The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Dr Anthony Nebo, on Wednesday inaugurated Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu as the fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
Nebo while performing the inauguration at the permanent site of the university in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi state, charged the new VC to lead with integrity and strict adherence to the university’s laws.
” I charge you to provide transparent, inclusive and accountable leadership in line with the statutes establishing the university.”
He emphasised the need for respect for due process, promotion of academic excellence and strengthening of peace within the university community.
The Pro-Chancellor expressed confidence in Nwachukwu’s capacity to advance the institution’s mandate and consolidate on the achievements of his predecessors.
“The Governing Council conducted an open and transparent selection process; we expect you to justify the confidence reposed in you by leading with integrity and in accordance with the laws governing the university,” Nebo said.
In his inaugural address, Nwachukwu pledged to reposition the university as a globally competitive, research-driven institution anchored on excellence and integrity.
He described his appointment as a call to service and thanked the Governing Council and the university community for the trust placed in him.
“This moment is not just about me; it is about the shared vision we hold for the growth of our university; I am committed to an open and inclusive administration that would guarantee equity and fairness to all,” he said.
The vice-chancellor outlined his vision to make AE-FUNAI an epicentre of academic and intellectual excellence in Nigeria, Africa and the world.
According to him, his administration will focus on creating and sustaining conditions that will enable the university to become globally competitive, research-focused and technologically driven.
He said that the mission of his administration would centre on promoting vibrant intellectual activity, advancing research and innovation, fostering multidisciplinary collaborations and producing graduates with internationally recognised qualifications.
Nwachukwu noted that his action plan would be implemented in three phases – immediate, intermediate and long-term – with details to be presented to the university Senate.
He identified key priorities to include strict observance of university laws, massive infrastructural development driven largely by private sector participation.
He noted that priority would be given to resolving of issues between the university and its host communities, and diversification of the institution’s internally generated revenue.
The Professor of Cardiovascular Physiology said that other focus areas would include enhancement of staff and students’ welfare, review of academic curricula to address contemporary political, economic and security challenges.
He added that provision of basic amenities such as electricity; water, internet services, accommodation and healthcare would receive priority attention.
He also pledged to promote academic freedom, nurture creativity in sciences and the arts, strengthen international linkages and ensure that all activities of the university are research-driven.
The VC commended the contributions of the three past vice-chancellors – Professors Ibidapo Obe, Chinedu Nwajiuba and his immediate predecessor, Sunday Elom, for laying solid foundations for the institution’s growth.
Our correspondent reports that AE-FUNAI was established by the Federal Government on Feb. 25, 2011.
It commenced academic activities on Nov. 5, 2012, and was renamed on Feb. 2, 2018, in honour of the late former Vice-President, Dr Alex Ekwueme.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by government officials; members of the university’s governing council, principal officers, staff, students, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
