FUNAI Latest GIST

SSANU, AE-FUNAI Executive Visits VC, Seek Improved Staff Welfare and Infrastructure

The Executive of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities [SSANU], Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike , Ebonyi State chapter, has paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, to congratulate him on his appointment as the university’s 4th Substantive Vice-Chancellor.

Speaking during the visit, the SSANU Chairman, Comrade Onyebuchi Mpamugo, commended the Vice-Chancellor on his emergence and expressed confidence in his capacity to move the institution forward. He pledged the union’s commitment to collaborate with university management in promoting staff welfare, industrial harmony, and the institution’s academic and administrative goals.

Comrade Mpamugo also thanked the Vice-Chancellor for absorbing staff of the university’s primary and secondary schools into the mainstream system and for installing solar panels at the university clinic.

He, however, urged the administration to review the condition of service, which he noted has remained unchanged for five years. He further decried the lack of key infrastructure, particularly the absence of a standard auditorium on campus.

In his response, Prof. Nwachukwu expressed appreciation for the visit and the goodwill message. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to open communication, inclusivity, and partnership with all staff unions.

The Vice-Chancellor urged SSANU executive to think creatively about revenue generation and to engage in viable projects that would yield profit for members, stressing that staff welfare and sustainability must be a priority. He also charged staff to remain focused, dedicated to their duties, and to prioritize their core responsibilities above other engagements.

“Welfare and sustainability of your members should be paramount”, he concluded.

AE-FUNAI NFCS official welcomed a new administration.

AE-FUNAI Holds Essay Competition, Awards Scholarships to Ikwo Secondary School Students

The Centre for Extension and Community Services, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi state, has organized a one-day essay competition and award ceremony for secondary school students from the five communities in Ikwo Local Government Area.

Held under the university’s community service initiative, the event aimed to promote education and address societal attitudes toward the education of boys and girls in the area.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Director of the Centre, Dr. Chinyere Lilian Nkama, said the initiative followed the success of an earlier agricultural training programme for participants from Alike, Echara, Unweka, Mgbabau, and Okpitumo communities. That programme trained participants in micro livestock production, piggery, cucumber, and fruit farming as alternative income sources.

Dr. Nkama explained that the Centre shifted its focus to education because of its critical role in societal transformation and national development.

“Education is more than literacy and schooling. It builds character, strengthens critical thinking, supports skills acquisition, and drives personal development. It fosters progress in families and society, balances preferences, and promotes equality and equity regardless of gender,” she said, quoting Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

She noted that the essay competition was designed to reopen discussions on the preference for male over female education in Ikwo communities—a practice often rooted in the belief that a girl’s education ends in the kitchen. The competition, she said, would shape students’ perspectives through cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning while promoting critical thinking, value reorientation, and creative writing skills.

Dr. Nkama announced that outstanding participants would receive scholarships covering two academic sessions upon gaining admission into AE-FUNAI, regardless of their course of study. The first and second runners-up will receive scholarships covering one academic session and consolation prizes of ₦50,000 each.

She thanked the Vice-Chancellor and university management for approving the scholarships and supporting the event. She also commended the assessors from the Department of English and Literary Studies for their transparency in selecting the winners and praised teachers for preparing the students.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Celestine Affiukwa, urged the students to take education seriously and use the opportunity provided by the university for personal and community transformation.

“The presence of a university within a community brings transformation. Focus on the benefits you can derive from this institution to pursue academic excellence and contribute positively to your communities,” Prof. Affiukwa said. He also called on participants to embrace sportsmanship as winners emerged across categories.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the students who secured first, second, and third positions.

Ezaka Ferdinand Ifeanyi of Urban Community Secondary School, Ndufu Echara, emerged as the winner of the essay competition.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR 2026/2027 ACADEMIC SESSION
POST UTME/DIRECT ENTRY SCREENING
This is to inform the general public that registration for the 2026/2027 academic session
Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME)/Direct Entry Screening of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, shall commence on Monday, 25th May, 2026 and end on Tuesday, 30th June, 2026.
Interested candidates who must have scored 150 and above in the 2026 UTME and who made Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State their first choice institution in their application for admission in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) are qualified to apply. However, candidates are advised to check the minimum UTME screening score for the respective programmes listed below to guide their choices.
Prospective candidates who did not choose AE-FUNAI as their first choice institution but wish to study in AE-FUNAI are eligible to apply for PUTME screening. However, such candidates MUST effect Change of Institution/Course to AE-FUNAI on the JAMB Portal on or before **Tuesday, 30th June, 2026.** This is also applicable to Direct Entry (DE) candidates.
AVAILABLE PROGRAMMES
S/N
FACULTY
PROGRAMME
UTME MINIMUM SCREENING SCORE
1
Faculty of Agriculture
1. Agribusiness and Management . 150
2. Agricultural Economics
3. Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
4. Soil Science
5. Crop Science
6. Animal Science
7. Fisheries and Aquaculture

