain the ‘ no room for examination malpractice’ stand in AE-FUNAI. There were other requests such as more drugs and medical equipment for the University Medical Centre, buses to convey staff and students to and from Abakaliki, shuttle buses for campus internal runs, more training opportunities for staff among other needs.
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SSANU Chairman, Comdr. Emmanuel Chigbata speaking at the meeting.

NASU was particular in asking for more staff quarters and orientation for junior staff. They also requested management to introduce work and study program in the university, to enable junior staff have opportunity to further their education while working. SUG expect better ICT services and directories, more banks and eateries in the campus, to enable students have wider choice range in dealing with their financial and social needs.
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NAAT Chairman, Mr. Isdore Nwachukwu addressing the meeting.

Responding to all the expectations and suggestions, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba promised to as much as possible proffer solutions to the various issues so raised by bringing the expectations to reality, very soon. He however called for the understanding and support of the unions, as they represent the different segments of the university community, since according to him, more will be achieved through teamwork.
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NASU Chairman, Comdr. Chibuike Igwe making his speech.

The highlight of the meeting was a visual presentation on the growth and development of the university since inception of Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba as Vice-Chancellor, by Mr. Ikechukwu Elom, SA to VC on Documentation, ranging from accreditation of more courses, establishment of more Centres and Directorates, more infrastructural development including uninterrupted power supply, university in a garden project to improved global ranking.
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Mr. Ikechukwu Elom, SA to VC on Documentation making presentation on AE-FUNAI.
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Dean Student Affairs, Dr. Otu Otu Akanu speaking at the meeting.


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SUG President, Comdr. Chima S. Chijioke at the meeting.

Non Academic Staff Union of Allied and Educational (NASU), Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ebonyi State Chapter, led by its Chairman, Comrade Chibuike Igwe, on Monday 23rd September, 2019, made an additional donation of 30 bags of cement to support the rapid infrastructural development in the university, driven by the action Vice– Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba.
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NASU Chairman with his Excos presenting the bags of cement to VC.

During the presentation with his executives, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Chibuike Igwe thanked VC, Prof. Nwajiuba for the good work he is doing and re-iterated the union’s resolve to continue to support VC and university management in achieving the laudable vision of the young but very serious university. He pointed out that the branch executives of the union sponsored the additional 30 bags of cement to complement the 100 bags earlier donated.
Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Nwajiuba expressed delight that a non-academic staff union here, who supposedly earn lesser salaries have shown more commitment and support towards building the university. He promised to reciprocate the union’s kind gestures, while declaring the union No. 1 in the university, given what they have done so far.
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VC, and Principal Officers in group photograph with NASU Executives
during the presentation.

At the 16th Regular Meeting of Governing Council of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, held on Tuesday, 10th September, 2019, the report and recommendations of the Appointment and Promotions Committee (A&PC) for promotion to Professorial cadre of Dr. Smart Otu and Dr. Moses Alo, to the rank of Professor of Criminology and Professor of Medical Microbiology respectively with effect from 1st October 2018, were approved.
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Dr. Moses Alo (Professor of Medical Biology)
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Dr. Smart Otu (Professor of Criminology)
The Governing Council further approved the promotion of forty four (44) academic staff with effect from 1st October 2019 and the confirmation of appointments of fifty nine (59) Academic Staff.
The senior and junior Non-Teaching Staff of the university were not left out, as Council approved the promotion of one hundred and seventy five (175) Senior Non-Teaching Staff and confirmation of the appointment of sixty four (64) Senior Non-Teaching Staff. Ninety two (92) Junior Non-Teaching staff were also promoted, while thirty nine (39) junior Non-Teaching staff were confirmed, with effect from 1st October 2019.

Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, recently commissioned AE-FUNAI Corpers Green Garden. The event took place at the garden site between Holy Family Catholic Chaplaincy site and Security House, Zone A.
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Miss Ezinwanne Odowuike (Group leader) leading VC Prof.Nwajiuba and other University officers to the garden

The Green Garden, which covers over a plot of land, is pioneered and managed by a group of eight, among the National Youth Service Corps Members currently serving in the university, under the leadership of Miss Odowuike Ezinwanne Chizomam of Public Relations and Information unit, Vice- Chancellor’s Office, has variety of plants, including fruits, flowers, economic trees such as mangoes, oranges, budded coconut, citrus, step trees, queen of the night, oil palm and others, numbering close to a hundred. There are also concrete built seats, for the relaxation of staff, students and other visitors to the garden.
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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba cutting the tape to commission the garden

Speaking in an interview before the commissioning of the garden, Co-coordinator, University Campus Green Initiative, Mr Chukwu Ifeanyi, said that the garden would yield fruits in the nearest future, that will nourish body and soul, and that the garden is a relaxation center for all, adding that the garden will most importantly provide shade to reduce effects of harsh weather. Chukwu thanked University management, for giving him the opportunity to work with Corps members in the Campus Go-Green Initiative to transform the university to Campus in a Garden, pointing out that the garden was possible because the pioneer corps members put in their efforts and time nurturing the garden till the stage of commissioning.
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The 8 Corps Green team
Excited Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, praised the Corpers for the courage and commitment to service and above all achieving the milestone project. According to him,”AE-FUNAI is a growing university and needed trees to serve as wind breaker. No effort is too small to develop AE-FUNAI and push it to greater heights. Nwajiuba asserted that their efforts have been imprinted in AE-FUNAI. While commissioning the garden, he prayed for God’s blessing upon the Corpers and for the garden to yield good fruits at the appointed time.
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VC, planting in the Garden
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VC, with University officers and Corps members at the front of the Garden

At the enlarged management meeting of Alex- Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, held Wednesday, August 11, 2019 at the University Senate Chamber, Vice- Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, who Chaired the meeting, called on Deans of Faculties and Directors to present their plans for the 2019/2020 academic year at the meeting. This he said, was to keep university management abreast of developments, activities, projects and expectations from their various sections, in line with the overall vision, goals and aspirations of the university.
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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba (2nd L) with other Principal Officers at the meeting

The Deans and Directors who took turns to make presentations, starting with the Provost , College of Medicine, Prof. Paul Ezeonu, to others, including Deans of School of Post-Graduate Studies, Faculties of Agriculture, Education, Humanities, Management and Social Sciences, Science, Basic Medical Sciences, Engineering, Student Affairs, Directorate of Academic Planning, Centre for Education Services and the rest.
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Prof. Afam Icha-Ituma, Dean FMSS, making presentation
While making their presentations, the officers expressed delight for being appointed and thanked VC for finding them worthy of the opportunity to be in his team, at this material time that the young university is fast transforming to world class, under his watch. The plans as presented, focused on the following deliverables; Preparation for accreditation of new courses and professional examinations; Orientation for the freshmen for the 2019/ 2020 session, to keep them well prepared to face the university academic and social life and as well acquire the requisite attitudes and readiness to pass through the university; Timely uploading of students’ results; Update faculty hand books; Clear all backlogs and ensure timely graduation of final year students; Organize sufficient workshops, public lectures, seminars, and conferences, both locally and internationally for the benefit of both staff and students; Re-kindle efforts to achieve the tripod focus of the present university system - Teaching , Research and Community Service (TRCS); Provide more practical experiences for students to effectively support and balance the theories; Continue to cultivate the culture of excellence; Digitalize most of the faculty and directorate activities; Inter-Faculty and Directorate collaborations; Increased Internationalization for global visibility; Staff training and re-training; Entrepreneurship and small scale factories development, among other programmes and projects.
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Cross section of Deans and Directors

