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ae-funai vc commissions project executed by parents’ forum of faculty of mangement sciences
The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Sunday Elom, on Thursday, 14th March, 2024, commissioned a makeshift classroom built by the Parents’ forum of the Faculty of Management Sciences, geared towards improving the infrastructure of the faculty.
The project was in support of the Vice-Chancellor’s call for a cost sharing approach that involves all stakeholders in the funding of universities in Nigeria
AE-FUNAI is one of the few public universities in Nigeria with a Parents’ Forum, which was established in August 2016, bringing about lots of infrastructural benefits to the institution.

While commissioning the project, the Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy,Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Abel Ezeoha, commended the Parents’ Forum of the Faculty for their inspiration in executing the project, noting that the gesture is symbolic and a learning curve which every faculty should emulate.
He maintained that if we rely on government to fund all our projects, the students will suffer, stressing that the situation universities find themselves has pushed us to a stage where we should think outside-the-box if we really want to improve the educational system of the country.
Prof. Elom pointed out that the support the Parents’ Forum has given the University over the years had been enormous in ensuring that students’ needs are met, urging them not to relent in the interest of the students.

He therefore called on the University community not to lose sight of the commendable support the parents’ Forum has offered the university since 2016 by encouraging them to do more.


Contributing, the Chairman, Faculty of Management Sciences Parents’ Forum, Chief Agwu Okeh, noted that the project will relieve the students the stress of struggling for classrooms and phone charging points , while pledging his commitment for bigger projects in future.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. Femi Adeyeye, noted that on assumption of duty as the Dean of the Faculty in September, 2021, there were not enough classrooms to service the students’ population of about 1,000, adding that the faculty shared and still shares lecture halls with other faculties which according to him, was loaded with challenges.
He stated that with the lingering challenges, the idea to convert the only empty space in the faculty to a makeshift classroom was decided, stressing that whilst the creation of the makeshift may not solve the entire problems, it brings some sort of relief to the students and the lecturers in the faculty.
Prof. Adeyeye commended the Chairman, FMS Parents’ Forum and his team for their sustainer support.
He added that the faculty would not have financed the project without the help of the Forum, and therefore thanked the Vice-Chancellor for buying into the idea of executing the project which today, has become a reality.



ae-funai vc commissions project executed by parents’ forum of faculty of mangement sciences
The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Sunday Elom, on Thursday, 14th March, 2024, commissioned a makeshift classroom built by the Parents’ forum of the Faculty of Management Sciences, geared towards improving the infrastructure of the faculty.
The project was in support of the Vice-Chancellor’s call for a cost sharing approach that involves all stakeholders in the funding of universities in Nigeria
AE-FUNAI is one of the few public universities in Nigeria with a Parents’ Forum, which was established in August 2016, bringing about lots of infrastructural benefits to the institution.

While commissioning the project, the Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy,Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Abel Ezeoha, commended the Parents’ Forum of the Faculty for their inspiration in executing the project, noting that the gesture is symbolic and a learning curve which every faculty should emulate.
He maintained that if we rely on government to fund all our projects, the students will suffer, stressing that the situation universities find themselves has pushed us to a stage where we should think outside-the-box if we really want to improve the educational system of the country.
Prof. Elom pointed out that the support the Parents’ Forum has given the University over the years had been enormous in ensuring that students’ needs are met, urging them not to relent in the interest of the students.

He therefore called on the University community not to lose sight of the commendable support the parents’ Forum has offered the university since 2016 by encouraging them to do more.


Contributing, the Chairman, Faculty of Management Sciences Parents’ Forum, Chief Agwu Okeh, noted that the project will relieve the students the stress of struggling for classrooms and phone charging points , while pledging his commitment for bigger projects in future.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. Femi Adeyeye, noted that on assumption of duty as the Dean of the Faculty in September, 2021, there were not enough classrooms to service the students’ population of about 1,000, adding that the faculty shared and still shares lecture halls with other faculties which according to him, was loaded with challenges.
He stated that with the lingering challenges, the idea to convert the only empty space in the faculty to a makeshift classroom was decided, stressing that whilst the creation of the makeshift may not solve the entire problems, it brings some sort of relief to the students and the lecturers in the faculty.
Prof. Adeyeye commended the Chairman, FMS Parents’ Forum and his team for their sustainer support.
He added that the faculty would not have financed the project without the help of the Forum, and therefore thanked the Vice-Chancellor for buying into the idea of executing the project which today, has become a reality.

49

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vc inaugurates board of directors of ae-funai microfinance bank ltd

As part of its effort to bridge the gap in banking activities within and around the campus and also to boost the financial base of the institution, the Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Sunday Elom on Thursday, 14th March, 2024 inaugurated the Board of Directors of the AE-FUNAI Microfinance Bank, to oversee the policymaking activities of the financial institution.

The appointment and inauguration of the Board of Directors is one of the conditions required by the Central Bank of Nigeria – the apex banking regulator, for the official take-off of the Microfinance Bank of the university. The Central Bank of Nigeria had granted operational license to the AE-FUNAI Microfinance Bank Ltd on 29th February, 2024.

While inaugurating the Board, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elom expressed joy on the licensing of the bank, stating that the approval has taken almost 5 years but to the glory of God, it has now been actualized.
The Vice-Chancellor applauded the Managing Director and his team for their doggedness and resilience which led to the registration of the bank by the CBN.
He equally commended the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Banking, Rt. Hon. Eze Nwachukwu Eze, for his intervention, which facilitated the registration of the bank by the CBN, adding that the university is indebted to him for his laudable role.

Prof. Elom further assured the shareholders of his unwavering commitment in ensuring that the bank breaks even within the shortest time, directing that all students’ payments, henceforth should be made through the bank, while thanking the shareholders for their patience.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Bank, Mr. Cornelius Offia, stated that the bank which filed its registration intent to the CBN on 24th December, 2019, to the glory of God, was granted operational license on Thursday, 29th February, 2024, adding that AE-FUNAI MFB LTD is licensed to operate as Tier 1 Unit Microfinance Bank with Two Hundred Million Naira (N200, 000, 000) capitalization.

He outlined the benefits of a Tier 1 Microfinance Bank, stressing that any MFB that meet up with the minimum capital requirement and demonstrates strong corporate governance in their operations, would be allowed to open account with the CBN within their state of operation, have branches in 5 local government areas that are consistent to the primary place of operation as well as be channeled for micro funding of the CBN and the Development Bank of Nigeria.

The Managing Director reiterated that the strategic vision of the bank is “to become a world-class Microfinance Bank that will promote creative and innovative endeavours of entrepreneurs for economic transformation and development of the nation”, while its corporate mission is to “provide world-class microfinance services at the least possible costs to clients that will enable them become competent and confident entrepreneurs, capable of self-employment, and to enhance the well-being of the stakeholders through innovative products and services”.
Continuing, he stated that the Board of Directors which is the apex policymaking organ of the MFB and composed of 7 members are charged with the responsibilities of evaluating the performance of the Bank, including the appropriate use of corporate resources, establish a corporate environment that promotes timely and effective disclosure (including appropriate controls), fiscal accountability, high ethical standards and compliance with applicable laws and Central Bank of Nigeria prudential standards, and evaluate the overall effectiveness of the Board and its Committees amongst others, adding that the Central Bank of Nigeria places premium on the composition and quality of the Board.

Concluding, he affirmed that the bank in line with their vision, will leverage on their 10 months’ work plan which has been submitted to the Vice-Chancellor, for approval to commence business operation on 3rd April, 2024, using manual and intranet, while appreciating the university management and the shareholders for their patience and steadfastness in believing in them.

The AE-FUNAI MFB LTD Board includes; Prof. Sunday Oge Elom (Vice-Chancellor) – Board Chairman; Barr. Ifeanyi Titus Igwe (Registrar) - Non-Executive Director representing the interest of the university; Dr. Kingsley Sunday Oyekezie (Bursar) - Non-Executive Director representing the interest of the university; Dr. Onuora Benedict Nweke - Non-Executive Director, representing interest of AE-FUNAI Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd; Dr. Kanu Clementina Iruka - Non-Executive Director, appointed to meet the requirements of CBN guidelines for composition of Board of MFB and representing interest of other shareholders; Mr. Ekpe Samuel Nwangbo - Independent Non-Executive Director, appointed to meet the requirements of CBN guidelines for composition of Board of MFB and Mr. Offia Cornelius - Managing Director/CEO, appointed as per CBN requirements for composition of Board of MFB.
The Bank’s Management team includes: Mr. Offia Cornelius, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Egede Alexander Esheye, Head, Risk Management, Credit and Marketing; Mr. Ikwechegh, Anayochukwu, Head of Operations/Finance and Accounts; Miss Ekpe Chioma Ann, Head, Internal Audit and Compliance; Mr. Nkwuda Chinedu Nkwuda, Head, Information and Communication Technology/MIS.

ae-funai department of guidance and counselling organizes career convention for secondary schools in ebonyi state
The Department of Guidance and Counseling, Faculty of Education, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ebonyi State, has organized a one day career convention themed, “Career Choices: The Challenges Before Us”. The career convention which is a yearly programme of the department was held on Monday 11th March, 2024 at St Patrick’s secondary school, Kpirikpiri Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and geared towards assisting students to decide wisely about their future professions in order to achieve a prosperous future in different fields of life.

Declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sunday Elom, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Romanus Ejiaga, commended the Department of Guidance and Counseling for organizing the convention, noting that the theme of the programme was apt and timely, as it will help students to know what they are capable of doing and the kind of profession they may pursue in the future in order to achieve their dreams and aspirations in life.
He added that it is not easy for students at such young age to choose a career or to discover their passion in life, therefore the convention will enlighten their minds and help them to make the right decisions about their future.
He advised the students to be more serious in their studies and avoid societal distractions and peer pressures that may sabotage their dreams.

While speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honor and the Director, Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Chinyere Elom, appreciated the organizers of the event for trying to put the students on the right career path, and advised the students to use the knowledge garnered at the convention to make the right decisions about their future.
She further urged the students to take their studies seriously, warning them to be wary of external pressures and influences in choosing their future career.

The Chairperson of the event and Acting Director, ICT, Engr. Dr. Ngozi Eli-Chukwu, while making a remark at the event, noted that the convention was very important to the students at this early age.
She admonished them on the need to cultivate a strong habit of excellence by studying very hard to be able to succeed in their academic pursuits, and stressed on the importance of implementing everything they learnt at the programme.

Also lending her voice, the immediate past Acting Dean, Faculty of Education, Dr. Francisca Ogba, admonished the students to be serious-minded in their academic activities, and to take everything the resource persons taught them serious.ly. She noted that they were privileged to be guided at this level on the issue of career choices.

In the same vein, the wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwifuru who was represented by Dr. Nkechi Echiegu thanked the organizers of the event for their thoughtfulness, and advised the students to focus more on their studies, and avoid things that could distract them from achieving their dreams. She noted that education is the key to success and charged the students to work hard in their studies.

Earlier In her welcome address, the Head, Department of Guidance and Counseling Dr. Ifeoma Ubah, noted that the programme is very important because of the role career choice plays in the life of people, adding that an individual can contribute meaningfully to the advancement of society if they make the right career choice early in life.
She maintained that the Department strives to educate young people on career decisions, taking into cognizance the uncertainties about white collar jobs in Nigeria today, and stressed the importance of adequate career assessments while in school.
She further stated that the Department is interested in helping students to be aware of the various opportunities available in different professions, adding that the programme was one of the ways of guiding the young generation to understand the contemporary society and thereby make wise career decisions.

Other speakers at the event were: Dr. Christiana Igberi who spoke on career in Agriculture; Mr. Shola Akintude talked on career in Music; Elekwachi David spoke on career in Nursing and Dr. Okechukwu Anyamelu talked on career in Geology.

ae-funai centre for enhancement of teaching and learning calls for use of ict, artificial intelligence to improve academic activities
The Centre for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State has called for the adoption and use of information communication technology and artificial intelligence in the Nigerian University System to ensure seamless and improved academic activities.
The Centre made the call during a one-day university-wide workshop themed “Catch Up or Be Left Behind: A Policy Praxis to Exploring the Roles of Information Communication Technology, Artificial Intelligence in Delivering Functional Education In Nigeria”, held at the Abubakar Rasheed Auditorium.

Artificial Intelligence is a field of Computer Science that develops and studies intelligent machines. It involves the stimulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems and software. Since 1956 when Artificial Intelligence was recognized as an academic discipline, it has grown and metamorphosed into one of the most-sought-after disciplines, with impact virtually on every facets of human life. It is therefore not surprising that emerging innovative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence is being advocated for the enhancement of teaching and learning in the Nigerian university system. This is underscored by the regenerative capacity of education to stimulate industrial and national development.
In her opening remarks, the Acting Director of the Centre for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning [CELTEL], Dr. Chinyere Elom stated that the utilization of technological innovations and emerging technologies will enhance service delivery in higher educational in Nigeria.

