The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, has assured students that his administration will usher in a new era in the institution with a strong focus on students’ welfare.
Nwachukwu gave the assurance when the Students Union Government (SUG) of the university paid him a courtesy visit at the conference room of the Senate Building.
He said students would remain the centerpiece of his administration, noting that their welfare and academic success were among his top priorities.
“Students are the main reason I am here. I assure you that I will do anything that will make the students comfortable on campus,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor identified hostel accommodation as one of the pressing challenges facing students, promising that his administration would construct additional hostels within his first year in office to address the situation.
He also announced plans to establish an indigent students committee that will assist students who are unable to pay their approved charges, so they will not be forced to drop out of school.
According to him, the university will also introduce a flexible payment platform that will allow students to pay their charges in installments, thereby reducing the financial pressure associated with fees payment.
Nwachukwu urged students to remain focused on their studies and avoid distractions from excessive involvement in union activities.
The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that the university had commenced the installation of solar-powered street lights across the campus to improve visibility and safety.
He assured that within one year, there would be no dark spots on the campus.
On discipline and ethical conduct, Nwachukwu warned both staff and students against engaging in activities that could tarnish the image of the university.
He said the institution would adopt the Federal Government’s whistle-blowing policy to expose staff who extort students during registration and clearance processes, impose illegal charges, or engage in sexual harassment.
He also revealed plans to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras and other security equipment in strategic locations across the campus, with a central control room at the security department to strengthen security.
Earlier, the SUG President, Comrade Kevin Nwankwo, described Nwachukwu’s appointment as the right step capable of repositioning the university for greater productivity and development.
He also highlighted some of the challenges faced by students and appealed to the Vice-Chancellor to intervene in order to sustain the prevailing peace on campus.
Nwankwo assured the university management of the students’ support and commitment to the vision of making Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike a centre of academic and intellectual excellence.