Prof Nwajiuba thanked the Deans, Directors, Heads of Units and Departments for their commitment and hard work. He did not hesitate to tell them that ‘’you are doing well so far but should put more efforts, re-iterating that all hands should be on deck to meet the focus on Teaching, Research and Community Service, which are the mandates of the university, today.
Vice-chancellor pointed out that to reinforce teaching and learning in the university, a new Centre for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning has been created and that soon the details will be unfolded to the university community, as emeritus Prof. P. A. I. Obanya comes on September 26, 2019 to do justice to that and he requested all Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments and other teaching staff to be present.
Prof Nwajiuba urged them to ensure strict compliance to the academic calendar and rules of engagement, as they carry on their duties. VC promised to construct proper hostels for the medical students, provide more equipment for faculties of Science, Engineering and Technology, School of Medicine, Green House and Tractors for Faculty of Agriculture and other major facilities for the university and encourage Post- Graduate Lecturers. VC requested University TETfund Committee, headed by Dr. Nnenna Nwosu-Nworuh, to assess fund for books as in TETfund provisions to encourage lecturers to write books. He emphasized that Centre for Human Resources Development is the University Training School and should be put to proper use, to achieve its goals and justify the establishment of such center in the university.
Prof Nwajiuba re-affirmed his commitment to build a standard Igbo Centre in the university, for the revival, restoration and promotion of Igbo culture and possibly contribute to resolving the Igbo ‘values crises’. Nwajiuba maintained his stand that no additional fees will be charged students while he serves as VC of the university, to avoid over loading their parents and guardians, adding that management will do its best with whatever funds available to the university.
VC on a final note, thanked the Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments/ Units and others who attended the enlarged management meeting and promised to make the meeting more regular to consistently provide avenue for interaction among officers and staff of the university.
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Cross section of Deans and Directors

TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ON WATER RESOURCES PRESENTS INTERIM REPORT
Vice- Chancellor, Alex –Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, on Monday, September 4, 2019, inaugurated a six man technical committee on water resources “to basically deal with issues bordering on lack of portable water supply in the university” and the committee was given a week to report back to management. Today, Tuesday 10th September, 2019, the Technical Management Committee on Water Resources, led by the Chairman, Engr. Adebayo, presented an interim report to the Vice –Chancellor and Principal Officers in VC’s office.
While presenting the report to the Vice- Chancellor, Engr. Adebayo thanked university management for giving them opportunity to serve the university community in that capacity, in view of the necessity for good water in the life of every community like ours. He therefore reaffirmed the avowed commitment of all members of the committee to live up to expectation of the university which is for the committee to achieve quality, timely and cost-effective delivery on their mandate. He further stressed that with the calibre of persons in the committee and given what has been achieved to meet the one week timeline, they will deliver in record time.
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VC, Prof Nwajiuba receiving report from Engr Adebayo
Receiving the report, elated Prof Nwajiuba expressed excitement and gratitude to the committee for meeting the first deadline, which for him, is proof of true commitment and readiness to perform, urging them to ever remain steadfast in discharging their duties efficiently as professionals in their various fields. VC promised that management will find creative and cost-effective strategies to achieve the project to ensure that the challenge of water scarcity in the university becomes a thing of the past in no distant time.
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VC, Prof Nwajiuba taking critical look at the report
Vice-Chancellor iterated that the work the committee has done thus far would have required the University management to hire consultants to do but that he is happy the university has Engineers who would save them the cost of hiring such consultants. He further stressed that the water project should be cashed in on as opportunity to train the students in the relevant areas and as a world class university, AE-FUNAI would want to train their students all round. He therefore urged the committee members and lecturers in Geology, Engineering and related courses, to use the opportunity to expose their students in water resources technology, from bore hole drilling to final stage of the water project.
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VC, in group photograph with the Principal Officers and Committee