She also noted that AE-FUNAI, as a forward-looking institution of learning has already migrated to the blended Learning Moodle via Moodle Learning Management System {LMS] in response to contemporary global challenges to teaching and Learning especially in the aftermath of the COVID –19 global pandemic that exposed the weakness of instructional systems particularity for developing and less technologically equipped nations.
She explained that the Center for the enhancement of Teaching and Learning has deemed it necessary to gather scholars to brainstorm on the opportunities and challenges of integrating ICT resources in the delivery of instructions in the Nigerian University system, adding that as a world class visionary institution of learning, AE-FUNAI is poised to providing knowledge-based solutions to societal challenges in the 21st century.
While declaring the workshop open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sunday Elom noted that integrating Information Communication Technology [ICT] in academic activities and sensitizing staff on its positive impact in making lecturing more inclusive is a necessary approach that must be adopted in the journey towards actualizing the dream of a world-class institution.
He said: “Optimizing ICT is the first step in defining our roles and priorities in this great University”, and therefore urged all to embrace the positive contributions of the emerging technologies so that students would be endowed with current knowledge, and be adequately prepared for life after school.

The Vice-Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Abel Ezeoha further stated that the university has already adopted blended learning in its teaching and learning activities, stressing that in the 21st century, ICT and artificial intelligence were critical innovations that stimulate academic activities.
He also emphasized the importance of character in the training of students despite the significance of the emerging technologies in enhancing education. According to him, academic certificates are awarded in character and learning; therefore, the emphasis should not just be on improving learning but also in the molding character of students. Hence, he urged the staff to fit into the character components of students’ education to make them better citizens on graduation.
Speaking on the topic “The place of Artificial intelligence and Robotics in the 21st Century University”, Engr. Chinagorom Ituma of the Department of Computer studies, Ebonyi State University, encouraged staff to be prepared for the obvious change being brought about by the advent of Artificial intelligence, adding that teachers and library were no longer the repository of knowledge, rather teachers have become a guide and facilitators to learning because students can now access knowledge on the go.
He also stated that education is all about giving and receiving knowledge and it can be delivered anywhere and at any time through the influence of emerging technologies. He insisted that artificial intelligence and robotics have come to stay, therefore he advised lecturers to build their capacities in order not to be left behind.
Ituma, however advised lecturers and students to be mindful in the use of some of the intelligence software such as ChatGPT to avoid plagiarism in their academic activities.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Robert Onyeneke of the Faculty of Agriculture who delivered a lecture titled “Determining the Methods and Extent of Application of Information and Communication Technology [ICT], particularly Artificial Intelligence in Delivering Functional Education in Nigeria”, said that the Digital Age has ushered in transformational changes across various sectors with education being notably affected.
He added that the quest for functional education in Nigeria - education that equips learners with practical skill and knowledge for real world application necessitates an urgent integration of ICT and Artificial intelligence.
Speaking further he noted that the integration promises not only to enhance the quality of education but also to make it more accessible and tailored to individual learner’s need. He emphasized that the methodologies of the ICT and artificial intelligence can be integrated into the Nigerian educational system which includes digital classrooms, online learning platforms, artificial intelligence personalized learning and use of educational Software and games. He maintained that the potential for Artificial intelligence to address language barriers and enhance learning for students with disabilities is also a possibility.
He however, noted that ethical and academic concerns abound in Artificial Intelligence in Education which includes students’ overreliance on Artificial Intelligence for assignments, digital divide and changes to Job descriptions, and recommended among other things the enhancement of digital infrastructure, developing inclusive and context specific Artificial Intelligence Solutions, fostering public private partnerships and prioritizing teacher training in ICT and Artificial Intelligence in the Nigerian Education System.

In his presentation, Dr. Ugochukwu Okolie, a lecturer in the Department of Vocational and Technical Education, who spoke on “Interrogating the Possible Constraints in the Use of ICT and Artificial Intelligence in Delivering Functional Education” noted that infrastructure and access, digital divide, technological obsolescence, privacy and security concerns, cost and affordability, resistance to change create barriers to the adoption of ICT and Artificial Intelligence in Education in Nigeria. He however, emphasized that both ICT and AI are fundamental to many aspects of daily life, including business operations, education, healthcare, entertainment, government services and social interactions.

Other Speakers at the Workshop include Prof. Nwabueze Elom, Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies; Dr. Francisca Ogba, former Acting Dean Faculty of Education and Engr. Dr. Ngozi Eli-Chukwu, Acting Director ICT, who advocated for the use of ICT and Artificial intelligence in enhancing teaching and learning. They further noting that if the challenges facing the use of ICT and AI in Nigeria were properly addressed, that they have the potential to transform educational service delivery and empower learners to succeed in the digital Age.
Highlight of the workshop was award of certificates to participants.

The 59th President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN),Dr. Innocent Okwosa has commended Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State for its laudable academic accomplishments especially in the areas of universities’ rankings and students’ debating championships.
Okwosa gave the commendation when he led the National leadership of ICAN on a courtsey call on the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sunday Elom on Tuesday, February 5th, 2024.
The institute's national president also commended the Vice-Chancellor for the giant strides recorded by the university under his leadership.

The ICAN leadership were in Ebonyi state for the 18th Southeast Annual Zonal conference held in the Ebonyi State capital, Abakaliki.
Okwosa noted that the visit was to congratulate the Vice-Chancellor for his incredible achievements in his 3 years in office, adding that they were aware of the favourable rankings the university has made among other universities in Nigeria and beyond.
He equally extolled the university for its special programme, the Language Enhancement Programme (LEP) which has made the students to perform well in public speaking, while appreciating the students of the university that came third and first in the African and Nigerian Debating Championship in 2023 held in Togo and Abuja respectively.

Okwosa also pointed out that ICAN has the responsibility of accrediting accounting programmes of universities in Nigeria, stressing that the accounting programme of AE-FUNAI has been fully accredited by the Institute.
He further intimated the Vice-Chancellor about their corporate social responsibilties, affirming that the Institute will do its best in carrying the university along, while employing the university managent to sponsor some of their members working in the university, both teaching and non teaching staff, to the mandatory continuing professional development programmes for their career advancement.

While responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunady Elom who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Abel Ezeoha noted that the university had in the past built a structure for a solid relationship with the Institute which has been active and functiuonal.
He maintained that their visit would strenghten the existing relationship and make it more functional, stressing that the university is ICAN-friendly, with a good number of its staff, charted members of the Institute.
The Vice-Chancellor further stated that the professional programmes in the university have been accredited.by their regulatory bodies and will not lack re-accreditation when the time comes as the university understands the importance of creating a good and lasting relationship with professional regulatory bodies particularly now that the job market is slimming down and people have to think beyond the classroom knowledge to be able to cope.
He therefore assured ICAN’s leadership of the university management's sustained collaboration in order to move the institution forward.

Contributing, the immediate past President and Chairman, ICAN Body of Presidents, Dr. Ike Nwokolo appreciated the Vice-Chancellor and the university management for their effort in lifting the university to an enviable level in their short period in office, assuring them of the Institute’s continous relationship and collaboration.

Earlier in a closed door meeting with the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Okwosa had appealed to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elom to put in motion the necessary modalities to ensure the upgrade of the ICAN accreditation level of the university to ensure that graduates of the institution start from the professional examination cadre in their pursuit of ICAN certification.

He noted that though the university is fully accredited by ICAn to run accounting programmes, nevertheless, he stated that it was just a general accreditation that ennables universities to teach and graduate accounting students.
In his response, the Vice-Chancellor assured of his aadministration's reparadness to put plans in motion to ensure that the ICAN accreditation level of the university is upgraded to a higher one to put the students on a strong professional footing on graduation.

The Department of Geography, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State has organized a one-day seminar on Space Technology Promotion in conjunction with the Southeast Zonal Advanced Space Technology Applications Laboratory (ZASTAL), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Abuja.
The essence of the seminar themed “Space Technology Applications” was to raise awareness and foster innovation on the importance of space technology applications in national industrial development, and more importantly, to showcase advancements and benefits of space technology through educational programmes and public outreach events in collaboration with industry players.

While declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sunday Elom who was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Engr. Prof. Charles Ezugwu commended the organizers of the programme, for their initiative and for holding such a strategic programme in the university given its probable positive impact on the capacity of staff and students.
He stated that space technology applications aid in scientific innovation, which according to him, has gone global and leads to innovation and inventions through diverse applications - from satellite communications and earth observation to environmental monitoring and GPS navigation and scientific research.

He further urged the participants to make good use of the opportunity provided by the seminar to enhance their knowledge and thereby build their capacity on space technology applications and its benefits to industrial development.
The Director General, NASRDA, Dr. Amedi Shaba while also speaking at the event commended the efforts of the university management in providing the enabling environment for the hosting of the programme, noting that the aim was to promote space technology vigorously and to pursue the attainment of space capabilities.
He added that ZASTAL’s collaboration with the university is geared towards establishing a space technology station for the southeast in the institution, especially remote sensing and geographic information systems, and thereby fostering mutual public-private partnership towards the success and attainment of sustainable socio-economic development.

The DG, NASRDA who was represented by the Coordinator, SE-ZASTAL, Mr. Andrew Onwusulu noted that AE-FUNAI is the host of the SE-ZASTAL programme of the National Space Research and Development Agency, adding that the Center is one of the six advanced space applications laboratories in Nigeria. He also stated that the mandate of the center is to propagate the implementation of remote-sensing technology as a strategy for national development, adding that the center is also meant to develop satellite technology for various applications, operationalize indigenous space systems by providing space services, and ensure that government agencies are responsible for building and launching a satellites.
He maintained that the programme was not only limited to the application of remote sensing and geographic information systems in specific environmental challenges that are peculiar to the southeastern part of Nigeria but also to bring the benefits of geospatial technologies to the public and other areas of land users and monitor land cover and mapping development of a database on the natural resources, Agriculture, and the development of short practical courses on geospatial skills.
Speaking on the Use of Geospatial Techniques in Health Facilities Mapping and Analysis in Southeastern, Nigeria, Mr. Ojo Samuel Adebayp said that the purpose is to site-select areas that have been mapped out for the distribution of healthcare facilities and to provide data analysis that can help in visualizing complex patterns and interactions.

He added that the accessibility of healthcare services to people is important to avoid distance travel in search of healthcare, especially in time of emergency, noting that the study was focused on healthcare facilities distribution and identifying what the public needs and how to help in facilitating and bringing healthcare centers closer to those areas that need Government intervention.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Nnaemeka Eze who espoused on the Geospatial Approach to the Evaluation of Agricultural Land Dynamics in Ebonyi State, explained that the aim is to conduct some Agricultural land Analysis and provide formalized knowledge based on management where expert intervention is needed.

He further stressed that the project innovation is for both policymakers and Agricultural stakeholders and how to increase the understanding of the agronomic standpoint in other to boost the economic diversification of the country.
He maintained that the call for decisive policies and the adoption of more effective production strategies is meet with the exploding demand for agricultural produce.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Acting Head, Department of Geography,Dr. Moses Obenade commended the Vice-Chancellor and the University management for their support towards the growth and development of the department. He noted that the seminar was an insight into the challenges facing the nation, stressing that it also stands to find solutions to some of the problems.
He therefore urged the participants to put more effort into saving the environment, and thanked them for being part of the event from different universities and other institutions across the country.

by elom iyke ubochi
Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State was established with 8 other universities by the Federal Government of Nigeria on 26th February, 2011 with the goal of expanding and improving access to quality university education to every part of the country. It had the name, Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo up till 2nd February, 2018 when it was renamed in honour and recognition of the contributions of the first elected civilian Vice President of Nigeria, late Dr. Alex Ekwueme. It has Excellence, Integrity and Entrepreneurship as its core values. AE-FUNAI is situated in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, which is about 25 kilometers from Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
Though, the University was established in 2011, yet it did not commence academic activities immediately. There was rather a deliberate decision by the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, the late Distinguished Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe and his team to take their time in order to develop a sound and robust academic brief, and also build a solid foundation for academic excellence and manpower development to ensure the University achieves its vision of becoming a world-class institution in the nearest future. Consequently, the University commenced academic activities on 5th November, 2012, with 3 Faculties (Basic Medical Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Science), 10 academic departments and 41 programmes.
At the expiration of the tenure of the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, the Federal Government appointed Chinedum Uzoma Nwajiuba, a Professor of Agricultural Economics the 2nd Vice-Chancellor of the University. His tenure witnessed numerous landmark achievements, especially in the expansion and reengineering of academic programmes and activities, and infrastructural development unprecedented in the history of the institution.
More importantly, on 11th February, 2021, after a transparent selection process, Professor Sunday Oge Elom emerged the 3rd Vice-Chancellor of the University. Elom, a professor of Medical Biochemistry brought on board over 18 years of post-professorial and uninterrupted academic and administrative experience in the university system. On assumption of office he promised to sustain, consolidate and expand on the achievements of the two previous administrations of the university, assuring that he would keep the flag of the University flying at full mast at all times and that under his watch the world-class vision of the institution would be vigorously pursued with full intentions and irrevocable commitment.

