₦airaland Forum

Following the on-going French partnership research on climate change, seven (7) universities including AE-FUNAI have been chosen to incorporate with France embassy in Nigeria to research about climate change, laying emphasis on Energy, Water Resources and Human activity.
This development called for a meeting with AE-FUNAI research team, where five researchers were nominated to represent the university in the Inter-universities research on Climate Change.
Speaking during the meeting, The Vice-Chancellor Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba mentioned that the team would meet with other chosen universities to deliver on a research themed “Energy, Water Resources and Human Activity”. He therefore urged the selected researchers representing the school to be of good conduct and imbibe the habit of humility as it is the best quality of a researcher.
The acting Director, Centre for Climate Change and Development AE-FUNAI Dr Robert Onyeneke added that the five researchers were nominated because they had good researchable topics focusing on the given theme, further advising them to be action oriented, as it is a must in the concept of the said research.

INTERNATIONAL ICON PRESENTS PARADIGM SHIFT IN CONCEPTUAL FRAME WORK AND ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN UNIVERSITY AT AE FUNAI
Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State on Thursday, May 2, 2019, organized an inspiring and thought provoking seminar on African University of the Future: A knowledge Enterprise for Articulating And Incubating Radical Solutions To The Formidable Challenges on the Continent by Reverend Father Godfrey O. P. Nzamujo, a reputable Professor of Engineering and Director of the Songhai Centre, Porto Novo, Benin Republic.
Prof. C.C.C. Ejike, Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, who presented the welcome address on behalf of the Chairman ,Committee on Inaugural and Public Lectures, Prof. Joy Igbo urged participants to feel free and embrace the call to develop appropriate and adaptive institutional framework for a continuous generation, sharing and appropriation of ideas, knowledge and skills to harness the rich and diverse cultural heritage in Africa as championed by the guest lecturer, Father Nzamujo, an illustrious son of Africa.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, who attracted the August lecturer, in his opening remarks, acknowledged Father Nzamujo as a world original thinker and practitioner of change for his global vision of sustainable development.
Prof. Nwajiuba reeled his purposes for establishing link and partnership with the guest speaker and the Songhai farm to include, the desire to establish a long-term action oriented relationship with Songhai that supports the university’s core mandate of teaching, research and community service; desire to specifically create relationship that will be institutionalized in a manner that the university can train new generation of graduates who can create jobs and not job seekers; desire to open a bilateral relationship for students’ training; desire that Songhai will provide technical support to implement what he saw in Porto Novo, and what Songhai has across the provinces of Benin Republic, as well as Africa; desire to have a binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) that ensure this relationship is cemented; and most critically, the desire to achieve a positive shift in the pervading attitude to work, life and living which is summed as misinforming Nigerian youths, manifesting in sweet without sweat, benefits without responsibility, wealth without work, and a general mentality of entitlement.
The Vice-Chancellor admitted that our society is on the verge of major changes which by wisdom, human resource should be focused rather than on natural resource since the demographic population of Nigeria and Africa are shooting high at alarming proportion.
The Vice-Chancellor mentioned that AE-FUNAI has begun the right approach towards solving societal problems by eliminating alternatives to practicals in science and technology courses, embarking on vigorous language enhancement programme to brush students on the deficits in writing and communication skills and most importantly, the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Employability has been stimulating students to generate business ideas and to produce tangible goods with high unique selling points.
In his presentation, Father Godfrey Nzamujo, averred that the relevance of African Universities with regard to our present day challenges is becoming very doubtful and has chronicled to unimaginable scope and complexity. He said that universities have failed in their original calling in academic culture that rather than restructure institutional operations to generate new competences and conceptual frameworks to effectively embrace these challenges in real time, perpetuate existing organizational structures and practices and retreat, instead, they resort to relaxing at the comfort zone of abstract knowledge.
He fluted that African universities have three (3) major areas of concern that should be well harnessed, which include knowledge generated from the university; transaction which should serve as tools and new culture which represents new world view and that these three are symbolized by the head, hand and the heart, which go a long way to determining breakthrough or breakdown of African mission. He maintained that African professors are prophets and should be able to see the horizon and see what others are not seeing, understand what is around us and where we are coming from (Basic science) and develop basic tools (technology) and use those tools to produce goods and services. Her re iterated that we either breakthrough or breakout.
He noted that Africa is at crossroads and needs to embark on the project of recasting its university system having leverage knowledge, creativity and innovations. He recalled the Motto of the University of Bologna established in 1088: “The nourishing mother of the studies”, where knowledge remains the undisputed key to emancipation, cultural, spiritual and socio-economic development. He mentioned that Africans are transiting into a period where intellectual capital; brainpower is replacing financial and physical capitals as key to our strength, prosperity and well being.
He charged these citadels of learning in Africa to rejig and retool the knowledge enterprise to become the fulcrum for societal transformation. He posited that we are living in a post-modern-science era where there is a definite paradigm shift resulting from modern sciences and other sources such as quantum physics, micro and molecular biology, cognitive sciences among others that provide us with fundamentally different and refreshing frameworks on our human dynamics and that of our planet.
Prof. Nzamujo opined that a systemic paradigm has emerged with completely new and different technological orientations. And these can be tackled using a combination of synergy, symbiosis, complementarity, collaboration and suplementarity in the university system. He maintained that even though we are deep into the post-modern science era, we are still navigating with an old map since no specie, sub specie blocks can exist and survive on a separate sustainable unit but what survives and remains sustainable is the organism-in-its environment. He added that any organism, a unit, department, state, tribe etc. that works and thinks only in terms of its own survival will invariably destroy its environment and, will thus destroy itself he stated however, that we must remember that nature knows how to takeout predators.
The professorial clergy further posited that from the systems point of view, the unit of development or survival is not the entity (humans, animal, fish or crop) at all, but rather a pattern of organization developed and adopted by any of these entities in its interaction with its environment.
He observed that as the new sciences and technologies are forcing us to abandon the linear and mechanistic world view, a systemic world is emerging and being consolidated at the same time by ever integrated platform of the new technologies they inspired. He said that our efforts in trying to solve systemic problems have remained a piecemeal but rather suggests that systems view of life will be collectively embraced by our scientists, engineers, political and corporate leaders who can imagine radically different kinds of products and services emerging from new integrated platform of technologies, from artificial intelligence (AI), biotech, sustainable Agriculture, health care to space technologies etc. He strongly affirmed that this will be the principal mission of the new African university. “Every university should be a laboratory of this adventure, this project of a new society-a functional extension space to incubate new creams of human resources with the passion, creativity and innovative drive to animate this “new human space-La Montee humaine” project”.
He concluded by suggesting ways of creating new weapons of mass construction by finding answers to questions and use them to develop technologies inspired by nature where programs had already begun by Biomimicry- an exciting new field of engineering and design even as he charged scientists and engineers to form an interdisciplinary team to analyze detailed chemistry and molecular structures of nature’s most complex materials to use them as models for new biotechnologies. He warned that Africans should stop creating solution where there is no question. “We should stop creating unemployment by training people for the jobs of yesterday”.
He took time to demonstrate to the captivated participants life and activities in Songhai farm ranging from modern agricultural production, recycling technology, environmental management, hospitality and tourism etc. It was a conglomerate in a garden. Opportunity was given for interaction with the audience through questions and answers session.