In his commitment to find lasting solution to water challenges in the university, Vice-Chancellor, Alex- Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, earlier at a recent management meeting, constituted a technical committee on water resources. The committee has Engr. Adebayo, Chief Engineer at Directorate of Physical Planning, Works and Services, as chairman and Ejike Uchegbu, Special Assistant to VC, Secretary. Other members include, Engr. Dr. Charles Ezeugwu, Engr. Onyekweredike, Dr. Victor Omonona, and Barr. Chigozie Nwachukwu.
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VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba addressing the committee.
In his inaugural speech, VC welcomed members of the committee and thanked them for accepting to work in the committee that was constituted to basically deal with the issues bordering on lack of water in the university and hence salvage the suffering of students adding that he believes the committee will find long lasting solution to water shortage in the university.
According to Prof. Nwajiuba, the mandate for the Management Technical Committee on Water Resources include linking up existing boreholes within the university; construction of massive water tank into which other tanks will be channelled; involve students in digging the boreholes, construction of the tanks and the entire process for practical experience purposes; he asked them to package the project master plan in a sellable proposal to embassies and corporate organisations, government and non- governmental organisations for possible sponsorship.
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Chairman of the Committee, Engr. Adebayo making his speech.
Members of the committee took turn to commend VC for constituting the committee and finding them worthy of membership, promising to serve with diligence, and commitment to achieve required results within record time. Engr. Adebayo, Chairman, thanked VC specially for the initiative and stated that given his over six years’ experience in water management in the university, a comprehensive job is required to achieve success, which for him, includes construction of dams and water wells that will benefit other activity areas, such as irrigation, fishery, animal husbandry and the agriculture farm. Engr. Dr. Ezeugwu of Faculty of Engineering further advised that the overall plan should be for long term, to accommodate developments that may unfold in future. He pointed out that, as they plan for water treatment, waste water treatment should also be considered.
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Dir. CEDAMPAT, Mr. Chris Uwadoka airing his views.
Mr. Chris Uwdoka, Ag. Director, CEDAMPAT, pointed out that VC has always been concerned about the water challenge in the university and that counting on the antecedents of the Prof Nwajiuba he knows the project will work and the committee will give all it takes to achieve quality service delivery on the assignment.
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VC and members of committee in group photograph.

AE-FUNAI VC RECIEVES ‘SUPER’ SOARING EAGLES

Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, at the University Senate, yesterday, Monday 2, 2019, received AE-FUNAI contingents at the just concluded finals of Nigerian Psychological Association Quiz contest, held at the University of Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.
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Prof. Afam Icha-Ituma, Dean FMSS handing over the trophy to VC, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba
The Soaring Eagles, who represented the University at the quiz contest, were led into the university Senate Chambers by their HOD, Dr. Emenike and Prof. Afam Icha Ituma, Dean, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, who presented the trophy won by the students to the visibly elated Vice-Chancellor.
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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba raising trophy to Senate.
While receiving the champions, VC commended them for their excellent performance at the contest, stating that Alex Ekwueme is a world class University and therefore breeds the best. He urged the students to remain hard-working towards achieving success in their studies and to always be good ambassadors of the University wherever they find themselves. Prof. Nwajiuba in turn lifted the cup to the senate, who applauded the students for making the University proud by their feat.
AE-FUNAI contingents emerged first and best at the Nigerian Psychological Association quiz competition national finals held at University of Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, last week.
The ‘Super’ Soaring Eagles got to the final stage, soaring above other contingents from across the six Geo-Political zones of Nigeria, ahead of the host, University of Uyo and University of Ibadan with 50 points, leaving the two Universities in a tie for second position.

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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba, DVC (Admin) Prof. Philip Omoke, Prof. Afam in Group picture with the Contingents and other university officers.

AEFUNAI PRODUCES FIRST POSTGRADUATE
• Certifies his intellectual ingenuity
Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, (AE-FUNAI)on Friday, 30th August, 2019, made history as first ever academic fruit from Postgraduate School was produced.
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Fielding numerous questions from his external supervisor, Prof. A. C. Ugwu (UNIBEN), during his dissertation defence, Mr. Odochi Ogbu Chukwu of the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences measured competently as he unleashed his unreserved intelligence on his methodology, findings, conclusion and recommendations.
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Recall that School of Postgraduate Studies admitted 53 postgraduate students in the first entrance and now only one was able to record this achievement.
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VC Prof. Nwajiuba expressing his feelings about the epoch making event with Registrar Odisa Okeke(Mrs) beside him.
Speaking during the defence presentation, the Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba confirmed that Mr. Odochi is a ‘ready-made material-well cooked’. He admitted that the student has proven his worth by overcoming the stringent measurement and questions meant to prove his authority in the field. And therefore endorse his ‘PASS’ to the award of M.Sc Certificate.
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VC, Prof. Nwajiuba(Middle) with Prof. Ugwu, Mr. Odochi and other Officers of the University.