The University, over the past 13 years has witnessed rapid academic development and expansion, and some appreciable infrastructural transformation. In the sphere of academic, the University presently has 14 Faculties, 54 academic departments and 65 programmes as well as a College of Medical Sciences and School of Postgraduate Studies. The Faculties are Agriculture, Basic Medical Science, Basic Clinical Medicine, Biological Science, Clinical Medicine, Education, Engineering and Technology, Environmental Science, Health and Allied Sciences, Humanities, Law, Management Sciences, Social Sciences and Physical Science, It is also worthy to note that all the 65 programmes of the University have the approval and accreditation of the National Universities Commission. In addition, the Engineering, Medical and Accounting programmes have also been accredited by their professional bodies - Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Nigeria Medical and Dental Council (NMDC) and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) respectively while Education has the imprimatur of the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

These positive indicators have galvanized the academic activities of the university, leaving it on a strong and sound footing and serving as catalysts to the successes that have been recorded in the past 13 years. The university has an unwavering reputation for graduating students on schedule without the hitches often associated with such process in many public universities. Graduating students of the institution are also mobilized for the mandatory National Youth Service Corps programme every year, every batch and in every stream because of the insistence of the University Management on the timely release of students’ results; which has left no room for backlogs.

At a time when graduates of many Nigerian universities lack the capacity to communicate in English language of basic level, the introduction of a zero-credit but mandatory Language Enhancement Programme (LEP) in AE-FUNAI, the first of its kind in the Nigerian University System, has further distinguished the students and graduates of the institution from their peers because of their good grasp and command of written and oral English as well as their capacity for logical reasoning. In order to promote the Nigerian culture and language, the university further mounted an elective and non-mandatory GST course - BIL 101 (Basic Communication in Igbo Language) to help interested students to freely learn how to speak and write the Igbo language. This is one of the numerous community service contributions of the university to the local political economy of where it is situated.

AE-FUNAI is regarded as one of the most serious public universities in Nigeria. That is why most candidates prefer the University as their choice destination for admissions into higher institution. In fact, the university is one of the most sought-after public universities Southeast of Nigeria, in spite of its relatively young age. Consequently, the students’ population has risen from 293 students in 2012 to a students’ population of about 15,000 in 2024, and this has helped in jump-starting the local economy of the host community and other surrounding towns, thus promoting the town and gown relationships. To further underscore the seriousness of its academic activities, the university places premiums on the integrity of academic grades of students. This is to ensure that the sanctity of academic certificates awarded by the institution is not tainted in any form. In guaranteeing this, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elom constituted a Students’ Grades Verification Committee to ensure among other things that academic grades are not awarded frivolously and without merit and that course contents, examination questions and marking schemes meet acceptable standard. The University also introduced and sustained the Inception Quiz – a 10-mark test usually taken after 2 weeks of school resumption, meant to ensure that the academic calendar is strictly followed. This has positively rubbed-off on the attitude of staff and students as they return immediately school resumes for a new semester and session to teach and learn in order to be part of the quiz. The inception quiz is also a first of its kind in the Nigerian University system.

The high quality of the University’s academic activities has helped the institution to increasingly achieve the reputation as one of the emerging top educational brands in Nigeria and Africa that equips students with relevant functional knowledge and sellable skills to be competitive in a globalized knowledge-based economy. This is underpinned by the quality of the institution’s students and graduates, and the research outputs of its academics. AE-FUNAI Students’ Debating Team is currently ranked first in Nigeria in public speaking and sits amongst the top 5 in Africa while a good number of its scholars and researchers has been ranked among top 500 authors in Nigeria by scholarly publications and output, and academic citations by Scopus, SciVal and AD Scientific Index. Similarly, many of its academics are engaged in post-doctoral fellowships with international universities and research institutions around the world.

AE-FUNAI is the only university in Nigeria with a postgraduate scholarship partnership with the French Government, and the collaboration has led to Masters’ and doctorate degrees’ training of about 45 young academics of the institution in France. More so, the PG partnership is geared towards building a critical mass of academics that are proficient in at least, two international languages – English and French. In the nearest future, it is expected that AE-FUNAI would be the most sought-after university in the Gulf of Guinea because of the capacity of its staff and students to teach and learn in English and French languages respectively. The university also has functional partnerships on staff and students’ exchange programmes with many international universities such as the University of Gavle, Sweden, Mississippi Valley University, USA, TUB University, Germany, Texas-Southern University, USA, and the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) on Blended Learning.
One of the fundamental milestones of the university in the 13 years of its existence is the massive recognitions it has received from global rating institutions. Under the administration of Prof. Elom, AE-FUNAI has been ranked highly by international bodies like Times Higher Education and such other high-profile rating institutions. Instances of the rankings will suffice: Firstly, AE-FUNAI was ranked 3rd among Nigerian universities in the 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ranking of World Universities. The Times Higher Education Impact Ranking measures global universities’ success in delivering the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Goals (SDGs) in the discharge of their core mandates – teaching, research and community service (outreach), and stewardship A further breakdown of the 2023 ranking shows that the university was ranked 1st amongst government-owned universities in Nigeria, while it was further ranked 1, 021 out of 1,591 universities that were ranked globally. Secondly, in the maiden edition of the Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Universities Ranking, 2023, AE-FUNAI was ranked 27 in Nigeria and 71+ in the African continent out of 121 universities that contributed data. In fact, the university was among the 51 universities in Nigeria that were ranked by the renowned London-based education body. Thirdly, AD Scientific Index, a renowned global academic data-gathering body based in Turkey in its 2024 Universities Ranking rated AE-FUNAI 35 out of 257 universities in Nigeria; 216 out of 1, 115 universities in Africa and 5, 160 out of 17, 846 universities in the world in academic citations.
In the area of infrastructure, the University has also made some quantum leaps. It started from a few rusty buildings vacated by Community Secondary School Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, without access roads and electricity. In fact, at the outset, dust and mud were common sights on campus during dry and rainy seasons respectively. However, in spite of the daunting infrastructural challenges faced by the University at inception, it has been able to bridge the gap to a large extent with efforts in top-gear for further expansion.
AE-FUNAI is the first public university in Nigeria with 24 hours uninterrupted power supply on campus courtesy of the 1mw hybrid solar power plant constructed by the Federal Government through the Energizing Education Programme, and commissioned in August 2018. The Green Energy has helped in supplanting carbon dioxide and combating climate change in the university. This is in addition to over 50, 000 fruits, ornamental, herbal and timber trees that have been intentionally planted in the university through the Campus-Green Initiative geared towards making the university one of the most beautiful and eco-friendly campuses in Nigeria., and to generate internal revenue in the next 20 years.
In addition, the senate building, administrative block, Faculty buildings, office blocks, lecture halls and theatres, laboratories, medical students’ hostels etc. have been completed and are now in use. This has ameliorated the challenge of accommodation on campus. More importantly, the University now has over 5 kilometers of asphalt road network fitted with drainages and street lights around the campus, yet more still needs to be done to make it the university of our dream. The Vice-Chancellor is therefore using this auspicious occasion to invite the organized private sector, good-spirited and philanthropic individuals, government agencies and the alumni to partner the university in mutual-benefitting areas to enhance the development of the university especially its infrastructure.
In concluding, in the past 13 years, Alex Ekwume Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State has evolved into a top academic brand, and acknowledged as a serious public university in Nigeria and beyond. This has been made possible by the quality of its leadership, and the dedicated and enterprising workforce the University has had from inception till now. As the University celebrates this milestone, the Vice-chancellor, Prof. Sunday Oge Elom is not unmindful of the onerous tasks that still lie ahead as he strives to take the University to the next level.
Elom Iyke Ubochi is the Public Relations Officer, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ebonyi State

EXTENSION OF THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR THE SUPPLEMENTARY POST-UTME SCREENING FOR ADMISSION INTO NEWLY APPROVED PROGRAMMES FOR 2023/2024 ACADEMIC SESSION

This is to inform the general public that the online registration for supplementary Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME) screening for admission into newly approved programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State for the 2023/2024 academic session has been extended by one (1) week. This implies that the registration will now end on Friday, 19th January, 2024.

Interested candidates who must have scored *150 and above in the 2023 UTME and who made Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State their first choice* institution in their application for admission in the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) are qualified to apply within this extension of the registration.

However, candidates who wish to apply for Nursing Science and Medical Laboratory Science must have a *minimum score of 200 and 180* marks respectively in the UTME to be eligible for the University’s PUTME screening.

*NEWLY APPROVED PROGRAMMES*

S/N FACULTY PROGRAMME
1 Faculty of Management Sciences
● Public Administration

2 Faculty of Allied Health Sciences
● Medical Laboratory Science
● Nursing Science
● Human Nutrition and Dietetics

3 Faculty of Education
● Computer Science Education
● Economics Education
● Technology Education with options in:
(i) Mechanical Education
(ii) Building Technology Education
(iii) Woodwork Technology Education
(iv) Electrical and Electronics Education
(v) Automobile Technology Education

NOTE: There shall be no Direct Entry admission into any of the newly advertised programmes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• Prospective candidates who scored a minimum of 200 marks for Nursing Science, 180 marks for Medical Laboratory Science and 150 marks for other newly approved programmes in the 2023 UTME and did not choose AE-FUNAI as their first choice institution but wish to study in AE-FUNAI are also eligible to apply for PUTME screening. However, such candidates must effect Change of Institution/Course to AE-FUNAI on the JAMB Portal on or before Thursday, 18th January, 2024.

• Candidates for Nursing Science programme must have obtained their O’level Results at one sitting only.
1. Prospective candidates who may wish to register for the Post-UTME through the
AE-FUNAI ICT Centres, should visit the:
* University CBT Centre at Zone A in the University Campus
OR
* Centre for Educational Services (JUPEB/Pre-Degree School), Aguogboriga Estate, Abakaliki.
2. During registration, candidates are advised to use GSM numbers that are easily accessible to them. This is important for fast and easy communication.
3. Candidates should note that at any point of the screening and admission exercise, if any false information is discovered/noticed, such candidates’ applications would automatically be disqualified.

MODE OF PAYMENT AND REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
Eligible candidates are required to pay a processing fee of N2,000 only.
• To register, follow the steps outlined below:
• Visit the University website: www.funai.edu.ng, go to ADMISSIONS at the top menu or QUICK LINKS,
• Click on 2023/2024 Supplementary UTME Admission Screening
• Click on “Prospective Students”
• Click on “Click to Apply” under 2023/2024 Supplementary Admission Screening Application
• Enter your “JAMB Registration Number”
• Select your payment mode (Generate Remita Retrieval Reference Number).
• Proceed to any bank for your payment with your Remita number.
• Return to the Application page and enter your “JAMB Registration Number” again.
• Proceed with the completion of the form
• Submit your application.
• Print out your acknowledgement slip.
MODE OF SCREENING:
The screening mode for the 2023/2024 academic session Supplementary PUTME shall be through the process of internal screening of candidates results. There shall not be Supplementary PUTME Computer Based Test (CBT).
All candidates are requested to ensure that their O/ Level results are uploaded on JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) on or before Thursday, 18th January, 2024. Any Supplementary PUTME application without O’level results upload on JAMB CAPS will not be processed.
For Enquiries, Call: 08038099920, 08033124913, 08038678738
Signed:

Barr. Titus Ifeanyi Igwe
Registrar

Nwele Chiemerie Stanley, Igwebuike Chiagoziem Johnmark and Oko charity Joan receive top 10 best speakers’ award




Alex Ekwueme Federal University Nduufu-Alike, Ebonyi State continued its extraordinary performances in national and international universities’ debating competitions as it emerged 4th position in public speaking at the 2023 Pan African Debating Championship held at the Université de̒ Lome, Togo from 2nd to 11th December, 2023.



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Oko Charity Joan, Igwebuike Chigoziem Johnmark and Nwele Stanley Chiemerie displaying their medals and certificate of recognition for the university at the Pan African Universities Debating Competition in Lome, Togo

 

The competition which drew students from over 100 universities in about 20 African counties like South Africa, Rwanda, Ghana, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Cameroun, Kenya, Zimbabwe and others saw the AE-FUNAI Debating Team led by Igwebuike Chiagoziem Johnmark, a 400 level student of Biotechnology, once again, making Nigeria proud in the comity of African universities, after an incredible outing at Lome, Togo. Other members of the team were Nwele Stanley Chiemerie, a 300 level student of Law and Oko Charity Joan, a 400 level student of Foreign Languages.

 

The University had qualified to represent Nigeria at the 2023 Pan African Universities Debating Championship in Togo at the 10th edition of the All Nigerian Universities Debating Championship held at Veritas University, Abuja from 27th August to 3rd September, 2023, where Oko Charity Joan emerged the overall best in Public Speaking in the country..



