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

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


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