AE-FUNAI VC Urges Students to Speak Up Against Extortion

The Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo(AE-FUNAI), Prof. Sunday Oge Elom have charged students to promptly report any form of sexual abuse and all kinds of intimidation and extortion from staff of institution.

The Vice-Chancellor gave the charge in his address at the University 12^th Matriculation ceremony held across faculties on Friday.

“I also charge our students to report any form of sexual abuse, intimidation and extortion from staff. *My personal phone number is 08032686617*. Send text messages and WhatsApp chats to me on any issue affecting your life on campus”.

“I assure you of prompt response and action. Your fellow students who are ahead of you in the university can attest to the fact that we have successfully solved many problems through this means, and I am committed to do more” the VC added.

Challenges and Managements Commitment

Prof Elom noted that “As a university, we are not oblivious of some challenges that you may be facing in the areas of hostel accommodation, lecture halls and security. But we are on top of the situation.

He reiterated that the Management remains committed to students’ welfare and would continue to improve the conditions in the hostels and the entire campus. We are putting the necessary infrastructure in place to make sure your stay on campus is peaceful, comfortable and worthwhile. 

“We are constructing more faculty buildings, lecture halls and theatres, laboratories and staff offices to enhance teaching and learning. The University is also working with security agencies to ensure that our campus remains safe and secure for academic activities. In fact, we have established a Security Committee consisting of staff, students and representatives of security agencies and the host community to deal with security issues within and around our campus. We have also established the AE-FUNAI Microfinance Bank, situated in the ICT block and the Agency Bank at the Zenith Bank building, to take care of your banking needs. Thus, instead of travelling over 20 kilometers to Abakaliki with its attendant risks, I strongly advise our students, to open account with the bank and make use of the facility on campus for their banking needs”.

Hard Work and Good Study Habits

He called on the students to imbibe the ethics of hard work, good study habits and committed attendance to lectures and carrying out of your course assignments, for they are necessary for academic success.

“You will definitely encounter some obstacles on your road to success, but stay focused. Don’t shy away from asking questions from the right quarters whenever you are confused or at crossroad. The University Counselling Centre, SERVICOM office, Students’ Affairs office and Public Relations Office are available and ready to attend to your questions. The University Management assures you of all the necessary support, as long as you remain dedicated to your studies and law abiding as a student of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State”.

At this occasion, you will take an oath of loyalty to this University, followed by a pledge to abide by its rules and regulations, and also vow to appreciate and cherish its ideals and culture. I therefore, charge you to live by those dictates because bad behaviour will not be condoned. At the end of today’s ceremony, each of you will sign the matriculation register, which would signify your formal registration as a student of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State.

Promise to Parents/Guardians

“To the parents and guardians who have entrusted us with the education and well-being of their cherished ones, I offer my sincere gratitude and assurance that we will spare no effort in nurturing and shaping these young minds into the leaders of tomorrow. May I equally use this opportunity to thank the AE-FUNAI Parents’ Forum for their sustained support in bridging the infrastructural gaps in the university. For our information, before the commencement of today’s event, I commissioned some of the buildings the Forum erected at the University Staff Quarters”. 

“And to our distinguished guests, thank you for gracing us with your presence and for your unwavering commitment to the advancement of education. Together, let us embark on this journey of learning, exploration, and excellence, as we continue to uphold the values and legacy of our esteemed institution. Welcome to Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State – the Centre of Excellence and Integrity”.