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Oko Charity Joan, Igwebuike Chigoziem Johnmark and Nwele Stanley Chiemerie showcasing the AE-FUNAI akwaete cloth at the Pan African Universities Debating Competition in Lome, Togo

 

In the keenly contested competition, the 3-man team of the university was rated highly cumulatively which made AE-FUNAI to be ranked 4th best university in public speaking in Africa with a cumulative score of 320 points.




At the individual level, the three students qualified for the Semi-finals of the competition, where they battled it out with other institutions and after further rounds of intense competitions, two of them - Nwele Chiemerie Stanley and Oko charity Joan made it to the grand finale of the championship as the only Nigerian representatives. The two students received the top 10 best speakers’ award while the university was recognized as the overall best participating-university from Nigeria in public speaking.
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Oko Charity Joan, Igwebuike Chigoziem Johnmark and Nwele Stanley Chiemerie proudly displaying the Nigerian flag at the Pan African Universities Debating Competition in Lome, Togo




The students also had an incredible run in the debate category of the championship where Igwebuike  Chiagoziem Johnmark and Nwele Chiemerie Stanley represented the university. They clinched first positions in three different rounds during the preliminaries, and subsequently made the list of top debaters at the tournament.




The AE-FUNAI Debating Team is currently ranked as the best in Nigeria in public speaking and sits amongst the top 5 in Africa.
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VC, PROF.SUNDAY ELOM

While congratulating the students for their outstanding performance at the African tournament, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Sunday Elom commended their prowess, adding that their achievement has put the university on the front burner of international discourse.




He assured the team of his administration’s sustained support and exposure to enable them conquer, not just the African continent but the entire world. He noted that the Language Enhancement Programme (LEP) – one of the flagships courses of the university, will be sustained and expanded because of its astounding benefits to students. According to him, LEP has distinguished the students of the university from their peers in Nigeria in particular and the African continent in general, by inculcating in the students the capacity to communicate effectively in English language and to reason logically.

AE-FUNAI RANKED AMONG TOP 100 BEST-VALUE UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA
Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike. Ebonyi State, has been recognized as one of the top 100 best-value universities in Nigeria in the 2023-2024 Best Value Universities Ranking released by Study Abroad Aide.



The university was also placed among top 60% best-value universities in the world in the last two years out of 8,060 private and public higher educational institutions in 69 countries that were assessed (www.studyabroadaide.com).

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VC, PROF. ELOM
Study Abroad Aide is the most comprehensive database of universities in the world, based in South Korea with over 1.6 million visitors in 2022. Their rankings and contents have been shared and mentioned by numerous institutions in Asia and Europe.



In its annual Best Value Rankings released on November 11, 2023, it identified the institutions that offer the best quality of education but are still within most students’ budgets. To do so, it evaluated universities based on two indicators: academic quality of institutions – This factor accounts for 75% of the institution’s evaluation and is based on academic reputation and difference between the university’s tuition fees and the country’s average tuition fees – This factor consists of 25% of the evaluation and is included to gauge the institution’s affordability.


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Roxanne Naguinlin, the University Database Lead at Study Abroad Aide, in an email sent to the university noted that quality education and affordability are the topmost factors learners consider when choosing a university, thus AE-FUNAI being part of the best value ranking would not just expose the university to a greater audience; it also reflects where the institution stands amongst its peers, emphasizing the brand of excellence it offers to students.



Naguinlin further said: “We are thrilled to share that Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike has achieved the following recognitions: recognized as one of the 100 Best Value Universities in Nigeria and placed among the Top 60% Best Value University World Rankings.



She maintained that “the distinctions above are only given to the Top 100 institutions in the country. Thus, this greatly signifies the excellence and value your institution could bring to international students”.



While commenting on the performance of the university in the ranking, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, noted that it is a testament of the high academic standards the institution has attained in the past 12 years of its establishment.

He also assured of his administration’s sold-out commitment to excellence and integrity in the running of the university’s activities in order to attain the vision of becoming a world-class citadel of learning.

The Vice-Chancellor further commended the staff of the University for their extraordinary performances in the discharge of their official responsibilities in spite of the harsh economic realities, which according to him, have helped in repositioning the university as one of the top brands in the Nigerian University system and beyond.

AE-FUNAI, GIRL-CHILD ART FOUNDATION CALL FOR END TO SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State and a non-governmental organization, Girl-Child Art Foundation have called for an end to sexual violence against women, especially the girl-child in Nigeria.

They made the call recently during a two-day program held at the Iruka Centre, Alex- Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ebonyi State, to educate and inspire girls and young women on how to stand-up against sexual violence.

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A group photograph of resource persons and students that participated in the event
While declaring the advocacy program open, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Sunday Elom who was represented by the Ag. Dean, Students’ Affairs, Dr. Charles Okolie, noted the importance of protecting the girl-child from sexual violence, and charged girls and young women to break-free and stand strong against the menace of rape in the country.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that the program was geared towards educating students on how to avert sexual violence and anything that could lead to rape, adding that rape is a form of sexual assault and misconduct forcefully carried out in a non-consensual manner on a victim.

He urged the students to always stand firm and speak-out when they are sexually abused, while assuring them that the university management is available, accessible and willing to champion their cause. He therefore called on the girl-child to always dress properly and be mindful of friends and places they go, so as to avoid being a victim of rape.

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Ag. Dean, Students’ Affairs, Dr. Charles Okolie presenting the VC’s address at the event
Dr. Ukie Ogbonnia, the Youth Development Officer of Girl-Child Art Foundation and UNESCO Ambassador in the use of art to combat violence against women and girls, and also a lecturer in the Department of Fine Arts of the university, said the foundation selected AE-FUNAI to be part of the campaign on sexual violence against women because of the stern disposition and zero tolerance of the Vice-Chancellor to sexual abuse and molestation in the university.

He noted that the main aim of the program was to ensure that every community in Nigeria joins hands in advocating against rape and other forms of sexual violence against women.

He further stated that the program will help to engage community members to reduce the incidence of social vices on campuses and everywhere a girl-child is found in the country. He therefore encouraged the students to use artworks to tell stories of the happenings around their environment.

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Dr. Ukie Ogbonnia speaking at the event


While addressing the students, the Guest Speaker, Mrs. Nancy Oko-Unya, an expert in gender mainstreaming and child welfare, capacity building of caregivers, orphans and vulnerable, maintained that rape is often a sexual intercourse with an unwilling victim through force or threat.

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Mrs. Nancy Oko-Unya delivering her keynote speech at during program
She explained that forced-prostitution or forced-slavery are forms of rape, adding that based on traditional norms, women are expected to behave in a certain way to avoid being victims of rape. She encouraged the students to build self-worth, and avoid low self-esteem, even as she urged victims to be strong and realize that it is not the end of the world.

Dr. Makuachukwu Ojide, who spoke on ‘Understanding the Psychological and Emotional Impact of Sexual Assault on Survivors’, said perpetrators of sexual abuse may use emotional pressure, psychological force or manipulation to coerce a victim into non-consensual sex. He advised the students to be more careful and mindful of where they go and how they dress, as indecent dressing is a major factor in rape.

He encouraged victims to be whistle blowers, and to break-free from the trauma and stigmatization of rape, urging them to pick the pieces of their lives and forge ahead. He further charged victims of rape to seek for medical attention for proper examination.

Concluding, he stated that sexual assault could be extremely traumatizing and life-changing if not properly dealt with, stressing that with the help of counseling and close relatives and friends, victims can easily recover.

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Dr. Makuachukwu Ojide speaking at event


In her own submission, Dr. Vivian Njemanze a senior lecturer, Department of Sociology of the University, said that sexual abuse is an act of sexual contact that a person suffers, submits to and performs as a result of force.

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Dr. Vivian Njamanze delivering her lecture
She stressed that no matter the situation, nobody has the right to abuse any woman and go scot-free as the law is not a respecter of any person. She advised women to report any sexual abuse to avert further occurrence.

Highlight of the program was the unveiling of an artwork that demonstrated the agony of an imaginary girl-child that was a victim of sexual abuse.

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Group of students at the event

ACADEMIC CITATIONS: AD SCIENTIFIC INDEX 2024 RANKS AE-FUNAI 35 OUT 257 UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA
Lists 10 best Scientists in the Varsity
AD Scientific Index, a renowned global academic data-gathering body based in Turkey has ranked Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, 35 out of 257 universities in Nigeria in academic citations.

In its 2024 ranking of universities that was released recently, AE-FUNAI made outstanding rating progress among Nigerian, African and global universities, making 35 position in Nigeria, 216 out of 1, 115 universities in Africa and 5, 160 out of 17, 846 universities in the world.

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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom


The ranking reflects the number of citations per publication (h-index) and the number of articles with at least 10 citations. (i10 index). A further breakdown of the ranking shows that in the last 6 years (2019-2024), AE-FUNAI ranked 38; 233 and 5, 012 in Nigeria, Africa and globally respectively (www.adscientificindex.com).

Meanwhile AD Scientific Index 2024 has also pointed out the 10 best Scientists in AE-FUNAI for the years under review based on their publications and other scholarly output, and their ranking globally. In order of their rankings, they include:



Dr. Chinedum Eleazu Ogbonnaya of the Faculty of Biological Sciences with his most popular article: “Review of the Mechanism of Cell Death Resulting from Streptozotocin Challenges in experimental…” He was ranked 1st in the university and 237, 849 in the world with 60 publications and 2, 923 citations.



Prof. Chukwunonso ECC Ejike of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, with his most popular article: “Current Perspectives on the Medical Potentials of Vernonia Amydalina”. He was ranked 2nd in the university and 287, 574 in the world with 58 publications and 2,342 citations.



Dr. Antony Chinonso Ekennia of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, with his most popular article: “Photosynthesis of Silvernano Particles using Aquarius Leaf Extract of Lippia Citriodora” He was ranked 3rd in the university and 334, 442 in the world with 38 publications and 1, 372 citations.



Prof. Onuegbu O. Ugwu of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology with his most popular article: “Causes of Delay and Cost Overruns in Nigeria Construction Projects”. He was ranked 4th in the university and 337, 369 in the world with 40 publications and 3,557 citations.



Dr. Ademola C. Famirewa of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, with his most popular article:” Molecular Mechanism of heavy Metals (Lead, Chromium, Arsenic, Mercury, Nickel and Cadimum. He was ranked 5th in the university and 357, 120 in the world with 33 publications and 1, 408 citations.



Dr. Robert Onyeneke of the Faculty of Agriculture, with his most popular article: “Adaptation Measures by Crop Farmers in the Southeast Rainforest Zone of Nigeria to Climate Change. He was ranked 6th in the university and 433, 840 in the world with 39 publications and 1, 278 citations.



Dr. Chukwunonso Peter Okoli of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, with his most popular article: “Heavy Metal Contents and Enrichment Characteristics of Dominant Plants in Wasteland of the Downstream”. He was ranked 7th in the university and 470, 940 in the world with 22 publications and 952 citations.



Dr. Nwogo Ajuka Obasi of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, with his most popular article: “Nutritional and Chemical Value of Amaranthus Hybridas Leaves from Afikpo Nigeria”. Obasi was ranked 8th in the university and 522, 245 in the world with 21 publications and 1,295 citations.

Prof. Chinyere A. Nwajiuba of the Faculty of Education, with her most popular article: Career Training with Mentoring Programs in Higher Education: Facilitating Career Development”. She came in 9th in the university and 544, 945 in the world with27 publications and 716 citations.



Dr. Fabian Ugwu of the Faculty of Social Sciences, with his most popular article: “Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Health (The Lancet-lowitja Institute Global Collaboration)”. He was ranked the 10th best scientist in the university and 549, 219 in the world with 26 publications and 2,177 citations



While commending the scholarly strides of the renowned academics, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, noted that his administration will continue to support research and development in the university, stressing that by their scholarly output in the last 6 years, the highly-rated lecturers have put the name of the university on the global map. He assured the university community of his sustained commitment in making the institution a world-class citadel of teaching, learning and research.

AE FUNAI STAFF SCHOOL HOLDS 1ST INTER HOUSE SPORTS COMPETITION AND PARENTS’ DAY CELEBRATION
It was a captivating and fun-filled sporting activities and a convivial experience, as Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Staff School held its maiden Inter House Sports Competition and Parents’ Day celebration.

While welcoming parents, staff and pupils to the sporting fiesta, the proprietress of the school and President, AE FUNAI Women Association, Dr. Chinyere Elom expressed her joy and gratitude on the milestone, noting that the transformation being witnessed in the School was impressive and commendable.

She commended the staff for their dedication, commitment and passion, which according to her, has repositioned the school as the most sought-after nursery and primary school in Ikwo Local Government Area even as she praised the pupils for their zeal and sprit of sportsmanship in the Inter House Sports competition.

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Proprietress of the AE-FUNAI Staff School, Dr. Chinyere Elom speaking the event
In her welcoming remarks, the Head Teacher, Mrs. Afoma Ifemene commended the Proprietress, Dr. Elom for the giant strides the school has recorded in the past few years of her leadership, noting that one needs to be proactive to be able to work with her, because she is result-oriented and conscientious in her work.