REA INDUCTS ‘STEM’ FEMALE STUDENTS OF AE-FUNAI
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in actualizing the Energizing Education Programme(EEP),held its first induction for selected female students of AE- FUNAI in the Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to undergo three months certified internship training .
While declaring the induction open at the University Senate Chamber, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for giving AE-FUNAI opportunity to be among the first nine universities chosen to have a power grid installed in the school and among the two universities chosen in the South-East. He charged the female students who were selected for the internship to remain consistent and focused towards acquiring in-depth knowledge during the programme as the university was majorly concerned in building students who are worthy in character and learning. He mentioned that women are now at the fore front of affairs all over the world and asked the students to aspire higher and dream big.
Speaking at the event, the REA resident Engineer, Kalu Okwara Orji stated that during the Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) was a subset of the National Electricity Power Authority (NEPA) later known as the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in a bid to massively extend National Grid to Rural dwellers. With arising difficulties, EEDC metamorphosed and proved to be a more difficult adventure. In order to rescue Federal Institutions from the shackles of public power supply, a special project called Energizing Education Programme (EEP), an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, aimed at providing sustainable and clean power supply to thirty seven (37) Federal universities and seven (7) University Teaching Hospitals across Nigeria was established.
Engr. Orji added that the project plan include the provision of independent power plant, upgrading existing distribution infrastructure, providing street lighting to improve security within the university community as well as development of a world class training centre on renewable energy for each university. According to him, “ the project is being implemented by the REA and developed in phases where phase one will deliver 28.5 megawatts to 9 Federal Universities and one university teaching hospital using solar hybrid. The phase one will benefit 127,000 students, 28,000 university staff, 4700 staff in teaching hospital and 819 doctors. It will power 2,850 street lights and result in the decommissioning of hundreds of generators, four of which will be decommissioned in AE-FUNAI”.
The Key Facilitator and Technical Assistant to the Managing Director, Rosemary Eden, introduced the REA as a Federal Government Agency under the Federal Ministry of Power responsible for improving electricity access to underserved communities in Nigeria. She stated that the REA developed the off grid electrification strategy, programmes and initiatives for the overall development and economic growth plan of the country. She mentioned that the EEP STEM programme for female students is a way of getting more women actively involved in the power sector in order to bridge the gap between men who are the dominating gender and their female counterparts. She gave an overview of the internship plan, the duration, including students’ incentives. She re-iterated that students were not allowed at the site for more than three times a week and emphasized the benefits of the EEP programme and urged them to take the opportunity seriously.
While at the Solar Garden, Mr. Adelore Kunle, staff of the holding firm, gave the students safety tips to guide them in and around the Power Plant during their internship and asked them to take their safety seriously and always appear at the site with their complete safety kits.
Engineer Emmanuel Mopho, one of the officers on site, took the inductees and officials of the University around the power plant getting them acquainted with the basic facilities while giving fundamental information on how electricity supply is generated from sunlight, through the solar panel and distributed to consumers.
The Director CEDAMPAT, Mr. Chris Uwadoka after the induction had a closed door meeting with the new inductees where he charged them to be good ambassadors of the university by being of good conduct,exhibiting intelligence and garnering adequate knowledge to the pride of the university and to their immense benefit upon graduation. Miss Ofoegbu Sonia of the department of Anatomy, on behalf of the inductees thanked the university management for such a rare opportunity of having only women partake in such a wonderful programme, especially with the valued certificates to be issued at the end of the internship and promised to do the university proud.

On Tuesday, April 2, 2019, Vice-Chancellors of the 24 Federal, State and Private Universities in South-East Nigeria gathered at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State for a first-of-its-kind crucial meeting.
The Vice-Chancellor of AE-FUNAI, and convener of the meeting, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, in his welcome address, expressed deep satisfaction over the presence of the Vice-Chancellors, despite their busy schedules. Speaking further, he said the reason for convening the meeting was to find ways of partnering and collaborating with each other in the areas of common interests and challenges facing them.
Prof. Nwajiuba affirmed that though universities have common interests, they have different challenges and these challenges affect private universities the more. He called on the older universities to mentor and support the young ones so as to achieve the much needed result and expectation of our society.“Our idea is to create synergy amongst universities and offer each other assistance where required. Our relationship is complementary (not competitive), we envisage a relationship that includes staff and students exchange, access to facilities including laboratories and workshops, among others. Our collaboration may seek to create avenues for the exchange of research ideas and innovations. This should give room for rigorous academic activities in the South- East, as well as complementary relationships”, he said. He called on the participants to embrace unity and find areas of comparative advantage to assist others.
In his words of encouragement, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, (NUC), Barr. Victor Onuoha, who was present as a special guest, noted that university is about development and as such, no meaningful development has existed on a lone effort. He maintained that Nigerian universities had MoU with universities abroad which hitherto, have not affected the local content and peculiar needs of our universities. He therefore called for synergy amongst the universities to look inward into areas of strength and weaknesses and find ways of assisting one another.
He asked the Vice-Chancellors to make available their institutions’ researches to one another and collaborate in areas of teaching by exchanging staff where need be. Barr. Onuoha warned that universities, be it public or private, are not money spinning organizations, but should find what society stands to benefit and what the graduates stand to offer. He noted that with quality assurance, universities today, are better for it.
He finally called on each university to review its strategic plan and begin to work on it and where they do not have, they should put in place one without further delay, adding that NUC is always ready to assist any university to achieve its goal, once the necessary machineries are put in motion.
Other special guests who also made presentations during the technical session were Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuike, Ex-Minister for Education and former Economic Adviser to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Osita Ogbu, Director of the Institute for Development Studies, University of Nigeria and Dr. Nnenna Nwosu, Director, French Centre, AE-FUNAI.
While chatting with AE-FUNAI PR Team, some of the Vice- Chancellors expressed excitement at the epoch-making- get- together of the Vice-Chancellors of the South-East Universities and their gratitude to the convener for the vision. They said they are full of expectations that their discussions and subsequent communiqué during the technical session will set the agenda and provide the road map for further actions on the way forward.
The highlight of the historical gathering was tree planting by the Vice-Chancellors in solidarity and support of the AE-FUNAI Vice-Chancellor’s Green Initiative towards realizing the “Campus in a Garden” vision.

The Governing Council of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, at its 15th Regular Meeting held on March 21, 2019, considered the report and recommendations of the Appointments and Promotions Committee (A & PC) and approved the promotion of Dr. Omaka N. Omaka a Reader in the Department of Chemistry/Bio-Chemistry, Faculty of Science, to the Professorial cadre.
The Council also approved the promotion of Dr. Sunday N. Nnamani, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Music, Faculty of Humanities, to a Reader.

THE FOOTBALLER VICE-CHANCELLOR DISPLAYS AT THE MAIDEN UNIVERSITY STAFF TOURNAMENT
The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, yesterday, 21st March, 2019, displayed energy and talent at the university football play ground while featuring in the on-going maiden university staff inter-faculty/units football tournament.
The day’s match was between the Vice-Chancellor’s office team and that of Humanities/ Management and Social Sciences. The Vice-Chancellor entered the pitch at the second half to the excitement of spectators who were thrilled by his appearance in full sports attire as a ‘star’ player for his team. The match stood at draw till the master dribbler Chinedum Nwajiuba scored the “winning” penalty shoot-out at zero minute to go, to the applaud of spectators who sang the winning song around with him for his fitness in the pitch and for scoring a goal.
Many of the staff who were interviewed expressed delight that their youthful and energetic Vice-Chancellor was around to play with his staff. No wonder the saying that “all work and no play make … a dull man”. Watch out for updates on the tournament.

ENGR.ONWUEGBU COMMISSIONS THE STATE-OF-THE-ART CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKSHOP AT AE-FUNAI
On Wednesday, 20th March, 2019, the Pioneer Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, (AE-FUNAI), Chief, Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu (OME IHE UKWU), commissioned a standard and state-of-the-art Civil Engineering Workshop and facilities which he voluntarily and single-handedly funded from foundation to completion.
While receiving this great philanthropist and illustrious son of Enugu State, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, extolled the rare qualities and remarkable achievements of this icon of our time, which have and continue to endear him to the University and his people. The VC pointed out that Engr. Anayo has been partnering and supporting the university even after his time here as the Pro-Chancellor of the University. He thanked the philanthropist for the gesture and used the occasion to invite private and non-governmental agencies to partner and support AE-FUNAI as Engr. Chief Onwuegbu is doing.