2
Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
1. Anatomy. 160
2. Physiology

3
Faculty of Education
1. Education/English and Literary Studies. 150
2. Educational Management
3. Guidance and Counseling
4. Biology Education
5. Chemistry Education
6. Mathematics Education
7. Physics Education
8. Physical and Health Education
9. Agricultural Science and Education
10. Business Education
11. Economics Education
12. Computer Science Education
13. Technology Education with options in:
(i) Mechanical Technology Education
(ii) Building Technology Education
(iii) Woodwork Technology Education
(iv) Electrical and Electronics Technology Education
(v) Automobile Technology Education

4
Faculty of Engineering and Technology
1. Chemical Engineering. 150
2. Civil Engineering. 160
3. Electrical/Electronic Engineering
4. Mechanical Engineering
5. Mechatronics Engineering

5
Faculty of Environmental Sciences
1. Architecture. 150
2. Fine and Applied Arts
3. Geography

6
Faculty of Humanities
1. Theatre Arts. 150
2. English
3. French
4. Linguistics
5. Linguistics/French
6. Linguistics/Igbo
7. Igbo
8. Music
9. History and Strategic Studies
10. Philosophy
11. Religion

7
Faculty of Management Sciences
1. Accountancy. 170
2. Business Administration
3. Banking and Finance. 150
4. Public Administration

8
Faculty of Biological Sciences
1. Biology. 150
2. Biotechnology
3. Biochemistry. 160
4. Microbiology

9
Faculty of Physical Sciences
1. Computer Science. 180
2. Chemistry. 150
3. Mathematics
4. Statistics
5. Geology
6. Applied Geophysics
7. Physics

10
Faculty of Social Sciences
1. Mass Communication 170
2. Criminology and Security Studies. 150
3. Economics
4. Political Science
5. Sociology
6. Psychology

11
Faculty of Law
1. Law. 230

12
College of Medical Sciences
1. Medicine and Surgery. 250

13
Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences
1. Nursing Science. 240
2. Medical Laboratory Science. 210
3. Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 160

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
· Candidates for Medicine and Surgery, Law, Nursing Science and Medical Science Laboratory programmes must have obtained their O’Level Results at one sitting only.
· Candidates should be guided by the UTME and O’level subject requirements as are available on the University website.

1. Prospective candidates who may wish to register for the Post-UTME through the
AE-FUNAI ICT Centres, should visit the:

* University CBT Centre at Zone A in the University Campus
OR
* Centre for Educational Services (JUPEB/Pre-Degree School),
Aguogboriga Estate, Abakaliki.
2. During registration, candidates are advised to use GSM numbers that are easily accessible to them. This is important for fast and easy communication.
Candidates should note that at any point of the screening and admission exercise, if any false information is discovered, such candidate’s application would automatically be disqualified.

To apply call or Whatsapp 08116446612.

FES, AE-FUNAI HONOURS OUTSTANDING STAFF AT 2026 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS

The Faculty of Environmental Sciences (FES), Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), held its 2026 distinguished service awards ceremony where distinguished staff were recognized for their exceptional dedication, professionalism, and contributions to the faculty’s growth and development.
The annual ceremony, held at the Iruka Centre, AE-FUNAI, forms part of the faculty’s strategy to promote a culture of excellence and sustain high performance across its departments and units.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Romanus Ejiaga commended the faculty for the initiative, describing staff recognition as a strategic investment in human capital development. He conveyed the Vice-Chancellor’s goodwill and praised the faculty leadership for fostering a culture that rewards hard work and inspires service to the university and the nation.

“This award is a well-deserved tribute to staff whose contributions have shaped the identity and reputation of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences,” Prof. Ejiaga said.

The Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Godwin Iriwheri reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to merit-based recognition. He noted that the 2026 awards were conferred solely on staff that had shown outstanding dedication and impact on the faculty’s development.

He urged awardees to display their certificates and plaques prominently in their various offices as a reminder to maintain and surpass their current standards of excellence.

Delivering the keynote lecture at the event, Prof. Robert Onyeneke, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, challenged environmental scientists to uphold integrity, accountability, and transparency in service delivery. He stressed that these values are essential for repositioning environmental science as a driver of national development.

“Environmental science professionals play a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s physical, ecological, and socio-economic landscape. They must rise to the challenge with renewed purpose and patriotism,” Prof. Onyeneke stated.

He added that sustainable development requires a workforce grounded in ethical conduct and visionary leadership, urging professionals to demonstrate commitment even when unobserved. He encouraged the faculty to set a benchmark for excellence within AE-FUNAI and across Nigerian universities by engaging actively in policy, planning, and environmental governance.

“The environment is not an afterthought; it is the foundation of every development goal. Environmental scientists should see themselves as builders of the nation,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Dr. Samuel Echem expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as humbling and motivating. He thanked the faculty leadership for valuing staff dedication and urged colleagues to uphold the standards that earned them the honour.

“This award is not the end of the journey but a call to serve even more,” Dr. Echem said.

The ceremony highlights the faculty’s commitment to excellence, professionalism, and staff motivation as pillars of institutional growth.

AE-FUNAI FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE SUBMITS PROPOSAL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF UNIVERSITY INTEGRATED COMMERCIAL FARM

The Faculty of Agriculture, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi state, has submitted a proposal for the establishment of an integrated commercial farm aimed at transforming the university’s farm into a commercially viable agribusiness. A landmark initiative designed to strengthen practical agricultural training, boost food production, and create sustainable income opportunities for the institution and the surrounding community.

Presenting the proposal to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Robert Onyeneke explained that the five-year proposal seeks to integrate crop production, livestock, fisheries, and agro-processing under a unified management system. He stated that Priority will be given to high-return enterprises such as ginger, seed yam, broiler production, and catfish farming to generate early revenue, while long-term investments including cattle ranching and orchard development will be introduced gradually.

Onyeneke outlined a monitoring and risk management framework with key performance indicators, reporting schedules, and operational safeguards aimed at ensuring accountability, efficiency and long-term growth. He reiterated the plans for infrastructure rehabilitation, feed milling, processing facilities, market expansion, and export readiness, stressing that the project is expected to promote financial sustainability, research, training, and community development, while positioning AE-FUNAI Integrated Farms Ltd for long-term growth and investment opportunities.

He noted that the farm will be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to make it a viable and sustainable enterprise, with the Vice-Chancellor serving as Chairman of the Board.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Daniel Nwachukwu commended the Faculty for the initiative, describing the proposal as timely and impactful, adding that business enterprise is the way forward as government subventions cannot sustain university operational activities.
He advised the faculty to partner with private investors in the running of the business as the university may not properly run it for sustained profit.

He commended them for being the first faculty in the university to have submitted a business proposal to the university management, while assuring them of his administration’s support to make it work.

This is coming at a time the Vice-Chancellor during his campus tour challenged the various faculties and academic departments to identify profitable areas they can invest in to provide solutions to the numerous challenges facing humanity, and also to generate some revenue.

YOU WILL BE PROUD OF MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AE-FUNAI VC ASSURES STAKEHOLDERS

The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, has assured that his administration will deliver accomplishments that would make stakeholders proud by the end of his five-year tenure.

Prof. Nwachukwu gave the assurance when he received former colleagues and staff of the Department of Human Physiology, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC), who visited to congratulate him on his appointment as Vice-Chancellor of AE-FUNAI.

“In five years’ time after my tenure, you will be proud of my accomplishments. We have hit the ground running, and will keep the light shining to make a big difference in the university,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor thanked the delegation for the visit and expressed his willingness to liaise and work with the Vice-Chancellor of UNN to upgrade and transform the infrastructure in the Department of Human Physiology. He also urged the departmental leadership to furnish him with areas of need so he could intervene on a personal level.