She applauded her for the great support and constant interventions meant to ensure that the school meets its core mandate of nurturing the pupils to become great minds and future leaders.

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Head Teacher, Mrs. Afoma Ifemene presenting her welcome speech at the event


In his submission, the Head Boy of the school, Master Ikechukwu Noble, noted that the theme of the maiden Inter-house Sports Competition, “Champion Within” speaks to the fact that every Child is a champion within him or herself, stressing that what is needed is to inspire them to imbibe positive and healthy life values that would help them to be and remain determined in their pursuit of success and greatness.

He said, ‘to keep the body healthy, sports is very important’, emplaning that sports is meant to teach an individual certain valuable life lessons like leadership, communication, team spirit, discipline, courage, and many other skills required for a successful life.

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Head Boy, Ikechukwu Noble presenting his speech at the occasion


The Inter House Sports competition was contested among four houses in the school. They include: the Red House, which is Dr. Chinyere Elom’s House, (the Soaring Eagles), the Yellow House, Dr. Franscica Ogba’s House (the Conquerors), the Blue House, Hon. Comrade Chinedu Ogah’s House (the Champions) and the Green House, which is Rt. Hon Moses Odunwa’s House (the indomitable).

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Red House in a march-past


The sporting competition featured march-past, orange race, bag race, egg race and dressing competition. At the end of the keenly contested competition, the Red House emerged the 1st position with 4 Points, the Green House took 2nd position, with 3.5 points and Blue House took 3rd positions with 3 Points while the Yellow House came 4th with 2 points.

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Blue House displaying their marching skills during the event
The Bishop of Ikwo Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ken Ifemene while commending the progress of the school so far thanked the proprietress for her vision and commitment to the school. He further expressed his gratitude for the establishment and siting of the school in Ikwo, noting that it is of great benefit and relief to parents within and outside the university community. He however pleaded with the Vice-Chancellor to erect more Classrooms for effective teaching and learning.

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Proprietress of the school, Dr. Chinyere Elom (3rd R) in a group photograph with some of the dignitaries that graced the occasion


The highlight of the events was an Award of Excellence to the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Sunday Elom and his wife Dr. Chinyere Elom for their contributions to the growth and development of the staff school.

While receiving the award on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Ag. Director, Centre for Climate Change and Development, Dr. Robert Onyeneke commended the management of the school for their undiluted commitment and hard work in ensuring that the school raises pupils that would compete favourably with their peers in any part of the country. He also pledged his unalloyed support for the staff school.

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Some of the pupils competing in bag race
Awards of Excellence were also presented to Member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon Comrade Chinedu Ogah and the wife of the former Senator representing Ebonyi Central District in the National Assembly, Dr. Franscica Ogba, for their sustained support to the growth of Education in Ebonyi State and beyond.

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Some of the pupils on their marks for a 100m dash

The Faculty of Agriculture, Alex Ekwueme Federa University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, is partnering with the Cooperation for Holistic Agriculture and Innovation Nests in Sub-Saharan Africa (CHAIN), a project funded by the European Union through Erasmus + scheme, geared towards modenizing agricultural education in Nigeria, Togo and Kenya by fostering a more holistic and human-centred approach to agricultural education, training and innovation

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VC Rep, Prof. Abel Ezeoha (5th R) in a group photograph with the Project Team led by Dr. Robert Onyeneke (5th L)


The Project Coordinator, Dr Robert Onyeneke, while presenting the progress report of the project to the Vice-Chancellor and other management staff of the University on Wednesday, 29th November, 2023, stated that the project is a consortium of nine universities which AE-FUNAI is one of them, three European Universities, six African Universities and one Non-governmental Organization, with the goal to modenize agricultural education in Togo, Nigeria and Kenya by fostering a more holistic and human-centred approach to agricultural education, training and innovation.

He mentioned that the project offers support to innovation initiatives of students, farmers and entreprenuers for enhancing their employability, sense of initiative and entrepreneurship, adding that for our institution to develop competence-based master programme on Food Value Chain, there is need to commence a Postgraduate programme in the faculty of Agriculture, starting with the Agric-businees and management.

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Project Team Leader, Dr. Robert Onyeneke speaking during the briefing


Speaking further, Dr. Onyeneke stressed that as part of the project specification, they would prepare a curriculum and proposal to enrol at least 20 students on masters in the food value chain, as well as build teacher capacity from rural and remote areas to promote learning methods and use of teaching methodology prone to entrepreneurial thinking and innovation, with emphasis on e-learning and digital tools.

He stated that the project is for a period of three years – June 2023 to May 2026, while pleading with the university management for support to carry out the project effectively.

While responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, speaking through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof Abel Ezeoha, commended the team for making the project a reality, adding that its a kind of project the university should be going into to reduce the level of aggression and antagonism among staff and encourage more research, grants and publication.

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VC Rep., Prof. Abel Ezeoha speaking during the event


He advised them not to run in isolation, but rather build a sturcture for the project and encourage other relevant offices of the University to come in and participate in developing the project.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the project should be multi-disciplinary in approach, which involves many departments and offices, not necessarily the Faculty of Agriculture in the teaching of the courses in the masters programme, stressing that is important to begin early to identify individuals with the right competence and make them part of the components for the programme.

He also advised the project Coordinator to depersonalize the programme and encourage more people as participants for sustainability, while assuring them of his maximum support in carrying out the project.

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VC Rep., Prof. Abel Ezeoha, Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Nwabueze Elom, Ag. Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Christiana Igberi, Ag. Director, Centre for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Chinyere Elom and Ag. Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Employability, Dr. Emmanuel Nweze in a group picture with the Project Team led by Dr. Robert Onyeneke after the briefing at VC’s conference room


Other members of the team includes; Prof. Dr. Johnny Ogunji, Dr. Jane Munonye, Dr. Anthony Oko-Isu, Dr. Geoffery Nkwocha, Dr. Emeka Osuji, Dr. Stanley Iheanacho, Dr. Chinedu Nwaogu, Mr Francis Anosike, Mr Chukwuemeka Emenekwe, Mrs Chinenye Onyeneke and Mr Emmanuel Ankrumah

Scholars in the field of Humanities have called for authentic leadership that inspires transformation to curb the neo-slavery that is ravaging the African continent. The scholars made their views known during a two-day international conference themed “Neo-slavery and the 21st Century African Experience”, organized by the Faculty of Humanities, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi state.

The conference which held at the Theatre Arts Auditorium of the University was geared towards proffering solutions to the increasing rate of neo-slavery in the 21st century, especially in the African continent.

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Rep. of VC, Prof. Friday Nwalo in a group photograph with the rep. of keuynote speaker,Dr. John Otu, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Ebonyi State, Prof. Amari Omaka SAN, Ag. Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Dr. Onuorah Nweke and some participants at the conference


Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom who was represented by the Director of Partnerships, Prof. Friday Nwalo, noted that in the 21st century, slavery has caused the African continent a lot of pains, and regrets that the inhuman act has the capacity to affect the future of the continent, if not curbed.

He noted that the theme of the conference was apt and timely because of the enormous challenges facing the African continent in that regard, adding that the conference will also help to address the problems by proffering solutions to the new-slavery malaise in the continent.

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Rep. of VC, Prof. Friday Nwalo declaring the conference open
While delivering the keynote speech of the conference, the Vice-Chancellor, Maduka University, Ogbede, Enugu state, Prof. Charles Ogbulogo, said, towards a semiotic analysis of Neo-slavery, slavery appears to be part of human development across generations and cultures and the abolition of slavery has also remained part of the global history of humanity.

He noted that slavery existed in all forms of organized social structure and slaves relished in sympathy, kindness and extreme humility and the idea of the slave mentality plays out in most contexts of interaction between the African and its formal colonial masters.

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Dr. John Otu delivering the keynote speech
The keynote speaker who was represented by Dr. John Otu, added that Africans are in perpetual dread of the Europeans and by extension anybody with a fair pigmentation and it is customary for Africans to accept the lordship of a fair skinned boss; the level of competence notwithstanding.

He maintained that Africans tend to prefer foreign life styles and cultural expressions over their own and the younger generation of Africans tend to express deep interest in escaping to Europe, Canada, Australia and the United States, even in the midst of great uncertainties.

Prof. Ogublogo averred that, deriving from the psychological realities of neo-slavery is the need for authentic leadership that inspires transformation and leaders in the transformational mode should ignite their team the spirit of inquiry and the desire to focus on a vision. He noted that real development begins with the mindset of freedom that are communicated in clear symbols shared across generations.

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Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Ebonyi State, Prof. Amari Omaka SAN


Also speaking at the gathering, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Ebonyi state, Prof. Amari Omaka SAN, who chaired the event, stated that neo – colonialism is one of the serious challenges facing the African continent at the moment.

He therefore challenged African Universities to emphasize on the research that meets the needs of the local environment in order to mitigate the ‘japa’ syndrome – a situation where Africans, mostly the youths are leaving in droves to foreign counties in search of greener pastures, mostly through illegal means. According to the legal luminary, illegal migration is a recipe for neo-slavery among Africans.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Ag. Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Dr. Onuora Nweke, noted that the purpose of organizing the conference was to enlighten Africans especially the youths on the dimensions, operations and dangers of new-slavery in the continent, in order to persuade relevant authorities to take proactive, sustained and determined actions against the vice, which according to him, has overwhelmed the consciousness of Africans since the 19th century when slave trade was abolished on the global scene.

He highlighted the various dimensions of new-slavery that have continued to rear its ugly head after the abolition of slave trade in 1863, to constituted among several others; human trafficking, child soldiers, forced prostitution and many more.

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Ag. Dean. Faculty of Humanities Dr. Onuora Nweke delivering his opening remarks at the event

tunjijones:
Who is the best Nigeria goal keeper of all time?
1. Aloy Agu
2. Ike Shorunmu
3. Vincent Enyeama
4. Peter Rufai
5. Patrick okala

VINCENT ENYEAMA

VINCENT ENYEAMA

AE-FUNAI CENTRE FOR ENTREPRENUERSHIP AND EMPLOYABILITY (CEE) HOLDS CAREER DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT FOR FINAL YEAR STUDENTS
In line with its core mandate of preparing students for the future by equipping them with relevant functional knowledge and sellable as well as hands-on skills to be productive, employable and self-reliant on graduation, the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Employability (CEE), Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, has held its annual career development summit for final year students of the university with the theme: “2023 Career Development Programme for Final Year Students and Inter-Faculty Presentation on Venture Creation for National Development: An Entrepreneurial Approach.”

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Rep. of VC, Prof. Friday Nwalo (2nd R) presenting a certificate to the students of the winning faculty – Physical Sciences while the Dean, Prof. Omaka N. Omaka (1st R) and a staff watch


The event which afforded the final students the opportunity to present marketable business plans in different business areas, was held at the Mini auditorium, NEEDS Assessment Building. The essence was to measure their understanding of the Nigerian economic environment, and their preparedness to lunch into the business world on graduation. It was also to help the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Employability to determine the success-level and impact of their students’ training programmes in order to improve their modalities. The Summit further helped the students to publicly showcase and display the various items/products they made under the tutelage, guidance and support of the Centre.

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Rep. of VC, Prof. Friday Nwalo speaking at the event


While declaring the Summit open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University,Prof Sunday Oge Elom stated that the career development program was an annual event of the Center geared towards ascertaining the capacities of the final year students in the areas of business plan and products and services development. He therefore, advised the students to listen attentively to the various resource persons in order to learn and acquire the new knowledge needed to excel in life.

The Vice-Chancellor who was represented by the Director of Partnerships,Prof. Friday Nwalo commended the Centre for building the capacities of students, noting that career development is a good thing, assuring that the university will continue to support them to achieve their mandates.

Engr. C Asiegu while delivering the keynote speech titled “Career Development and Enterprise Formation for National Development harped on the importance of entrepreneurial mindset on career development, noting that educational institutions in Nigeria churn-out millions of graduates every year without the needed skill-set to be employable and self-reliant, thereby increasing the unemployment numbers in the country.

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Keynote Speaker, Engr. C. Asiegu delivering his paper at the occasion
“We are taught in school on how to write CVs to get employment and rather than how to create jobs and form enterprise”, he lamented.

He further stressed the important roles government at all levels should play in creating the right policies and initiatives that promote career development and enterprise formation for national development, adding that there should be strategic collaboration between academia, industry and government in order to ensure national development.

In the same vein, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof Abel Ezeoha in his speech stated that the program was organized to create awareness on the benefits of self-employment due to the high rate of unemployment in the country and urged the Centre to continue to organize such programs in order to get students involved in activities that could prepare them for life after school, stating that entrepreneurship adds value to our lives and the society.

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DVC, Administration, Prof. Abel Ezeoha delivering his speech during the event


He also advised the students not to be ashamed of displaying their products, no matter how little, as nothing should be taken for granted and urged them to be bold and confident in anything they do after graduation. He further advised them to invest in registered companies in Nigeria in order create the needed funds for achieving their goals.

