The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, on 12th December, 2019 held a media parley, at the University Senate Chamber as part of the pre-events for the University’s 4th Convocation ceremony held on Tuesday 17th December, 2019.


Prof. Nwajiuba addressing the media at the pre-convocation press conference

In his opening remarks, Prof. Nwajiuba noted with relish that though the University is young but that it has become the most serious public University in Nigeria presently, adding that the institution has held convocation ceremonies consecutively since 2016, when the first set of graduates were turned-out. On the 2019 convocation ceremony, he said the University would be turning-out 512 graduates. The Vice-Chancellor further stressed that for the first time, the University would also be awarding post graduate diploma and degrees to the first set of graduates from the School of Postgraduate Studies. Also, as part of the programme of events for the 4th convocation ceremony, Prof. Nwajiuba informed the audience that the Convocation Lecture with the topic; “In Brotherhood We Stand: Role of the Academia in National Unity“ would be delivered on Monday, 16th December, 2019 by Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC).


L-R: Registrar, Mrs. Odisa C. Okeke, VC, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba and DVC, Academic, Prof Sunday Elom during the media briefing

The Vice-Chancellor further informed the pressmen that the University has grown from 2,000 students’ population in 2016 to 10,000 currently, adding that the University is recognized globally as the most serious public University in Nigeria. He emphasized that the recognition was not out of place because the University has a stable academic calendar and places premium on all its academic activities, ensuring that it meets international standard.


Peter Okputu of Vanguard Newspaper speaking during the interactive question

During the interactive session, Prof. Nwajiuba noted that despite the massive infrastructural development, the University is not in debt of any form, thanking the government of President Muhammadu Buhari for the various developmental projects completed in the institution even as he also commended the Parents’ Forum, staff, students and other stakeholders for supporting the University with financial and material donations. He also noted the need for more expansion, to accommodate the increasing students’ population, and in achieving that, the University’s helmsman calls for concerted efforts from all strategic stakeholders.

On the critical issue of relationship with the host community, the Vice-Chancellor stated that it has been robust, friendly and cordial, adding that many prominent indigenes of the community had at one time or the other made donations to support the University in its march to a glorious future. He also added that the University has a good relationship with the State Government, stating that the Governor; Engr. David Umahi has donated an engineering workshop to the university and presents Christmas gifts to staff and students during yuletide periods.


VC, Prof Nwajiuba in group picture with the correspondents and some University Officers