AE-FUNAI Gets New VC as Ezeonu Urges Focus, Unity
By Nkechinyere Ewa
Professor Paul Ezeonu a gynaecologist, distinguished academic and researcher, has advised the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), Professor Daniel Nwachukwu, to remain focused, shun distractions and carry all stakeholders along in the task of repositioning the institution. “Leadership is challenging. Ignore distractions, listen to all sides, respect the council and build on the foundations laid by your predecessors,” Ezeonu said while reacting to the appointment.
Professor Nwachukwu emerged as the fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor of AE-FUNAI following a selection exercise conducted on Saturday in Abakaliki. He has pledged to prioritize infrastructural development, academic innovation and improved global visibility for the university.
Speaking on the process, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Engr. Dr. Anthony Nnebo, said the appointment followed a transparent, merit-based procedure in line with extant regulations.
According to him, eight candidates were initially shortlisted after screening, while seven eventually participated in the final interview. “The council was guided by competence, integrity and the overall interest of the university. The process was fair, transparent and credible,” Nnebo stated.
Professor Nwachukwu, an indigene of Okposi in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was until his appointment a Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he served for 26 years in various academic and administrative capacities.
Expressing gratitude to God and the university community, the new Vice-Chancellor described his emergence as a new beginning for AE-FUNAI. “My appointment marks a new dawn. I will justify the confidence reposed in me by working tirelessly with the council, staff and students to transform AE-FUNAI into a hub of academic and intellectual excellence,” he said.
He identified inadequate infrastructure, low student population and funding challenges as critical areas his administration would urgently address. “You cannot attract students without adequate infrastructure. We must strengthen engagement with host communities, diversify revenue sources and reposition the university for sustainable growth,” Nwachukwu noted.
The Vice-Chancellor also revealed plans to partner with the private sector to accelerate infrastructure development, boost internally generated revenue and sustain collaboration with the media to enhance the institution’s public image.
In his acceptance speech, he pledged to uphold ethical standards, promote academic excellence and pursue global competitiveness, dedicating the achievement to his family and supporters. He also extended a hand of fellowship to fellow contestants, calling for unity and collective effort to move the university forward.
Other speakers expressed confidence that Professor Nwachukwu’s emergence would consolidate stability and fast-track development at AE-FUNAI as the university strives for greater academic prominence.