Adding his voice to the discussion, the Ag. Director, Centre for Educational Services, Dr. Charles Ogbaekirigwe who spoke on “Strategies for Growing and Sustaining Small Enterprises in Nigeria” noted that one of the most important decision making units of any economy is the business enterprises unit to which small scale enterprises are housed in.

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Ag. Director, CES, Dr. Charles Ogbaekirigwe speaking at the career development summit


He averred that there was no consensus on the definition of small scale business as what obtains in one country may not necessarily hold for another, stressing that small scale businesses are very critical to the survival of any nation as they contribute meaningfully to the growth of the economy, especially in a free enterprise or market economy.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Ag. Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Employability (CEE) Dr. Emmanuel Nweze emphasized the importance of career development through the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills, noting that vast job opportunities exist for well- trained final year students of the university on the completion of ENT 201 and ENT 301 as they should be able to be self-reliant and create jobs because of the productive skills they acquired during training.

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Ag. Director, CEE, Dr. Emmanuel Nweze making his opening remarks at the event


He maintained that entrepreneurs could turn the fortunes of an industry, government or educational institutions around through creative and innovative thinking.

He revealed that the Vice Chancellor approved the award of certificates to the winners and participants, adding that there would be a sponsorship of the selected enterprises through the freewill donations and crowd- funding scheme going on in the university.

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Cross section of participating students at the event
Highlight of the summit was the presentation of awards and certificates to the winning faculties and students, where the Faculties of Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, and Engineering and Technology came first, second and third in that order.

INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (ICIR) TRAINS 20 AE-FUNAI STUDENTS ON FACT-CHECKING
The advent of the new (social) media has led to a complete democratization of news space through citizen journalism, though with its attendant negative outcomes in form of circulation of half-truths, misinformation, disinformation, innuendoes, and sometimes outright lies on the public sphere with potential to causing serious social disharmony. These negative outcomes underscore the importance of fact-checking in news reportage.

Consequently, the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Abuja, a non-governmental media organization with the goal of promoting media illiteracy through the building of capacities of news reporters, has selected 20 Mass Communication students of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi state, for training on fact-checking.

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Rep. of VC, Prof. Abel Ezeoha, Registrar, Barr. T. Ifeanyi Igwe, HoD, Mass Communication,Dr. Vincent Odo and Director, Gender and Women Studies, Dr. Ngozi Uduma in a group photograph with ICIR team, led by Ms. Victoria Bamas and the 20 selected students of Mass Communication during the courtesy call


While welcoming the ICIR team to the university during a courtesy call, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Abel Ezeoha, commended the media organization for choosing the university as one of the beneficiaries of its students’ capacity building programme, and urged the selected students to take advantage of the training to enable them gain more knowledge in the areas of investigative reportage and fact checking.

He noted that the idea of partnering with universities to build the media capacities of students of Mass Communication is a noble one, stressing that the venture would help in preparing would-be journalists for their future in journalism, and requested that the training programme be sustained.

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Rep. of VC, Prof. Abel Ezeoha speaking during the visit
The Vice-Chancellor maintained that the Center is doing a nice job in training future journalists in investigative news reportage, and assured of the university management’s support especially in the provision of the necessary facilities needed to make the students better in their field.

Earlier, the Head, Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Vincent Odoh commended the Vice-Chancellor for providing the department with the enabling environment to attain their goals and objectives, and for supporting the partnership with the International Center for Investigative Reporting, which led to the students’ training programme on fact checking in the university.

He averred that the training was for the good of the students in their preparation for the future as journalists of note, adding that investigative reporting and fact-checking is key in ensuring professionalism.

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Ag. Head, Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Vincent Odoh speaking at the event
In her remarks, the Team Lead/Editor, ICIR, FactCheckHub, Ms. Victoria Bamas noted that the training was to build the capacity of students on how to verify or fact-check information online before disseminating to the public.

She added that the training will help students to actualize their dreams of becoming investigative Journalists through proper fact-checking of information before dissemination.

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Editor, ICIR, FactCheckHub, Ms. Victoria Bamas making her remarks during the even


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Team leader, Ms. Victoria Bamas presenting copies of a book titled Combating COVID-19 Misinformation in Nigeria to the rep. of VC, Prof. Abel Ezeoha while Project Coordinator, ICIR, Ms Aisha looks on

Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, has organized a one-day training programme for staff of its registry department to improve their works ethics and service delivery in the discharge of their official responsibilities.

While declaring the programme held on Monday, November 20, 2023, at the Senate Chamber open, the Registrar of the university, Barr. Titus I. Igwe, charged the staff to imbibe strong work ethics in order to enhance their efficiency in service delivery.

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Registrar, Barr. Titus I. Igwe in a group photograph with the guest speaker, Prof. Chukwunonso E.C.C Ejike, Secretary, College of Medical Sciences, Mr. Friday U. Onwumere, Secretary, PG Scholl, Dr. Florence Abi-Oparaocha, HoU, Senate Affairs, Mr. Amah Omaha, HoU, JSM,Mrs. Amaka Ali-Ega and some registry staff after the training
The Registrar commended the staff for their dedication to duty, stating that the theme of the training ‘’Work Ethics and Efficient Service Delivery in the University’’ was apt and timely, and called on them to take advantage of the capacity building programme to improve their attitude and skills, as well as to learn more on the job.

While speaking on the theme of the training ‘’Work Ethics and Efficient Service Delivery in the University’’, the Guest speaker, Prof Chukwunonso E.C.C. Ejike stated that every organization has its norms, values and acceptable ways of behaviors, adding that these ethics which includes; reliability, initiative and social skills amongst others, if adhered to, would ensure smooth running of the organization. He admitted that the ability to provide effective service delivery in line with stipulated job specifications is crucial to career and organizational success.

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Registrar, Barr. Titus I. Igwe admonishing the staff during the training programme
Prof. Ejike, reiterated that the attainment of effective service delivery in the university entails, staff being punctual to work and giving advanced notice for absenteeism, display of good character, having the spirit of team work, maintaining a healthy appearance as well as demonstrating a positive attitude, adding that attitude determines altitude.



He highlighted some major complaints against administrators which include; delay in giving attention/poor handling of sensitive documents, poor communication, tips and other gratification as well as poor training and often incompetence amongst others.

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Guest speaker, Prof. Chukwunonso E.C.C Ejike delivering his paper at the event
Concluding, Prof. Ejike stressed that as a university, students come with the intention of acquiring knowledge and having their character formed, stressing that it behooves on the administrators to provide critical services to staff and students, adding that the higher the satisfaction students get with the services provided by administrators, the more AEFUNAI achieves its objectives.

He therefore urged the staff to pay attention to details and exhibit a positive outlook as well as ensure sincerity in their day-to-day activities in the University for efficient service delivery, while also advising them not to compare themselves with others, and never to forget that the lawn is often not greener on the neighbor’s lawn.

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A cross section of staff at the training programme
Recall that the 1st in-house training of the staff of the Registry department was held on Friday, July 28, 2023 at the Needs Assessment Building with the theme; “Misconduct/Discipline”, delivered by Prof. Dr. Jonny Ogunji where he admonished staff to discharge their official responsibilities in line with the extant rules and regulations guiding the university in order to avoid disciplinary actions and sanctions.

The Deputy Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-A;like, Ebonyi State, Dr. Okechukwu Pius Aghamelu has emerged as the first Nigerian Engineering geologist of the year. The coveted award was conferred on him by the Nigerian Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment ((NAEGE) in September 2023, in recognition of his extraordinary performance and achievements over the years in the field of Engineering Geology in Nigeria.

The awarding association, which is a foremost professional and nationalist group of reputable Engineering Geologists and Environmental Earth Scientists registered and practicing in the academic and industrial sectors in Nigeria is affiliated to the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG) that comprises world highly-respected Engineering Geologists and Environmental Earth Scientists.

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Award Plaque on display
Speaking while presenting the award to the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Sunday Elom, in his office, Dr. Aghamelu, noted that the award was a great feat and first of its kind in the history of the association, formed in the early 1980s, adding that it was made possible by the research, development and innovative opportunities that the Vice-chancellor had provided for him and his colleagues in line with the collective goal of making AE-FUNAI a world-class university.

He maintained that the presentation of the award to the Vice-chancellor was a mark of honour and appreciation to the university’s helmsman in particular and the university community in general, who would no doubt be inspired by it.

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Dr. Okechukwu Pius Aghamelu (R) presenting his award to the VC, Prof. Sunday Elom (C) while the Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences watch with keen interest


While commending Dr. Aghamelu for the achievement, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elom noted that his research output in the field of Engineering Geology has put the university in the national discourse, stressing that the award shows that academic excellence pays a premium in due time. The Vice-Chancellor further used the opportunity to urge him and other academics in the university not to rest on their oars as they strive to achieve the core mandates of teaching, research and community service, adding that his administration would continue to give them the necessary support, within the armpit of available resources, to excel in their various fields.

Dr. Aghamelu obtained a Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc.) Second Class Honors (upper division), in Geology & Exploration Geophysics of the Ebonyi State University in 2004. He bagged Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, both in Engineering Geology, in the years 2008 and 2013, respectively. Severally professional trainings on modern computer mapping software, data analysis, research coordination, and leadership followed in between this period and thereafter.

He is a Reader in Engineering Geology, since 1st October 2020, and the immediate past Head of Department of Geology/Geophysics, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI). He is currently the Deputy Dean of Faculty of Physical Sciences. He had served, and currently serves, as a member and also chaired/chairs some important departmental, faculty, and University-wide committees previously at EBSU (where he rose from Assistant Lecturer to Lecturer I between 2009 and 2014), and presently at AE-FUNAI, which he joined I 2014.



Dr. Aghamelu has successfully conducted and coordinated researches (both privately and as a team member), and equally consults for over four reputable civil and water engineering companies (within and outside southeastern Nigeria) on such areas as geotechnical site characterization, construction material assessment, and groundwater evaluation. Dr. O. P. Aghamelu has currently over 80 academic outputs (journal articles, book, book chapter, technical reports, conference proceedings and papers) to his credit. Okechukwu is a former Senior Research Advisor to the Environmental Compliance Monitoring Team of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, Port Harcourt. Between June and October 2021 he served as the Pavement/Material Engineer to Enviplan Consultants Ltd, Kaduna, the supervisory consultants to the contractors of the Abakaliki Ring Road Project of the Ebonyi State Government, funded by the African Development Bank and the Islamic Bank He is a corporate member of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), Nigerian Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (NAEGE), International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG), and a COMEG Registered Geoscientist. He is currently the Chairman of the Enugu Chapter of NAEGE. He served as a pioneer board member of the Young Engineering Geologists (YEG) of IAEG International Council, as one of the 3 representatives from Africa. Okechukwu has successfully supervised and graduated 5 M.Sc., 1 PGD, and about 100 undergraduate project students.



Dr. Okechukwu Pius Aghamelu received Melle Kolo Kyari (GMD NNPC) prize as the 2nd overall best in the 2020 COMEG Professional examination. He currently serves as a reviewer to many international and local journals, amongst them include; Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, Journal of African Earth Sciences, Environmental Earth Sciences, Arabian Journal of Geosciences, Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, Journal of Mining and Geology, etc. In 2021, Okechukwu spent about three months in the cities of Hamburg and Gottëngen, Germany, on the invitation of a renowned professor of Soil Science, Professor Andreas Buerkert of the University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany.

NUC APPROVES 7 NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES FOR AE-FUNAI
The National Universities Commission (NUC), the organ for the regulation of universities in Nigeria has approved the establishment of 7 new academic programmes for Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State with effect from the 2023/2024 academic session.
In a memo addressed to the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Sunday Elom by the regulatory body dated 6th November, 2023 and signed by the Ag. Director, Academic Planning, Abubakar M. Girei with reference number NUC/AP/F01/VOL.111/67, the Commission notes: “I am pleased to inform the Vice-Chancellor that the Ag. Executive Secretary has considered and approved the establishment of the full-time mode of the following undergraduate programmes to be run in the Main Campus of the University with effect from 2023/2024 academic session.
“The new programmes are: B.Sc. Public Administration; B.ML.S Medical Laboratory Science; B. NSc. Nursing Science; B.Sc. Human Nutrition and Dietetics; B.Sc. Ed. Computer Science; B.Sc. Ed. Economics Education and B. Tech Technical Education with options in B. Tech (Ed.) in Mechanical Education, B. Tech (Ed.) in Building Technology Education, B. Tech (Ed.) in Woodwork Technology Education, B. Tech (Ed.) in Computer Science Education and B. Tech (Ed.) in Automobile Technology Education.”
While expressing his satisfaction on the approval by the National Universities Commission for the establishment and running of the new programmes in the University, Prof. Elom noted that it was the fulfillment of one of his promises on his assumption of office as Vice-Chancellor when he vowed to sustain, consolidate and expand on the achievements of the previous administrations of the University.
He maintained that under his watch as Vice-Chancellor, the ideals and culture of academic excellence and integrity would be sustained in all ramifications in order to turn-out problem-solvers and solution-providers as graduates in all the academic disciplines of the university.
He equally explained that the mounting of the new programmes was to give more admission opportunities to the teeming Nigerian youths who are angling for practical-oriented education in a serious public university, adding that before the expiration of his tenure, more new proggrammes would also be established.
Recall that the National Universities Commission had sent some panels of experts in the approved programmes to the university in September 2023 on a resource verification visit to assess the human and material resources available for their establishment
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PRODUCT INNOVATION: AE-FUNAI VC EXTOLS CENTRE FOR ENTERPRENUERSHIP AND EMPLOYABILITY (CEE)
The Vice-Chancellor of Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Sunday Elom, has applauded the productive capacity of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Employability of the institution, and for equipping the students with the requisite functional knowledge and sellable skills to be self-reliant and employable on graduation.