The grand reception which took place at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room and the commissioning, formed part of the four (4) days University Council Meeting. Engr. Chief Anayo and his entourage were accompanied by the VC and members of the Council and other officials to the Civil Engineering Workshop for the commissioning of the building and the civil engineering facilities installed in it. The Catholic Chaplain of the University, Rev. Father Agbo, was on hand to bless the donor, the university community and the building after which Engr. Anayo cut the tape to commission the building while the VC led the tour round the workshop to have a full view of the different sections of the workshop building and facilities.
After the commissioning, the VC took Chief Anayo, his entourage and Council Members round the campus to the fascination of the visitors who were amazed at the level of infrastructural development that the university authorities under the able leadership of the amiable and youthful Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba as Vice-Chancellor of the young but fast growing university has put in place.
The grand finale of the reception was the university choir renditions at the event and the decoration of the Chief Guest of Honour, Engr. Chief Anayo Onwuegbu along with his companion, Prof. Osita Ogbu, former Economic Adviser to the President with ‘Akwaette clothes woven by AE-FUNAI students.

EXPERTS ON CLIMATE CHANGE BRAINSTORM ON THE WAY FORWARD FOR NIGERIA
On Tuesday, 19th March, 2019, experts and professionals on climate change from across the globe gathered at Alex Ekwueme, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, to brainstorm on implications of the Katowice Climate Package, for Nigeria. The event which took place at Needs Assessment Lecture Theatre of the University was organized by Centre for Climate and Development, AE-FUNAI, in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change of the Federal Ministry of Environment and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Declaring the workshop open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba said that university exists to generate knowledge especially in active teaching and research and rendering service to communities. He noted that the university should not be different with the demands and change of time. “We are supposed to be the brain of our society. In AE-FUNAI, we do not only talk, we work the talk”, he enthused. He posited that AE-FUNAI had already planted about 4,981 ornamental and fruit trees between 2016 and 2018. The essence was to provide more generic platform for people to be carried along, thus AE-FUNAI has embarked on Hybrid power plant courtesy of the Federal Government of Nigeria under its Energized Education Programme. On completion, this programme will supply part of the required energy for powering and lighting machine and other equipment thereby building institution that will be part of the new centre for climate change and finding solutions to climate related issues. According to him, the creation of the Centre for Climate Change in the University under the leadership of Dr. Robert Onyeneke is an indication of the University’s interest and involvement in the climate change challenge which has become a global concern.
He further emphasized that the roundtable was basically to sensitize the participants and the entire Nigeria community on climate change, and possibly proffer solutions to its challenges and the effects of global warming in Nigeria and the world at large. The workshop is also intended to drive Nigerians and the Federal Government to queuing into the Paris Climate agreement of 2015.

The key facilitator at the workshop, Emmanuel Oladipo, a Professor of Climatology at the University of Lagos, led the discussion on the way forward for Nigeria after the Katowice Climate Package. While making his presentation on the topic: Implementation Process of The NDC and Practical Actions and Activities Needed to Enhance Its Implementation, he led emphasis on the fact that Nigeria’s first NDC outlines the country’s change priorities for post 2020 period including targets and strategies for addressing the causes of climate change and responding to its effects. He identified five (5) sectors that are critical for Nigeria to be able to contribute to the goal of keeping the global temperature increase to well below 20C. The five sectors according to him are: Agriculture and Land Use, Energy, Industry, Oil and Gas and Transport.

In his presentation, Prof Chukwumerije Okereke of the University of Reading explained that there is difference between weather change and climate change. He posited that weather could be hot or cold and can stretch for a day or two but climate change lasts for a very long period of time. He stated that the energy that comes from the sun is one of the reasons why we are alive but emission of gas, deforestation and burning of refuse has adverse effect on the ozone-layer. He pointed out that, “there is no end to climate change; we just need to understand it and know what to do at every level”.
Prof. Okereke,who is joining AE-FUNAI emphasized the need for a holistic understanding and approach to Climate Change in Nigeria and the world over during his key note presentation on the rationale for the establishment of the Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable development (ICCSD) AE-FUNAI.

The presentations by the numerous scholars in attendance, highlighted the actions and inactions that constitute threat to our environment especially the gas flaring and emissions, indiscriminate felling of trees, use of generators, fossil gas, bush burning, and deforestation among others as these activities increase heat on the environment. They posited that to maintain the National Green Bond, all hands must be on deck as collective effort will underscore the relevance of fighting climate change globally.
Other facilitators at the workshop include Dr. Robert Onyeneke, who made a presentation on the Context and Justification for the Roundtable, emphasized that: “Collaborative efforts at all levels (International, Regional, National, Sub-national) and working in partnership with stakeholders, (communities, households, individuals, private sectors, civil society and the academia) are needed to address Climate Change”.


Dr. Yerima Peter Tarfa, Director, Department of Climate Change, Focal Point For UNFCCC, Federal Ministry of Environment, represented by Mrs Ann Umar, dealt on the topic, Nigeria’s NDC – Process of Formation and Key Features and pointed out that climate change is threatening national development at all sectors.


Prof. Emmanuel Nzegbule of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria, while making his presentation, provided answers and explanations to the question: Do strong political and fiscal commitment exists to achieve Nigeria’s NDC and Katowice Climate Package?

Prof. Emmanuel Nzegbule taking questions from participants after his presentation.
Paddy Ezeala, a Consultant with National Conservation Foundation, spoke on Deforestation in Nigeria: the Looming Disaster in South-East Nigeria. In his presentation, he revealed that:
• Deforestation is the biggest threat to biodiversity in Nigeria
• All measures put in place for the protection and sustainable management of our forest resources have been failing
• Only 4% of Nigeria’s original untouched forest cover is left.
• Annual rate of deforestation in Nigeria is 3.5% approximately 350,000 hectares of forest out of 7.3 million hectares lost globally, according to FAO.
• 1.5 million trees are felled daily due to illegal logging in Nigeria.



In his vote of thanks after the reactions, opinions and exchange with the participants on the subject, Dr. Robert Onyeneke, the Acting Director of the Centre for Climate and Development AE-FUNAI and host, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for the great opportunity and the facilitators and participants for giving out time to brainstorm on this very topical and yet, technical subject. He stated that achieving success in addressing this phenomenal issue of climate change is a collective responsibility.

– Donates medical relief materials worth millions of Naira
A Canadian based non-governmental organisation, United Sharelife Organisation (USO), USA, led by Very Revd. Dr. U. Dike, on Monday, 18th March, 2019, visited Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State and donated medical equipment worth millions of Naira as part of its humanitarian services to mankind.
The equipment donated includes 50 pairs of medicated eyeglasses, inhalers, malaria drugs and 5 wheel chairs, among others.

Their visitation was attracted by the Head of Counselling Unit, AE-FUNAI, Dr. Mrs Ngozi Nwudu, due to her acknowledgeable experience and expertise as part of her effort towards internationalising the institution and making life more meaningful to the indigent and health challenged ones.

Receiving the guests, the Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba extolled the donors for their courage and sacrifice for humanity adding that the gesture would go a long way in addressing health challenges facing some students and staff of the institution and by extension, the university community as part of its social responsibility.

The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Director Admission, Mr. Noble O. Onukwue noted that the university applauds the benefactors and stands to welcome individuals and other non-governmental organisations to support the University Health Clinic because of its enormous and huge capital requirement that cannot be left in the hands of government alone.
The leader of the team, Dr. Dike reiterated that they were encouraged and moved to assist Africans because of the high level of poverty and disease ravaging the continent which require the United Nations urgent attention. “We want AE-FUNAI to be partakers of our generosity. We did it to others and must do it to you", he said.