BATON CHANGES HAND IN AE-FUNAI FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE…
Out-going Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Alex Ekwueme Federal University,Ndufu-Alike, Dr. Christiana.O Igberi, yesterday, Thursday, August 29, 2019, at the Faculty, delivered her hand-over speech to staff and officers of the faculty and university as she handed over mantle of leadership to the in-coming Dean, Prof. I. Osakwe, immediate past Dean, School of Post-Graduate Studies.

Dr.Igberistarted herspeech by appreciating VC, Prof.ChinedumNwajiuba, for providing support and the enabling environment that made it possible for her and her team to actualize the goals and aspirations and for the privilege to serve as Dean of the Faculty for two tenures. She said that within the last two sessions, the Faculty organized seminars in different aspects of agriculture with full support of the university management and in collaboration with external bodies.


She furthersaid that the Facultyprovides ample opportunities for students to put the theories into practice in their model Agriculture farm which according to her, is the essence of studying agriculture in the university.The out-going Dean pointed out that conducive environment for research is taken for granted in the Faculty, adding that since she assumed office in Sept, 2017, the Faculty has maintained high quality teaching, backed up with sufficient practical activities and that the Faculty organized excursions on the practical requirements of the different course areas, in two occasions, including exposure of students to fully equipped farms outside the university, such as Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State and others.


Finally,Dr.Igberisaid that hertwotenurein office gave her opportunity to garner new experiences, enough of wonderful time and better grounds to effect results, exhibit more commitment to duty,earn self-courage, skill and reward.
In-coming Dean, Prof. I. Osakwe, expressed gratitude to the university authorities for the opportunity given to him to serve again and this time as Dean, Faculty of Agriculture. He thanked the out-going Dean, for the good work she has done in the Faculty and urged every staff to give him all the necessary support that he will need to continue from where the out-going Dean stopped and possibly do more to take the faculty to next level.


Co-ordinator, Green Campus Initiative, Mr Chukwu .N. Ifeanyi, appealed to every staff present to be part of the Green Initiativetowards the realizationof the vision to transform the university to‘Campus in a Garden’



Highlights of the event, were donation oftree seedlings and planting of trees by both out-goingand in-coming Deans, as way of partnering Campus Green Initiative, in the on-going 20,000 trees targeted for 2019, to actualize the Go Green Agenda of the University.

ae-funai staff emerge best graduating student in france
Staff of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Mrs. Udeh Deborah Ginika, who just came back from studies in France on scholarship, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Office today, disclosed her meritorious academic sojourn in France.

Presenting the graduand to the Vice-Chancellor and other officers of the university, Director, French Centre, Dr. Nnenna Nwosu-Nworuh noted that Mrs Udeh left last year 2018 for France to study RNA and Enzyme Sciences and completed her M.Sc Degree in record time, coming out as best graduating student in her department.

Reacting to the cheering news, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, expressed joy for such milestone achievement but had reservation towards the Nigerian academic scenario, where seriousness is sacrificed on the altar of laziness and buck-passing. “The world outside there is characterized by culture of seriousness. Over there, number one offence is when a lecturer misses his/her lecture period”. It is better to train students under pressure because they come out refined and survive easily”, he stated.


In her response, Mrs Udeh thanked the University management for the Opportunity given to her to study in France and particularly in the University of Lorraine, Nancy. She stated that it was a memorable experience out there, where examinations are written bi-weekly, pointing out that the difference between education system there and here in Nigeria, is too wide to measure. She also confirmed that lecturers do not miss lecture schedules and are usually there for their students at all times. Mrs Udeh also noted that they not only meet schedules but are approachable, incorruptible, committed and take their jobs seriously, emphasizing that lecturers even show more commitment in teaching and articulating examination questions than the students under their tutelage.

DISCLAIMER
It has come to the notice of the University that fraudsters in their usual fraudulent activities are sending messages to parents, guardians and prospective students, who sat for Alex- Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu, Alike, Ebonyi State Post-UTME screening ,requesting payment of specified amounts to some bank accounts as condition to offer admission to the candidates.
Please, note that such messages,in which ever platform,are attempts to swindle the concerned parents, guardians and candidates that the University has not authorized any person or group to issue such directives or messages and hereby warn that any persons, who fall victim is at his/her own risk.
For strict adherence, please.
Thank you

PRO/Head PR/Information Unit