The Vice-Chancellor made the commendation when the Acting Director of the Centre, Dr. Emmanuel Nweze and his team, comprising of staff and students showcased and presented some of their products to the University Management.

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Rep. of VC, Prof. Abel Ezeoha (8th L) and SA to VC, Dr. John Ekpe (7th L) in a group photograph with Ag. Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Employability, Dr. Emmanuel Nweze (7th R) and some of the students that participated in the training programme as the display the items


The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof Abel Ezeoha who received the items on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor appreciated the creativity, innovation and resourcefulness of the Centre in turning-out high-quality marketable products, and more importantly for training the students of the university to acquire productive and life skillsĺ8, adding that such skills would help them become self-employed on graduation.

He further urged the students to stop whiling away their time and get serious by acquiring vocational skills that will be useful to them in future from the Centre.

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Rep. of VC, Prof. Abel Ezeoha speaking during the event


He also assured of the continuous University Management’s support to the Centre by constructing a workshop and, purchasing the necessary equipment needed to further drive their vision.

Earlier, the Ag. Director of the Centre, Dr. Nweze while presenting the items thanked the University Management for their efforts in making sure the Centre reached its full potential, adding that as a show of gratitude, they had come to present some of the items they produced in the cause of training the students.

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Ag. Director, CEE, Dr. Emmanuel Nweze handing over a list containing the items to the Rep. of VC, Prof. Abel Ezeoha


The products include: 30 bottles of air freshener (big size 9, 27 bottles of small size), Body Spray, 50 bottles of Disinfectants, 59 bottles of Germicide, 100 bottles of Hair cream (20 bottles of small size, 30 bottles of medium size), 10 bottles of big sized shampoo, big size 20 cans, of Liquid soap, 50 cans of small size, 50 small, 10 big size Perfume, 5 t-shirts and 5 wrappers produced with tie and die.

He stressed that some graduates of the University who took the skill acquisition programme seriously when they were in school were presently self-employed, noting that they do not need white collar jobs as they were already occupied with meeting with the demands of their customers and market.

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Rep. of VC, Prof. Abel Ezeoha (7th L) in a group photograph with Ag. Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Employability, Dr. Emmanuel Nweze (6th R) and some staff of the Centre during the event

NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE, COURSE 32 VISITS AE-FUNAI ON STUDY TOUR
Members of the Course 32, National Defence College (NDC), Abuja on Wednesday 8th November, 2023 visited Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State on a study tour themed ‘’Strengthening National Unity for Security and National Development in Nigeria”.

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Team leader, Course 32, National Defence College, Abuja, Brig. Gen. J. A. Ifeanyi, Speaking during a courtesy call on the VC


Speaking on the purpose of their visit, the team leader, Brig. Gen, J.A. Ifeanyi, stated that the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, is the highest military training institution in Nigeria, established in 1992 with the objective of preparing senior officers of the Armed forces of Nigeria and foreigners , and also senior civilians in government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for leadership and strategic development.

He noted that the NDC has overtime acquired mileage as the Centre for excellence for peace support operations, integrated as ECOWAS Centre for peace support operation, while stressing that the College has partnered with universities for award of degrees to participants as well as accept sabbatical fellows from various universities.

Brig. Gen. Ifeanyi, maintained that the objective of the tour was to enlighten participants on the socio-economic political environment of Ebonyi state, leveraging on the theme and also to interac with the university management on different issues pertaining to national integration.

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VC, Prof. Elom addressing the NDC course 32 participants during the visit
Welcoming the military contingent to the University, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution Prof. Sunday Elom, intimated the participants of the University’s sustained efforts to national integration through its robust academic and administrative activities that give opportunities to all sections of the country irrespective of tribe or religion.

He also informed them of the seriousness of the University’s academic activities as well as the remarkable growth achieved under his watch within the limit of resources available.

He reiterated that as a federal institution, the University gives equal opportunities to staff and students from every part of the country and beyond, to work and study in their chosen profession.

‘’We do not discriminate here, everybody enjoys equal opportunity, the VC said’’.

The contingent was composed of 18 distinguished participants made up of 4 officers from the Nigerian Army, 4 from the Nigerian Navy and 2 from the Nigerian Air force. Others include 1 participant from the Nigerian Police, 1 from the Defence intelligence Agency, 1 from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and 1 from National Defence College as well as 4 International participants from Brazil, Nepal, Zimbabwe and Morocco.

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Brig. J. A. Ifeanyi, presenting an award to the VC, Prof. Sunday Elom


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VC, Prof. Sunday Elom (8th R) in a group photograph with members of the NDC, Course 32 led by Brig. J. A. Ifeanyi during their visit.

i dont blame the poor woman if the story is true, i wish theres more verification to her claims that the man is the monster as she portrayed

Dailymice:
Its good to hear from both parties. The woman in question gave a reply as to the circumstances surrounding her actions.

chiefolododo:
She is not disciplined , she is wicked

she is a wicked thief

AE-FUNAI DEPARTMENT OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING ORGANIZES CAREER CONVENTION FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN EBONYI STATE
The Department of Guidance and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, has organized a one-day career convention themed: ‘’Appropriate Career Choice, Pathway for Achieving success in life’’, for pupils and students of some selected primary and secondary schools in Ebonyi State.

The yearly career convention which was held on Thursday, 26th October, 2023 at the Folk Technical College, Ikwo, was geared towards helping students to make the right career choices and decisions, to enable them achieve future success in different areas of life.

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VC Rep. Prof. Romanus Ejiaga declaring the event open


Declaring the event open, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Sunday Elom, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Prof. Romanus Ejiaga, commended the Department of Guidance and Counselling for organizing the career convention, noting that the theme was apt, especially in this digital age that is characterized with extensive array of options and endless opportunities, which for the most part can be extremely difficult to navigate.

He noted that it will be difficult for a student to discover his/her passion and career purpose at a young age, adding that choosing a career is not easy, and resisting hindrances is also difficult to do.

The Vice-Chancellor reiterated that the convention will help to enlighten the minds of the students in making concrete decisions that would build a better future for them, while also urging them to embrace the opportunity presented by the programme to make a proper and informed choices as well as understand what they can do after they are done with basic education.

He advised the students to be serious with their studies and avoid any distraction, stressing that the convention will raise their level of awareness, help them to recognize their strengths as well as give them a broad idea of the kind of profession they could pursue in the future.

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Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Robert Onyeneke, making his opening remarks


The chairman of the occasion, Dr. Robert Onyeneke, while making his opening remarks, noted that the convention is important as it could guide the pupils and students in choosing their career paths, adding that it is at this age that many of them could determine what they want to be in the future.

He commended the Department of Guidance and Counselling for bringing the convention to the University’s host community, stating that the essence of a university is teaching, research and community service, meant to help develop society.

Dr. Onyeneke urged the pupils and students to make use of this opportunity to learn and guide themselves appropriately.

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Dr. Chinyere Elom, speaking at the event


Also while speaking at the event, the special guest of honor and the Director, Center for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Chinyere Elom, encouraged the students to make use of what they have been taught in the convention to discover their innate abilities and maximize their potentials.

She further advised them to be prayerful and always look out for a counsellor whenever they are confused in the process of choosing their future careers.

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Head, Department of Guidance and Counselling, Dr. Ifeoma Ubah presenting her welcome address


Earlier in her welcome address, the Head, Department of Guidance and Counselling, Dr. Ifeoma Ubah, noted that career choice is a developmental process that starts from childhood to adolescence in the form of fantasy, adding that it is the most important event in an individual’s life. She stressed that satisfaction and happiness in life depend to a large extent on how individuals choose their careers.

She also stated that improper selection of careers or frequently changing a career is very harmful to psychological health.

She reiterated that the importance of the career convention was to help the students become aware of themselves and eventually determine their career choices.

Other speakers at the event were: Dr. Ruth Epochi-Olise who talked on career in Theater Arts and Dr. Christiana Igberi spoke on career in Agriculture. A professional counsellor, Prof. Florence Otta and the Dean, Students Affairs, Dr. Charles Okorie, encouraged the students to make the right choices while choosing their future careers.

Highlights of the event were; group counselling sessions by students of the Guidance and Counselling department and cultural dance displays.

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VC’s Rep. Prof. Romanus Ejiaga, in a group photograph with the Director, Centre for the special guest of honour and the Director, Centre for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Chinyere Elom and other dignitaries
.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for admissions into the postgraduate programmes of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State; leading to the award of Postgraduate Diploma, Masters and Doctorate Degrees in various areas of specialization indicated below, according to Departments/Faculties for 2023/2024 academic session:
1. FACULTY OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES
Department of Anatomy:
a. PGD Anatomy
b. M.Sc and Ph.D in the following areas
i. Neuroscience
ii. Reproductive Anatomy
iii. Anatomical Anthropology
iv. Biomechanics and Sports Anatomy
v. Forensic Anatomy
vi. Taphonomy and Death Science
vii. Histology and Histochemistry
viii. Anatomical Imaging
ix. Comparative Anatomy
x. Mortuary Science and Funeral Studies
Department of Physiology
a. PGD
i. Physiology
b. M.Sc. and Ph.D. Programmes
i. Cell Physiology
ii. Cellular and Molecular Physiology
iii. Blood Physiology
iv. Cardiovascular Physiology
v. Environmental and Exercise Physiology
vi. Gastrointestinal Tract Physiology
vii. Musculoskeletal Physiology
viii. Metabolism and Nutrition
ix. Renal and Body Fluid Physiology
x. Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology
xi. Respiratory Physiology
Department of Medical Biochemistry
a. M.Sc and Ph.D programmes in the following areas
i. Nutritional Biochemistry
ii. Environmental and Toxicological Biochemistry
iii. Pharmacological Biochemistry
iv. Clinical/Medical Biochemistry
2. FACULTY OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Department of Biochemistry
a. PGD (Biochemistry)
b. M.Sc and Ph.D in the following areas
i. Nutritional Biochemistry
ii. Toxicological Biochemistry
iii. Environmental Biochemistry
Department of Biology
a. PGD Biology
b. M.Sc Mycology/Plant Pathology
c. M.Sc and Ph.D in the following areas
i. Plant Pathology (Physiological Plant Pathology; Disease control; post-harvest Physiology; Mushroom Technology )
ii. Eco-Toxicology/Environmental Pollution and Management/Toxicology
iii. Human and Experimental Parasitology/Epidemiology, Transmission Dynamics and Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases/Molecular Parasitology

Department of Microbiology
a. PGD Microbiology
b. M.Sc and Ph.D
i. Medical Microbiology with the following options.
 Epidemiology and Public Health Microbiology,
 Bacteriology,
 Immunology,
 Virology
ii. Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology

Department of Biotechnology
a. PGD (Biotechnology)
b. M.Sc and Ph.D in
i. Food and Agricultural Biotechnology
ii. Environmental Biotechnology
iii. Industrial Biotechnology
iv. Medical Biotechnology

3 FACULTY OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Department of Mathematics/Statistics
a. PGD Mathematics/Statistics
b. M.Sc and Ph.D in
i. Pure Mathematics
ii. Applied Mathematics
c. M.Sc and Ph.D Statistics in the following areas of specialization:
i. Inferential Statistics and Probability
ii. Multivariate Analysis
iii. Experimental Design and Analysis
Department of Computer Science
a. PGD Computer Science
b. M.Sc and Ph.D in
i. Machine Learning
ii. Data Science
iii. Information Technology
iv. Information Communication Technology
v. Software Engineering
vi. Cyber Security
vii. Data Communication and Networking