*FEDERAL UNIVERSITY, A METAPHOR – AE-FUNAI VC tells Parents*
The Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba on Wednesday, 13th March, 2019, had interaction with the parents forum of the institution. The forum is an umbrella body comprising all the parents and guardians of the institution.
Speaking during the session at the university’s main auditorium, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the term ‘Federal University’ is metaphorical. He gave explanation that federal institutions are owned and supposed to be sufficiently funded by the federal government but in our present circumstance, sufficient standard has become an issue of concern.
He provided deep insight on why AE-FUNAI has parents’ forum which is legally recognized by NUC, Ministry of Education and relevant stakeholders in education sector. Consequently, the forum was inaugurated to assist the university in some challenging and burning areas especially as it concerns funding.
He thanked the forum for their openness, transparency and dedication to the common goal they are championing together with the university especially their intervention in providing desks, perimeter fencing, and accommodation among others. He also told them that the interaction is imperative so as to brief the parents on the latest development and blueprints for the present academic session. Speaking further, he told the forum that AE-FUNAI is the only Nigerian university that has introduced Language Enhancement Programme- LEP, which is aimed at increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of students in their speaking, reading and writing skills. The result is quite amazing.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that AE-FUNAI is one of the fastest growing university in Nigeria and one of the most serious institutions that sticks to academic time-table and graduates students at the expected time. He further stated that AEFUNAI has the most suitable academic calendar and environment. He said: “When we reopen, we go to class. We have quality teachers that deliver quality teaching and learning”.
He advised the parents not to alienate themselves from their wards but should pay close attention to their needs and encourage their spiritual, moral and academic values to adapt conformably with the vision and mission of the university because ‘there is no room for lousiness in AE-FUNAI’, He said.
Responding, the chairman of the forum, Prof. S. A. Igwe mentioned that AE-FUNAI has come to stay and parents ‘interventions and supports would continue to grow. He added that the university ‘is a city of the city and mentioned that the intervention of the forum in perimeter fencing has given protection to the university especially from the menace of herdsmen in the campus. He also noted that the forum has provided about 2000 solar lamps free to students to enable them read at nights.


He therefore calls on the forum to endeavour to attend meetings of the forum so as to witness their projects and have interactions with their wards even as their activities are open to critique.
Excos of AEFUNAI parents forum with the university management.

The Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, was on Wednesday, 13th March, 2019, marked its 7th matriculation ceremony with a difference. The difference is not just about the matriculation but the new concept- open day as introduced by the Vice-Chancellor.

This means that parents and guardians of both old and new students under the auspices of AE-FUNAI PARENTS FORUM were also captured in the event to identify with the university’s developmental goals, giant strides and vigorous transformation so as to engender mutual relationship for the primary purpose of achieving effective and efficient service delivery, especially in teaching and learning.
This year’s ceremony, recorded huge success as matriculants were seen in their ceremonial robes receiving inductions and words of advice and highlights on the expectations of the university from them.
In a message conveying the Vice-Chancellors address to the matriculating students, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba charged the students to be actively involved in their studies, noting that the university is a hallmark of seriousness. He added that the publics are already aware of the seriousness of the institution with both the staff and students.
He opined that there is no room for nonchalant and lazy students adding that victims of compromising situations who could not measure up in their academic performances face either probation or withdrawal pending on ones state
The Vice-Chancellor enjoined them to be driven at all times by their unquenchable goal to graduate at a recorded time pointing out that every course registered must be passed. ‘Work hard and behave well, and you will be successful. In the university, you must pass every course you register.
‘This is not a secondary school where you may fail a subject and still move on. You must also attend lectures as attendance to lectures is a prerequisite to sit for examinations’, he said. In the area of social vices commonly ravaging other tertiary institutions, Prof. Nwajiuba reiterated that vices such as cultism, stealing, examination malpractice, sorting, harassment of all sorts and indecent dressings have no place in the institution. He rather appealed to the students to internalize the virtues of the university‘s motto, Excellence and Integrity which is the bedrock for all students of AEFUNAI-the soaring eagles.
Similarly, he advised them to be familiarized with the wordings of the university song which harps on the belief that, sweet from sweat endures, and, as we set our eyes on enlightened horizon, we expect to take our place among the stars and the wider world’, he enthused.
In another development, the Vice-Chancellor encouraged the parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their wards especially in their academic endeavour and character stressing that no degree will be awarded to any graduate deficient in character but must have an embodiment of certified and satisfied excellent in ‘character and learning’.
The action Vice-Chancellor paid short visits to each faculty congratulating them for the onerous task well executed and asked them to keep their good works so as to achieve world class standard even as the Dean, Faculty of Science, Prof. F. X. Ugodulunwa, presented cake to commemorate the ceremony.

The Council of Federal Institutions’, an umbrella body of Federal universities in Ebonyi State ‘on Wednesday, 6th March, 2019, paid courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba.
The team was led by the President of the SUG (AEFUNAI), Comrade Njoku Francis Ogbonna who noted that the organization took a holistic view and general assessment of the best performing Vice-Chancellors in the Federal Institutions in Ebonyi State and discovered that Prof. Nwajiuba excelled his equals and deserved the praise and commendation of the students’ body.
He averred that the Vice-Chancellor was rated with unequal parallel in massive infrastructural development and human capacity building and has transformed the university within short period of time.
Mr. Ogbonna recalled his admission year with AEFUNAI to have been characterized with pains and agony where they usually sat on blocks for chairs and shades for classroom. He posited that the bushy pathways created room for rape, sexual abuse and harassment but today, history has changed and posterity will forever remember the works of the Vice-Chancellor.
Highlights of their visitation were the presentation of VC’s portrait, a plague, a photo stand and a celebration cake.
In response, the Vice-Chancellor thanked them but charged them to be more committed in their studies and shun laziness in their lives and academic endeavours, pointing out that AEFUNAI is a serious institution and will not compromise that trust of seriousness the institution has been identified with especially the university degree.
‘We are here to produce degrees that are globally competent’ and we are to give you that image and reputation’, he said.

The Department of Mass Communication, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State was on Wednesday, 6th March, 2019, officially directed to take over the management of AE-FUNAI Radio Station.
TheVice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, gave the directive when he received members of the department in his conference room when they came to show solidarity and support to the VC on the result of the National Universities Commission giving full accreditation to the programme and to the faculty at large.
The team which was led by the Dean of the faculty, Prof. Afam Icha-Ituma, expressed their robust feelings towards the de-merging of Mass Communication from the Political Science programme witnessed among other things.
In her remarks, the Head of the Department, Dr. Ngozi E. Uduma, extolled the rare virtues in the Vice-Chancellor in his transformation drive and described him as an education master strategist. She sought among other things in their requests, an authorization to manage AEFUNAI Radio, an approval to publish newspapers and magazines to enhance visibility of the activities of the university.
Other requests included approval to start a blog to enhance online global visibility and approval to collaborate with the Public Relations Unit to advance teaching, learning and practice of Public Relations among others.
The Vice-Chancellor granted their request and urged them to hit the ground running, noting their readiness and expertise in the field knowledge and classroom ability to produce graduates that are globally competent to create employment.
The Vice-Chancellor was exhilarated over the ‘quality of content’ found in the team and promised to raise an office block for the Faculty of Social Sciences in an appreciable time.

The Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba has pledged unalloyed support and collaborative effort with the host community in providing social amenities. He said that the synergy with the community to the government would bring succour and much needed facility to the people.
Speaking while receiving members of Amegu Echara Youth Forum in his office, the Vice-Chancellor recalled his magnanimity to people of Ikwo especially his openness and partnership in developing the community and noted that the community is friendly.
He disclosed that Ikwo is the only host community that got the highest number of admission intakes in the 2018/2019 academic session adding that his commitment was to remove the stigma of less educationally advantaged people to most educated group within the shortest period of time.
He noted that civilization and development accompanying citing a university in a particular area attract a lot of benefits but sometimes breached by little activities of miscreants.
‘University is a good thing. A good thing has cost implication’. There is increased demand for housing accommodation and this has multiplier effects. The need for greater water consumption and the need for enhanced security outfits and high cost of renting houses as a result of increased demand are all end products of development’, the Vice Chancellor noted.
Prof. Nwajiuba observed that ‘the university is growing and will keep growing while the economy of the locals will change and by extension, the state in general’.
The Vice Chancellor pleaded with the group to foster peace and prudence in dealing with the students, stressing that posterity keeps record of cherished attitudes.
The leader of the group, Mr. Ogbonnaya Onele expressed delight and deep satisfaction over the rapid transformation and speedy, massive infrastructural development witnessed all over the university and assured the University of their cooperation and collaboration.
Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of a plaque bearing ‘1st Igbo Vice-Chancellor’ to herald their fulfilled desire from the management of the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba has pledged unalloyed support and collaborative effort with the host community in providing social amenities. He said that the synergy with the community to the government would bring succour and much needed facility to the people.
Speaking while receiving members of Amegu Echara Youth Forum in his office, the Vice-Chancellor recalled his magnanimity to people of Ikwo especially his openness and partnership in developing the community and noted that the community is friendly.
He disclosed that Ikwo is the only host community that got the highest number of admission intakes in the 2018/2019 academic session adding that his commitment was to remove the stigma of less educationally advantaged people to most educated group within the shortest period of time.
He noted that civilization and development accompanying citing a university in a particular area attract a lot of benefits but sometimes breached by little activities of miscreants.
‘University is a good thing. A good thing has cost implication’. There is increased demand for housing accommodation and this has multiplier effects. The need for greater water consumption and the need for enhanced security outfits and high cost of renting houses as a result of increased demand are all end products of development’, the Vice Chancellor noted.
Prof. Nwajiuba observed that ‘the university is growing and will keep growing while the economy of the locals will change and by extension, the state in general’.
The Vice Chancellor pleaded with the group to foster peace and prudence in dealing with the students, stressing that posterity keeps record of cherished attitudes.
The leader of the group, Mr. Ogbonnaya Onele expressed delight and deep satisfaction over the rapid transformation and speedy, massive infrastructural development witnessed all over the university and assured the University of their cooperation and collaboration.
Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of a plaque bearing ‘1st Igbo Vice-Chancellor’ to herald their fulfilled desire from the management of the institution.

The Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede says the Board is proud of the academic activities of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State.
He stated this recently when the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba paid him courtesy call at his office in Abuja.


Commending the Vice-Chancellor for taking the University to greater heights, Prof. Oloyede said: “Your University is a school we are proud of because of your antecedents and achievements within this short period of time.

The moment Prof. Nwajiuba was appointed I knew he will take the university to greater heights. Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike is in for a big deal”, he stated. He further noted that AE-FUNAI and JAMB were partners in progress, promising to always address any identified problems relating to the University’s admission activities.

Responding to the Vice-Chancellor’s request for the admission of foreign students who do not have English language in their O’ level examinations into the university as the institution was looking at admitting students from neighboring countries in the gulf of guinea like Cameroon, He explained that foreign students who do not have English Language were qualified to be admitted into the University, stressing that there is usually a 6-month emersion programme meant to teach and bridge their language gap. He also applauded the Vice-Chancellor’s effort in trying to admit foreign students, saying that a university should be universal and diverse in its approach in order to address the various challenges facing humanity.


While speaking at the visit, Prof. Nwajiuba extolled the various contributions of the Board Registrar to the development of the Nigerian Public Service.

“Your selfless sacrifice and contribution to the country cannot be overlooked and it has inspired us in various capacities, I pray God grants you the grace to carry on these good works”, he stated.
He also thanked him for approving the University’s Computer-based Test (CBT) centre, adding that its importance to the institution cannot be overemphasized especially as the University council has approved the commencement of staff promotion examinations.
He explained that the University has eight thousand (8,000) students domiciled in the faculties of Agriculture, Basic Medical Sciences, Education, Engineering and Technology, Humanities, Management and Social Sciences, Science and a College of Medicine, stressing that in the last accreditation exercise by the National Universities Commission in 2018, the University had twenty six of its academic programmes fully accredited.

The Vice-Chancellor maintained that AE-FUNAI is a serious-minded institution geared towards turning out graduates that are globally-competitive. He further offered to give instant admission to students outside the university’s catchment area who performed creditably well in their Senior Secondary School Examination and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination as a way of diversifying the university’s admission process.

The visit was part of the Vice-Chancellor engagement with all relevant stakeholders in his drive to ensure the University justifies the reason for its establishment.

AE-FUNAI VC REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO CONTINOUS DEVELOPMENT AS HE MARKS 3 YEARS IN OFFICE
The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, has reaffirmed his commitment to the development of the University.
The Vice-Chancellor made this known recently during a thanksgiving church service at the Christ the King Anglican Chaplaincy, AE-FUNAI to mark his 3 years in office.
Supported by staff, students and many invited guests, he gave glory to God for the numerous landmark achievements the University has attained under his watch, noting that God truly loves him as evidenced by His various benefits in his life.

In his sermon entitled “Now Our God, We Give You Thanks”, the Anglican Bishop of Ikwo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ken C. Ifemene, quoting from the book of 1 Corinthians 29 verse 13, stressed the importance of knowing the God we are serving and to always acknowledge his might.

“Just as David gave praise and thanksgiving to God and God blessed him, we as children of God need to always give thanks in good and bad times to attract Gods favor, promotion and open doors in our lives”, he noted.

He explained that thanksgiving was a way of appreciating and acknowledging the goodness and mercy of God, adding “Thankfulness is an important policy for every child of God.”
He used the opportunity to thank God for sending Prof. Nwajiuba to the University as its Vice-Chancellor and prayed for more progress in the remaining time of his stewardship.

While speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor recounted the state of the University, saying: “I know how I met this place when I first came here. Let me make reference to page 26 of the program of event, the state of the university when I assumed duty. But today, the story is different. It can only be God.”

He continued: “Chinedum! It is God that guides me and I give him thanks. I thank God for the good structures and good roads we are seeing today. It is only God that touches the heart of kings to act.”

Soliciting the financial support of staff and other invited guests in helping to build a befitting place of worship for God in the University, the Vice-Chancellor said: “ If I serve as Vice-Chancellor for five years in a virgin land and I leave without establishing a place of worship what do I tell my God?.

I will leave here in 23months; one year, eleven months and three weeks. I am calling on you all to help in raising funds for the building of the Christ the King Chapel”, he stated.


He further used the event to assure the University community of more development and transformation in the institution before the end of the year, enjoining all staff and students to work with him in order to leave a lasting legacy.

The heart-touching request of the Vice-Chancellor galvanized the University Management, Deans and Directors, individual members of staff and invited guests to raise funds for the building of the Chapel. The freewill donations yielded over five million naira.

AE-FUNAI, JAMB TO PARTNER IN DEVELOPING SUDENTS’ ICT CAPACITIES
Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State is to partner Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in developing the capacities of students in the use of Information and Communication Technology for enhanced academic performance and other worthwhile activities.
This was made known recently by the Registrar of the Board, Prof, Ishaq Oloyede when the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba paid him courtesy call at his office in Abuja.

The Registrar noted the need to partner with the University in an IT talent competition among students to enable them display their hidden talents, adding that it would help them to properly channel their energies towards worthwhile activities that would improve their lives. He however decried the activities of students who use their IT skills for fraudulent endeavours, thereby painting the name of their institutions and that of themselves in bad light. He also explained that the competition would be a way of diverting their attention positively to see how such talents could be harnessed adequately to address national needs and informed the Vice-Chancellor that JAMB would also consider establishing its own CBT centre in the University.

Commending the Vice-Chancellor for repositioning the University to become a point of reference among public Universities in Nigeria, Prof. Oloyede said: “Your University is a school we are proud of because of your antecedents and achievements within this short period of time. The moment Prof. Nwajiuba was appointed I knew he will take the university to greater heights. Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike is in for a big deal.”
He further assured the Vice-Chancellor that AE-FUNAI and JAMB were partners in progress, promising to come to the aid of the University in order to address any identified problems relating to its admission activities. He noted that foreign students who do not have English Language were qualified to be admitted, stressing that there is usually an emersion programme meant to teach them English language for six months. He also commended the Vice-Chancellor’s effort in trying to admitting foreign students, saying that a university should be universal and diverse in order to address various needs of any country.

