The Vice-Chancellor of Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Sunday Elom has charged the newly- elected Students’ Union Government of the university for the 2024/2025 academic session, to lead by example in order to enjoy the confidence and support of the students and the university authorities.

The Vice-Chancellor spoke during the inauguration of the new students’ officials at the conference room. Prof Elom commended the students on their emergence as the newly-elected representatives of the students, stating that the success of their tenure depends on their collective effort as a team, even as he encouraged them to be steadfast and committed to their responsibilities and promises, thereby fulfilling the oath they took to abide by the ideals and culture of the university and cater for the welfare of students.

Represented by the Deputy Vice- Chancellor Administration, Prof Abel Ezeoha, the Vice-Chancellor advised the students’ officials to comport themselves well in public as they represent the students and university at large, adding that whom much is given, much is expected and as such, they should lead by example by obeying the laid down rules and regulations governing the university. He also charged them to project and protect the image of the university in all their activities as they will carry the certificate of the institution throughout their lives.

He also encouraged the new students’ leadership to protect the interest of students at all times, and equally urged them to report any act of sexual harassment, sex-for-grades, ‘sorting’ and other forms of molestation and abuse on students to the university authorities so that punishment could be melted out on the culprits accordingly.

Still speaking, the Vice-Chancellor charged them to use their offices to effect positive change in the university and ensure they make their various offices viable.

He further thanked the electoral committee led by Dr. Onyekachi Eni for their unbiased approach which led to the success of the election, adding that there was no room for bias anyway, because the university management does not condone corruption of any kind and it was not surprising that the electoral committee adhered strictly to the rules.

While giving his inaugural speech, the new Students Union Government President, Comrade Ngwu Sopuruchi Victor thanked the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elom, for ensuring a conducive environment for a free and fair election, adding that his leadership and support were pivotal in making the electoral process transparent and credible, while assuring of his commitment to work hand-in-hand with the university management to elevate the institution.

Concluding Comrade Ngwu stated that he is committed to advocating for the welfare of students, noting that the work is immense, but he is not daunted by the challenges. He added that he would work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the needs of students were addressed during his tenure to enable every student of the university to thrive in an environment that fosters growth, learning, and success. He further used the opportunity lay down his vision.

The immediate past SUG President, Comrade Ezeh Makuochukwu in his valedictory speech thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the university Management for making his tenure a success, stressing that the Vice-Chancellor helped in stabilizing and giving direction to his tenure which helped them to thrive.
He also enumerated some of his achievements in office and encouraged the new leadership to make the welfare and security of students their top priority, and to make sure they remain good ambassadors of the university through their actions.
The highlight of the inauguration ceremony was the oath of allegiance sworn by the new students’ officials – Executive, Senators and Judiciary to abide by the ideals of the university and to serve the students’ body selflessly during their tenure.