Department of Geology/Applied Geophysics
a. PGD Geology
b. PGD Geophysics
c. Applied Geophysics M.Sc/Ph.D programmes
i. M.Sc in Applied Geophysics (Groundwater Geophysics Option)
ii. M.Sc Applied Geophysics (Environmental Geophysics Option)
iii. M.Sc in Applied Geophysics (Engineering Geophysics Option)
iv. M.Sc in Applied Geophysics (Mining Geophysics Option)
v. Ph.D in Applied Geophysics
d. Geology Programme (M.Sc/ Ph.D)
i. M.Sc in Petrology and Economic Geology
ii. M.Sc in Mineral Exploration
iii. M.Sc in Petroleum Geology
iv. M.Sc in Hydrogeology
v. M.Sc in Engineering Geology
vi. Ph.D in Petrology and Economic Geology
vii. Ph.D in Mineral Exploration
viii. Ph.D in Petroleum Geology
ix. Ph.D in Hydrogeology
x. Ph.D in Engineering Geology
Department of Physics
a. PGD Physics
b. M.Sc/Ph.D in the following areas
i. Engineering Physics/Electronics
ii. Solid State Physics/Material Science
iii. Theoretical Physics
iv. Medical Physics
v. Environmental/Atmospheric Physics
Department of Chemistry
a. PGD (Chemistry)
b. M.Sc and Ph.D
i. Analytical Chemistry
ii. Environmental Chemistry
iii. Organic Chemistry
iv. Physical Chemistry
v. Industrial Chemistry
4. FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
Department of Sociology
a. PGD Sociology
b. M.Sc/Ph.D in the following areas
i. Industrial Sociology and Personnel Management
ii. Development Sociology
iii Medical Sociology
iv. Demography and Population Studies
v. Anthropology
vi. Criminology
Department of Psychology
a. PGD Psychology
b. M.Sc and Ph.D Psychology in the following areas
i. Clinical Psychology
ii. Experimental Psychology
iii. Industrial/Organization Psychology
iv. Social Psychology
Department of Economics and Development Studies
a. PGD Economics
b. M.Sc and Ph.D in the following areas
i. Development Economics
ii. Monetary Economics
iii. International Economics
iv. Public Finance and Fiscal Policy
v. Macro Economics
Department of Political Science
a. PGD
i. Political science
b. Master of Public Administration (MPA) with specialization in any of the
followings:
i. Public Administration
ii. Local Government Studies
iii. Personnel Administration
iv. Development Administration
v. Public Finance
c. Master of Science (M.Sc)Public Administration with specialization in any of the followings:
i. Public Administration
ii. Local Government Studies
iii. Development Administration
iv. Public Finance
d. Master of Science (M.Sc) Political Science with specialization in any of
the followings:
i. Political Theory and Methodology
ii. Comparative Politics
iii. Political Economics
iv. Development Studies
v. Peace and Conflict Studies
vi. International Relations
e. Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (Ph.D) with specialization in any of the followings:
a. Political Science
i. Political Theory and Methodology
ii. Comparative Politics
iii. Political Economy
iv. Development Studies
v. International Relations
vi. Public Administration
vii. local Government Studies
viii. Personnel Administration
ix. Development Administration
x. Public Finance
Department of Criminology and Security Studies
a. M.Sc/Ph.D
b. Criminology
5. FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
Department of History and Strategic Studies
a. PGD in Peace, Conflict and Strategic Studies
b. MA and Ph.D History and Strategic Studies in the following areas
i. Economic History
ii. Social History
iii. Political History
iv Diplomacy and Strategic Studies
v. Peace and Conflict Studies
vi. Diaspora Studies
vii. Ph.D in African History
Department of Foreign Language
a. PGD foreign language
b. MA and Ph.D in the following areas
i. French Linguistics
ii. French as a foreign language
iii. African Literature in French
Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Language
a. PGD
i. Igbo Language
b. MA
i. Igbo Language
ii. Igbo Literature
iii. Igbo Culture
Department of English and Literary Studies
a. PGD
i. Language
ii. Literature
b. MA and Ph.D.
i. Language
ii. Literature
6. FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Department of Fine and Applied Arts
a. PGD Fine and Applied Arts
b. MA Fine and Applied Arts with specialization in the following areas
i. Graphics
iii. Sculpture
iii. Art History
7. FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
Department of Accountancy
a. PGD
i. Accountancy
b. M.Sc and Ph.D
i. Accountancy

Business Administration
a. PGD
i. Business Administration
b. M.Sc and Ph.D
i. Business Administration (Human Resource Management,
Organizational Behaviour, Strategic Management, Productions and Operations Management).

8. FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE
Department of Fisheries/Aquaculture
a. MA
i. Fish Biology

GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
(i) Candidates for admission into any Postgraduate programme of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State must have obtained at least five (5) credits at not more than two sittings in WASC, NECO, GCE or NABTEB including English Language. In addition, candidates seeking admission into the Faculties of Science; Basic Medical Sciences; and Management and Social Sciences must have a credit pass in Mathematics. Candidates shall also possess the minimum entry requirements for admission into the Postgraduate programmes in their respective Departments.

(ii) Graduates of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State or other Universities recognized by the University Senate who also possess the above qualifications are eligible to apply.


SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A. POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA (PGD) PROGRAMMES
(i) Graduates of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State or other Universities recognized by the University Senate who have obtained a Bachelor’s Degree with at least a Third-Class Honours.
(ii) Holders of HND at Upper or Lower Credit level passes or its equivalent areas.
(iii) Candidates who hold qualifications other than the ones mentioned above which are acceptable to the Board of the School of Postgraduate Studies and Senate of the University, may also be considered for admission.

B. MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMMES
(i) Graduates of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State or other Universities recognized by the University Senate who have obtained the Bachelor’s Degree in relevant disciplines with at least a Second-Class Lower Division.
(ii) Candidates with relevant Postgraduate Diplomas from the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State or other Universities recognized by the University Senate with at least 5 credit O' level passes; with minimum of 2.5 CGPA on 5-point scale or 3.0 on 4-point scale.
(i) Candidates whose First Degrees are unclassified but have at least 60% average score (B level).

C. DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (Ph.D.) DEGREE PROGRAMMES
(i) Candidates from Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, or other Universities recognized by the University Senate who have obtained Master’s Degree that is appropriate for the proposed field/s of study shall qualify for Doctorate Degree admission.
(ii) Candidates must possess minimum of 4.0 CGPA on a 5-point scale or 3.5 on a 4-point scale in their Master’s Degrees. Candidates who possess at least a B level (60%) average score) at Master’s Degree provided that research work formed part of the Master’s Degree Programme shall also qualify for Doctorate Degree admission.
C. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Further admission requirements include:
i. O’level passes in English and Mathematics for all programmes.
ii. Accountancy and Business Administration Departments in addition require O’level credit pass in Economics.
iii. All Science Programmes in addition require O’level credit pass in Physics, Chemistry and/or Biology/Agriculture; depending on your area.

DURATION OF PROGRAMMES
(a) Postgraduate Diploma
a. Full-Time – Two Semesters (Minimum)

(b) Master’s Degree
 Full-Time – Three Semesters (Minimum) and six semesters (maximum)
 Part-time - Four Semesters (Minimum) and eight semesters (maximum)
(c) Doctorate Degree (Ph.D.)
 Full-Time – Six Semesters (Minimum) and ten Semesters (maximum)
 Part-time - eight semesters (Minimum) and twelve semesters (maximum)

REGISTRATION
Successful candidates are expected to register their postgraduate courses immediately after they are offered admission at the commencement of session.

METHOD OF APPLICATION
On payment of non-refundable Application Form fee of Twenty Thousand Naira (N20,000.00) Only, made payable to “Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State” at any Commercial Bank within the Country using the Remita platform, candidates can download and complete the online Application Form by logging on to www.funai.edu.ng

SUBMISSION OF REFEREE REPORTS
Candidates should also download the online Referee Report forms and submit to their Referees (three Referees) one of who should be their former Lecturer. The Referee Report forms after being filled-in by the Referees should be received back in sealed envelopes (addressed to the Secretary, School of Postgraduate Studies, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State) by the candidates and enclosed alongside other documents in the application package. Kindly note that applications are not complete and would not be processed unless the Referee Reports are available.

FORWARDING OF ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS
Candidates should download academic transcript request slips provided online, and submit same to their Universities/Institutions requesting them to forward a copy of their last academic transcripts to “The Secretary, School of Postgraduate Studies, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State”, attaching the transcript request slip. This must reach him/her not later than two weeks from the deadline for sale of Application forms. Candidates, whose transcripts are not received after the stipulated time by the School, would not have their application forms processed.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION FORMS
Completed Application forms with the relevant documents should be posted or delivered in an envelope marked “PG Admission” to the undersigned. The following documents are required to be enclosed with Application Forms/Referee Reports in a file jacket and then placed in a 10” x 15” size brown envelope before submission;
i. NYSC certificate (Discharge or Exemption or Exclusion certificate)
ii. All educational credentials, including FSLC
iii. L.G.A. letter of identification
iv. Birth certificate
v. Evidence of payment of Application form fee

Submissions should be addressed to:
The Secretary,
School of Postgraduate Studies,
Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike,
PMB 1010, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

Closing Date
Sale of online Application Forms will close six weeks from the date of publication of this advert i.e. 23rd October, 2023 to 23rd December, 2023.

IMPORTANT NOTE
a. After completion of online admission subscription, print the hard copy and
forward to the Secretary School of Postgraduate Studies AE-FUNAI with other relevant documents.
a. All applicants shall undergo paper and pen postgraduate admission
screening test.
b. Those seeking admission for Ph.D. will in addition to scoring a
minimum of 50% in the test, submit proposal of their preferred area of
specialization with their application forms and also be invited for oral
examination, date of which will be communicated to all applicants via sms.

Contacts: 0803 664 3162, 0813 028 6142, 0703 362 4849

Signed:
Barr. T. Ifeanyi Igwe
Registrar

Three students of the Faculty of Agriculture, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, have received scholarship awards from Indorama Eleme Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited, Rivers state.

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VC Rep., Prof. Romanus Ejiaga in a group photograph with some staff of the Faculty of Agriculture, award recipients and staff of Indorama Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited led by Engr. Prof. Ogbonnaya Chukwu
In a brief but colorful award ceremony held yesterday at the Faculty of Agriculture’s lecture theatre, the three recipients: Nweze Priscilia, Department of Crop Science, Ndubuisi Chidera, Department of Agricultural Economics, and Nweze Ikenna, Agricultural Economics and Extension Department received a cheque of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N150,000) only respectively as scholarship to support their studies.

The students who are currently in 500-Level, were selected for the honour because of their brilliant academic performances that put them ahead in Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in their respective disciplines.

The Indorama Fertilizer Corporation is a socially-responsible organization that undertake relevant projects and activities in and around its host communities and beyond.

Each year Indorama offers scholarship awards to students in the Faculties of Agriculture across institutions of higher learning in Nigeria as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Speaking at the award presentation ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, expressed the University’s immense gratitude to the fertilizer company for the gesture, noting that by the action, the company has created trust and credibility in the Nigerian society.

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VC Rep, Prof. Romanus Ejiaga speaking at the award presentation ceremony


He stated that for the mere fact that Indorama chose the university for this year’s scholarship awards underscores the quality of the institution’s academic activities.

He reiterated the importance of the scholarship, stressing that it will assist the recipients to continue with their education and also strengthen their resume as they leave the university.

The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Romanus Ejiaga, congratulated the recipients for their remarkable achievements, while also expressing the willingness of the University to collaborate with the giant fertilizer company in the area of research towards the promotion of agricultural development in the country.

He further thanked the staff of the Faculty of Agriculture for their contribution towards the success of the students , and advised other students not to be disappointed but to work hard for this kind of honor, even as he appealed to the company for more scholarship slots because of the large population of students in the Faculty.

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Engr. Prof. Ogbonnaya Chukwu speaking on behalf of Indorama Fertilizer and Chemicals Ltd at the event
Also while speaking at the event, the representative of the fertilizer company, Engr. Prof. Ogbonnaya Chukwu, noted that the fertilizer company was committed to the training of Nigerian farmers and students by giving them the correct knowledge and skills to excel in their trade and discipline, stressing that the company has offered scholarships to about 120 students from different universities in the country.

He encouraged the students not to feel downcast about studying agriculture, rather they should be proud of their profession, adding that no nation can survive without food.

Also contributing, the Marketing Executive (SE/SS Region), Mr. Adewole Oluwatosin, stated that the scholarship known as ‘Indorama Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited Undergraduate Scholarship for Reward of Academic Excellence (IFCLUSRAE)’, was for this academic session.

Earlier, the Ag. Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Christiana Igberi, in her remarks commended the INDORAMA company for their corperate social responsibility and goodwill that was extended to AE-FUNAI and to the Faculty of Agriculture in particular.

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Ag. Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Christiana Igberi speaking at the occasion
Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Ndubuisi Florence Chidera thanked the company for the scholarship award and assured that the gesture would encourage them to soar higher and fuel their future endeavors.

She equally thanked the University management for their vision and commitment towards nurturing the students to become leaders of tomorrow in their different fields .

Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of award certificates to the deserving students.

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VC Rep., Prof. Romanus Ejiaga in a group photograph with some staff of the Faculty of Agriculture, award recipients and staff of Indorama Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited led by Engr. Prof. Ogbonnaya Chukwu