While speaking at the visit, Prof. Nwajiuba extolled the various contributions of the Board Registrar to the development of the Nigerian Public Service.

“Your selfless sacrifice and contribution to the country cannot be overlooked and it has inspired us in various capacities, I pray for God to grant you the grace to carry on these good work”, he stated.
He also thanked him for approving the University’s Computer-based Test (CBT) centre, adding that its importance to the institution cannot be overemphasized especially as the university council has approved the commencement of staff promotion examinations. He explained that the University has eight thousand (8,000) students domiciled in the faculties of Agriculture, Basic Medical Sciences, Education, Engineering and Technology, Humanities, Management and Social Sciences, Science and a College of Medicine, stressing that in the last accreditation exercise by the National Universities Commission in 2018, the University had twenty six of its academic programmess fully accredited.

The Vice-Chancellor maintained that AE-FUNAI was a serious-minded institution geared towards turning out graduates that are globally-competitive. He also used the opportunity to request for the admission of foreign students who do not have English language in their O’ level into the university as the institution was looking at admitting Cameroonians. He further offered to give instant admission to students outside the university’s catchment area who performed creditably well in their Senior Secondary School Examination and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination as a way of diversifying the university.

The visit was part of the engagement programmes of the Vice-Chancellor meant to build synergies with all relevant stakeholders in his drive to ensure the University justifies the reason for its establishment.

The Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State (AE-FUNAI), Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba enjoined all the newly admitted students of the institution to brace up and face their studies.
Declaring the student orientation open, the Vice-Chancellor represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Prof. Sunday Elom reminded the freshmen that the university is noted for its seriousness both in character and learning.
He mentioned that the university thrives heavily on Excellence, Integrity and Entrepreneurship. Noting that the university though, young, had excelled in many areas of endeavor. He charged them to be committed in their studies and shun bad character that may truncate their studentship but engage fruitfully in all the skill acquisition programmes available to them in order to complement their academics and make them employers of labour rather than seekers of job where there is none.
Prof. Elom charged the students to shun cultism and get focused on their education. ‘Make sure you play your part to justify the trust reposed on you by your parents through their investment on you and avoid frivolous activities’.
He maintained that once the students remain tilted to their studies, they would surely graduate at the expected time.


On her part, the Registrar of the institution, Okeke C. Odisa (Mrs.), told the students to be wary of their freedom. She maintained that their freedom is encapsulated with responsibility. She inferred that now is the opportunity to invest their time properly so as to reap its fruits in future.
“Don’t join bad association. There are good and religious associations that can shape your life in consonance with the expectation of the society”.
‘Ladies, don’t entice our lecturers. Dress well and cover your bodies and contours to avoid crying foul. It is only the unserious students that approach lecturers to induce marks. A serious- minded student always face his/her studies properly ahead of examination’.
The Registrar charged the students to ensure they clear themselves with the Registry unit noting that every activity of each student, begins and ends with Registry.

The university Bursar, Alhaji R. k. Aliu, who was represented by Mr. Achine Ojang, enjoined the students to pay up their fees stipulated by the institution ahead of their matriculation as this is the only key towards collecting registration number and serves eligibility factor.
Also, the university Librarian, Dr. O. O. Adediji, who was represented by Dr. Igwe Chinonso, stated that the library is open 24hours for the students to make consultations and advance in the course of their studies but warned that preservation and careful usage is the watch ward of the unit.
The orientation covered a whole range of issues bordering from students successful and productive stay on campus, relationship with the host community, to need for counseling and ICT management among others.
The Dean, Student Affairs, Dr. Otu, Otu Akanu in his closing remarks, advised the students to behave well and set a pace for themselves as to determine their final grade from inception.

The Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State (AE-FUNAI), Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, on Thursday, 21st February, 2019, made pact with the graduating students of the institution. Briefing the students at the main auditorium, the Vice- Chancellor reiterated his commitment to ensuring strict compliance of the academic calendar to guide their prompt graduation from the institution.
He noted that his primary objective of meeting with them was to inform them that their concern is of paramount importance to him and as such, should consider themselves great people. “My objective to gather you here is to tell you that you are no small people and that by August this year, you are no more in this university”.
He therefore struck an all-important deal with the students that everyone should play alongside the academic calendar so as to ensure a hitch free graduation. He enjoined them to play their parts while he played his in order to get things right.
“You should play your part and I will play my part. My lecturers would have loved to see you stay back at home in this election period for your safety but I argued in the negative that you will end up in the hands of the crook politicians as political thugs”.
‘I am going to treat you fairly but firmly and you must graduate when due and nothing more. I will stop at nothing to satisfactorily engage our lecturers to give you the best which like a father, I have been doing’.
“Your part is to face your studies and I will ensure that your examinations are taken accordingly and results are ready while you will be mobilized for your National Youths Service Corps Programme by October this year, only if you play your part’, he noted.
He reminded the students that they are soaring eagles that think out-of-the-box all the time towards achieving special results. He noted that the public image of the university is seriousness.
“Success is a product of hard work and a driver to greater success. We shall make sacrifices and bear the burden to ensure your successful graduation. We are not perfect, but we are getting better”, he affirmed.
He charged them to shun thuggery and engage themselves in their assignments and studies during the weekends.

• Okays its readiness for industrial production

The Acting Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Employability (CEE), Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State (AE-FUNAI), Dr. Makuochukwu Ojide, has confirmed the pragmatic effort of the centre towards producing quality honey that is suitable and readily available for pharmaceutical productions.
Confirming the statement during students training, he noted that the Directorate has numerous sellable skills to equip the students and one of those skills is the honey production.
Speaking further at the field experience on Thursday, 21st February, 2019, Dr. Ojide noted that students of AE-FUNAI, now produce natural honey that meets the specifications of pharmaceutical industries.
He explained that some of the already colonized hives are doing real good while the hives yet to be colonized were baited again. In the artificial baiting, he noted that under the colonized hives, the combs so far are properly formed.
He remarked that only the super chambers will be harvested while the brooding chamber will be left untapped. He also noted that parts of its requirement to meeting pharmaceutical standards was the ability to site the farm away from environmental pollution and gas flaring industries and companies that could affect production and life span of the bees.
The Director, however, noted that the Centre is open to staff and students as an entrepreneurial opportunity available for all to utilize. He mentioned that the interest of the farm is meant to capture all students from across the faculties. Hence, the Directorate would serve as a window of opportunity and intermediary to students on Industrial Training, (IT), Agro business, photo industry and other avalanche of trade available to students.
He mentioned that harvests will commence after three months of production because the centre is serving two interests of training and production

This is to inform you that the screening test for Postgraduate applicants holds as follows:
Date: Monday, 25th February, 2019
Venue: ICT Lab (Take-Off Site)
Time: 10:00am
The applicants are requested to pay an exam fee of Five Thousand Naira (N 5,000) only to the bank through REMITA and tender their tellers at venue of exam to enable them sit for the exercise.
Thank you

NIGERIAN AMBASSADOR TO ARGENTINA COMMENDS AE-FUNAI’S ACCELERATED GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Nigerian Ambassador to Argentina, with corresponding authority over Chile, Peru and Uruguay, His Excellency Mr. Jonah Mkpuruka has commended the rapid growth and development taking place in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State.
The envoy made this known yesterday when he paid a courtesy call to the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, extolling the speedy rise of the University as one of the most-sought-after tertiary institutions in Nigeria.


“I am so delighted to be in your midst. What I have seen today is serious evidence that you people are doing well. The story is different here

“I am highly impressed on the level of your growth and development”, the ambassador said.
The envoy also assured the Vice-Chancellor of his continuous support to the University, pledging to link it with other notable Universities in the countries of his diplomatic assignment in order to help the institution achieve its vision and aspirations.
“I will do everything to support you and the University. I will look for good Universities in the countries of my assignment that share the same values with you and link you together”, he stated.
Ambassador Mkpuruka further used the opportunity to donate 200 bags of cement, as part of his contribution to the speedy development of infrastructure in the University. In support of the donation, Hon. Enyi C. Enyi who accompanied the envoy on the visit pledged a donation of 100 bags of cement while the Pro-chancellor/Chairman of Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, Chief Austin Edeze promised to provide water by sinking a borehole in the University. Recall that the envoy had earlier instituted an endowment for the best graduating student in mathematics in the University.

While receiving the Nigerian envoy, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nwajiuba, noted that the University was showing evidence of seriousness in its academic activities, adding that people were beginning to take notice of it.

“We are working to build a University we can all be proud of. We are gradually showing evidence of seriousness”, he said.
The Vice-Chancellor further explained that the successes being achieved by the University were borne out f collective efforts of staff and partners. He maintained that the University is driven by what he termed “the AE-FUNAI Spirit” and the philosophy of “benefits with responsibility” which according to him have enabled staff to willingly pool their resources together in order to take the University to greater heights.
He equally noted that the University was breaking new grounds because both the Management and staff were on the same page, stressing that recently 26 programmes of the university received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission while in the Webometric Ranking of world Universities the institution is ranked 44 among over 200 tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
The highlight of the event was the decision of the Vice-Chancellor to channel the 300 bags of cement to the construction of the University Staff Children School, which he noted would commence academic activities in the next school session.

In implementing its decision to celebrate all those that have played major roles in the growth and development of the nascent institution, the Management of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, has named a major campus road linking its take-off site to the G. O. Chukwu (administrative) block after the immediate past executive governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Chief Martin Nwancho Elechi.
This decision was made known by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, who noted that the young University which is barely 8 years old was established during the tenure of Elechi as the 2nd civilian governor of Ebonyi State. He explained that it was not a mistake that the University came into existence at that material time, adding that the former governor has continued to support the University in the drive to justify its establishment.

The Vice-Chancellor maintained that the decision was a collective one, geared towards recognizing those that have historical attachment to the University and those that are making contributions to speed up its growth and development.

Surprised by the unexpected gesture, the former governor who was on a visit to the University explained that his administration presented three places to the Federal government as potential sites for the University; however the team from the Federal Ministry of Education led by then Minister, Prof. Ruqayah Ahmed Rufai chose Ndufu-Alike.

He also thanked the University Management for the honour, adding that the accelerated infrastructural and academic development being witnessed in the University was testaments of the Vice-Chancellor’s development-oriented and selfless leadership.
“We are proud of what you are doing”, Chief Elechi concluded.

He further used the opportunity to pledge the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand (N250, 000) naira to support the ongoing infrastructural development in the University.

Chief Elechi is the 3rd person the University is honouring in this regard. Others were the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe and Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Oko Chukwu whom the main Library and Administrative Block were named after respectively, in recognition of their pioneering development roles in the University.

…AS VC reaffirms commitment to the accreditation of all University Programmes
The Chairman of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Chigbata has called on the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba to consider running for political position at the expiration of his tenure.
The labour leader made the call recently at the University main auditorium during a celebration to mark the successful full accreditation of 26 academic programmes of the University by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Chigbata had at the event noted that the University has received a new lease of life since Prof. Nwajiuba assumed duty as the 2nd substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University on 26th February, 2016. He maintained that under his watch, the University has witnessed massive infrastructural development, re-jigging of its academic activities to meet global best practices which underscored the accreditation of its programmes by the National Universities Commission, unparallel improvement in the welfare of staff and the provision of conducive and eco-friendly environment to promote teaching and learning.

Meanwhile the Vice-Chancellor had during the occasion reinstated his unalloyed commitment towards the growth and development of the University, stressing that before the expiration of his tenure all academic programmes of the institution would secure full accreditation from all the relevant government and professional bodies.

He explained that programmes under the Faculties of Education and Agriculture would be presented for accreditation this year. He therefore enjoined all staff to put their hands on deck to ensure that the University maintains its reputation as a serious-minded institution.

He also used the opportunity to express gratitude to staff and students, especially members of the Central Accreditation Committee, Deans and Heads of Academic Departments, Vice-Chancellor’s Special Accreditation Committee, Directorates of Academic Planning, Quality Assurance and Data-base Management for their untiring efforts which led to the success the University achieved in the last accreditation exercise.


He further assured that the spate of infrastructural development and academic expansion going on in the University would continue, adding that “better days are ahead” and “you aren’t seen anything yet.”

Concluding, the Union leader further noted that unlike many who see leadership as a means of feathering one’s nest, Prof. Nwajiuba, has judiciously and conscientiously utilized the meager resources accruing to the University to drive its growth and development, stressing that the Vice-Chancellor has proved himself as an astute manager of men and financial resources and urged him not to rest on his oars.


He maintained that the Vice-Chancellor is the type of leader Nigeria needs at this material time, where there is dearth of genuine leadership and appealed to him to consider joining partisan politics at the expiration of his tenure in order to arrest the worrisome degree of poverty and underdevelopment in the country, especially in his home state, Imo.

Recall that the University in 2014 before the coming of Nwajiuba presented 19 programmes to the NUC for accreditation. However, only two of the programmes were given full accreditation while the remaining 17 had interim accreditation status.

• As Minister of Science & Tech Commissions Chemical Engineering Laboratory
The Federal Government has promised to establish an Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office (IPPTO) at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State.
This hint was dropped yesterday by the Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu during the inauguration of an upgraded Chemical Engineering Laboratory equipped through an industrial collaboration between the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) and PZ Cussons in the University.

Speaking at the event, the Minister noted that no nation can achieve sustainable economic development without Science, Technology and Innovation, adding that Universities have a huge role to play in this regard by embarking on production-led research.

He maintained that it was high time Nigeria emulated China, Japan, India and other nations who are taking their citizens out of poverty through research and innovation.
‘Industry is the home of innovation. Our interest in NOTAP is to promote research driven by industries
‘We want to see that inventions and research works of our Universities are turned into tangible products by industries and commercialized to grow the economy’, he stated.
The Minister further decried the use of alternative to practical in teaching students, stressing that without practical exposures students would only have head-knowledge which cannot engineer industrialization.
‘We want Nigeria to become a knowledge-based and innovative society. And I believe that the industry and the government will collaborate to achieving this noble goal’, the Minister said.
He also used the opportunity to appeal to industries to show more interest to research and innovation through collaborative efforts with universities to develop the capacities of the citizens, in order to jump-start the development of the Nigerian economy.
Also, speaking at the event, the Director- General of the National Office for Technological Acquisition and Promotion, Dr. Dan Azumi Ibrahim, noted that government’s funding of Universities in Nigeria was weak, hence the urgent need for collaborative efforts with industries to promote science, technology and innovation.
He explained that NOTAP is collaborating with the private sector to upgrade laboratories in Nigerian Universities in order to make available to them relevant equipment as the country moves from a resource-based to a knowledge – based economy.
He maintained that for the nation to achieve the dream, it must build the capacities of its citizens, improve its facilities and enunciate workable policies, adding that the Nigerian society cannot move to the next level without realizing the synergy between the three critical factors.

‘This country requires research centers that will engender research and development needed for its transformation.

‘The synergy between industries and researchers are of paramount importance especially now that Nigeria is in a hurry to develop.
‘Research and development go hand-in-hand and are pivotal to Nigeria Nigeria’s. This essentially why the Agency has been supporting and sponsoring qualified candidates in this regard’, he concluded.
The Managing Director/CEO PZ Cussons Nig. Plc, Mr. Christos Glannopoulos in his submission, affirmed that the commissioning of the upgraded chemical laboratory in the University marked another historic landmark in its partnership with NOTAP in their drive to promote quality education in Nigeria.
‘We are here today because we did it somewhere else like Calabar, Yola, Zaria and we know that what is good for others is also good for this part of Nigeria’, he said.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, noted that the Upgraded Chemical Engineering Laboratory would improve the academic and research standings of the students and staff in the institution’s commitment towards grooming globally-competitive and practical-oriented scientists and engineers who will contribute to the development of the country in particular and the world at large.

He maintained that though the University is young; nevertheless it is global-minded and forward-looking, adding it takes research seriously.

“We have maintained that results of all research works sponsored by the University should not just adorn library shelves, but must be made available to strategic stakeholders relevant to the research.
“This has really galvanized research activities among academic staff of the University, enabling us also to provide critical data to government and industries to make informed decisions”, the Vice-Chancellor stated.
While thanking the Ministry of Science and Technology for their efforts geared towards jump-starting Nigerian economic development through Science, Technology and Innovation, and NOTAP and PZ Cusson for upgrading the Chemical Engineering laboratory of the University; the Vice-Chancellor also used the opportunity to call for more support and collaborations from agencies of the federal government and the organized private sector for speedy development of the University.

The Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Women’s Association (AE-FUNAI WA), an umbrella body of all female staff of the University under the leadership of Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Nwajiuba, recently organized an end-of-the-year party for children of staff and members of the University host community.
The event which was a first of its kind in the history of the University was geared towards celebrating love among staff and their children and the promotion of synergy and camaraderie in the institution.

Witnessed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, the event which was held in a convivial atmosphere drew tens of Children within and outside the University environment, who danced to various scintillating tunes in company of their peers, parents and some members of the University Management.

Addressing the children, Dr. (Mrs.) Nwajiuba expressed her deep love for the children, especially in their academic growth and development, noting that the association was on the verge of starting the University’s crèche, nursery and primary schools soon.
She admonished them to always be of good conduct, respectful and loyal to their parents and elders so as to attract generosity and deeper love from them and the society at large.

“Be of good conduct, be obedient and work closely with your parents as this will endear you to them.
“Never misbehave but ensure that you always read your books so that you will be better children in the society
“Remember the scripture that children should obey their parents so that their days will be long”, she stated.

Highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of prizes to the best brains on recitations and current affairs, meant to encourage and develop the children’s mental abilities. The Vice-Chancellor also danced with the children to their admiration

In line with the avowed commitment of the Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba, to ensure that all academic programmes of the institution has full accreditation before the expiration of his tenure; the University recently hosted the National Universities Commission’s accreditation panels who were on hand to assess its programmes.

During the visits which started on Monday, 22nd October and ended on Wednesday, 14th November, 2018, the University presented 28 programmes for accreditation. They include Accounting, Business Administration, English Language, History, Music, French, Igbo and Philosophy. Others were Anatomy, Fine and Applied Arts, Chemical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering and Civil Engineering. Among the programmes that were also presented for accreditation were Applied Geo-Physics, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Mass Communication, Criminology and Security Studies.

The Result of the accreditation exercise which was released recently by the National Universities Commission (NUC) shows that 26 of the programmes received full accreditation status while Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics Engineering had interim accreditation. This rare and historic achievement is arguably a first of its kind in the history of Nigerian University system. It is also a bold testament to the commitment and determination of the Nwajiuba’s administration in its drive to reposition the University to meet global academic best practices. The feat is made more poignant taking into cognizance of the fact that 17 of the fully accredited programmes had interim status before the arrival of the Vice-Chancellor in 2016, which means that the programmes would have been closed if not for the extra-ordinary feat.

The historic achievement is not surprising as the NUC accreditation panels had during their visit to the University commended the Vice-Chancellor for the massive Improvement in the institution’s infrastructure and academic activities as well as in the provision of critical teaching and learning equipment compared to what were obtainable when the commission visited two years ago. They maintained that the University had made bold steps in the various programmes presented for accreditation and urged Professor Nwajiuba and his team to sustain the tempo, as academic excellence is not a destination but an on-going process.
While expressing his profound happiness on the good news in his office, the Vice-Chancellor, stated that accreditation exercise was an important peer review and quality assurance process for the University which is meant to help it improve the quality of its academic activities, not only to meet the minimum benchmark set by the NUC but also meet global best practices. He further explained that the university was doing its best in the area of quality assurance, noting that a directorate has been created in that regard.

He also assured the University stakeholders, especially students of the two programmes that had interim accreditation that he would not rest on his oars until the needful was done. He maintained that all necessary academic facilities, equipment and staffing would be put in place to ensure that both Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Programmes receive NUC full accreditation in 2020.
This cheering news underscores the fact that true and astute leadership is all about solving problems and creating opportunities for excellence

Assessors at the ongoing 3rd National Science, Technology and Innovation Expo, 2019 taking place at Okpara Square, Enugu, have commended the research team of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, for their inventions and innovative products, which they showcased at the national exhibition.
At the event which started on Monday, 12th January, 2019, the University presented five research works of its scholars for assessment. While assessing the inventions and products, the team of assessors also commended the institution for its strong research culture and innovation, which they noted has placed it in high pedestals among Nigerian higher institutions.
The works which were showcased at the event include: “VOG Tea: A Blood Glucose Modulatory Tea” produced from three culinary herbs, vernonia amygdalina, Occimum gratissimum and Gongronena latitolium by Prof. Chukwunonso C.C Ejike. The tea is useful in reducing the risk of developing pre-diabetes or progressing from the pre-diabetic state to the diabetic state. Consequently, the expectation is that those who drink the tea regularly, especially if they have a high DM risk score, may be able to hold the disease at bay, thereby avoiding the morbidity and mortality that comes from it. Also, Dr. Emmanuel Nwaeze’s work “A control strategy for minimizing carbon dioxide emission: A study of power generators in Nigeria”, is designed to minimize the emission of industrial CO2 into the atmosphere, and thereby reducing green-house effects and climate change side-effects.

Similarly, a work by Dr. Ihuoma Anyanwu on “Bio-manufacturing: Production of Biofuel and Novel Fertilizers from Organic Wastes”, is meant to provide alternative energy sources and also to produce organic fertilizers for soil amendment and plant growth through waste conversion. More so, Mr. Thomas Ojonugwa Daniel’s research on “Electric double layer field effect transistor using thin film semiconductor channel layer and honey gate dielectric” is an innovative means of providing a societal need for an alternative semiconductor channel layer material and gate dielectric for use in an electric double layer field effect transistor alongside the use of honey. The work addresses the problem of the need for an alternative transistor semiconductor device and the problem of scaling down the circuit size. In addition, the research on “Developing a natural oil supplement from coconut meat to prevent heart disease, high blood pressure cholesterol and organ damage in cancer patients”, by Dr. Ademola Famurewa, is targeted at preventing the health challenge of debilitation side effects of anticancer drugs currently being experienced by cancer patients in hospitals. It is also being evaluated for the prevention of high blood pressure cholesterol that leads to heart diseases.

While extolling the potential societal high-impact value of the works, the assessors, also advised the University researchers to ensure their inventions were immediately patented to make it really their own.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 5 days event, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, noted that Science, Technology and Innovation were needed to eradicate malaria, sickle cell, malnutrition and other kinds of challenges confronting the nation. He also used the opportunity to call on investors to partner with inventors and researchers to translate their works into tangible products and services.

He further stressed that the nation was moving from oil dependency to knowledge-based economy through the help science, technology and innovation.
“We are moving our dear nation in a new direction different from the old ways of doing things. We are moving in a new direction that is based on knowledge that is driven with innovation”, he stated.
Declaring the exhibition open, President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by the Secretary of Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, explained that the Expo offers new opportunities to government to break new grounds, while adding that inventors and researchers are opportune to showcase their products and inventions in the event.

He assured that government would not relate in equipping Nigeria with appropriate technologies to drive its development and attain a prosperous and stable future, noting that the application of science provides practical solutions to problems facing humanity.
Dignitaries from all works of life that included the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of AE-FUNAI, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba and Prof. Philip Omoke graced the occasion.

The Vice-Chancellor also took time to visit the pavilion of the University where its works were displayed for assessment and review by the public, which boosted the confidence and morale of the institution’s research team led by the Director of Research and Development, Prof. Dennis Akoh.

Recall that at the 2nd edition of the Expo held at Abuja in 2018, the University came 3rd in the category of tertiary institutions in Nigeria.