Earlier, the Head of the Department of Human Physiology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Dr. Ifeoma Orizu, said the visit was to identify with one of their seasoned professors whom God had elevated to the position of Vice-Chancellor. She assured him of the department’s continued support, solidarity and prayers as he steers the affairs of AE-FUNAI to enviable heights.

The highlight of the visit was a prayer for the successful tenure of Prof. Nwachukwu and the presentation of a gift.

AE-FUNAI HOSTS 5TH OWSD SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE ON TRANSLATING RESEARCH INTO REAL IMPACT FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu- Alike, Ebonyi State, hosted the 5th Biennial Conference of the Organization of Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), South East Zone, Nigeria Chapter meant to translate research into real impact for sustainable development.

The gathering brought together distinguished scholars, researchers, academics, development experts, policymakers and students from across the country.

Held at the Senate Chambers of the University, the conference was themed ‘’Women in Science Translating Research into Real Impact for Sustainable Development.’’ It focused on the crucial role of women in advancing scientific discoveries, innovation, research commercialization and sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.

The conference served as the platform for intellectual engagement, and strategic discussions on how research findings can be transformed into practical solutions capable of addressing societal challenges in areas such as climate change, food security, healthcare, education, technology and economic growth.
Declaring the conference open, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, commended OWSD for its consistency in promoting excellence in scientific research and gender inclusion.

He reiterated the administration’s commitment to the advancement of research, innovation and academic excellence, while also assuring participants of his continuous support for initiatives that promote scientific development and sustainable progress. He noted that universities must remain centers of impactful research capable of solving real societal problems and driving national transformation.

Earlier in her welcome address, Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee, Prof. Laura Okpala, described the gathering as a significant academic milestone for the institution and the South East Zone of OWSD Nigeria. She emphasized the importance of promoting women’s participation in science and research, noting that the conference would further stimulate innovation, mentorship, collaboration and solutions to societal challenges.

Also in her welcome remarks, the Zonal Coordinator of OWSD South East Zone Nigeria, Dr Chioma Anorue, highlighted the vision and commitment of the organization towards empowering women in science and encouraging impactful research across developing nations. She stated that the conference theme was carefully selected to inspire researchers in translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions to improve lives and foster national development.

The keynote lecture was delivered by Prof. Florence O. Nduka, who spoke on the conference theme, “Women in Science Translating Research into Real Impact for Sustainable Development.” In her presentation, she underscored the strategic role of women scientists in advancing research, innovation and technological development. She further stressed the need for stronger institutional support, funding opportunities, policy implementation and mentorship initiatives that would enable women researchers to contribute effectively to sustainable development goals.

Prof. Nduka also challenged participants to move beyond theoretical research by pursuing innovations and scientific solutions that directly address societal needs in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability, education and technology.

Major highlights of the conference were science quiz competition involving secondary school girls drawn from different schools in Ebonyi to encourage early interests in sciences among girls. They showcased intelligence and scientific potential with outstanding performances which saw the students from Faith Academy Secondary School, Abakaliki emerging as the winner, and an excellent leadership award bestowed by the association on the Vice-Chancellor of the university for his impactful policies and programmes.

The 5th Biennial Conference of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing world South-East Nigeria ended with renewed commitments from stakeholders to continue supporting women in science and advancing research driven-solutions for national and global development.

AE-FUNAI MICROFINANCE BANK MOVES TO LAUNCH ONLINE BANKING , EXPAND ATM ACCESS ON CAMPUS

The AE-FUNAI Microfinance Bank is set for a major upgrade as the university’s management pushes to integrate the bank with Interswitch for seamless online banking services and to install ATM terminals across campus.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu gave the directive on Thursday while receiving the bank’s Management Board in his office. He said the move is critical to making the bank more accessible, competitive, and attractive to students, staff, and the wider Ikwo community.

“To grow and remain relevant, AE-FUNAI Microfinance Bank must go digital. Without online banking, it cannot serve modern customers or attract investors

“We are committed to supporting the bank’s integration with Interswitch and will also provide an operational vehicle to improve efficiency and service delivery", Prof. Nwachukwu stated.

He further directed the immediate deployment of ATM terminals within the campus to give the university community and residents of Ikwo Local Government Area easier access to cash and banking services.

The Vice-Chancellor also charged the Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Greg Esheya, to reposition the bank’s business model, expand its share base, and lead by example in strengthening corporate governance and customer trust.

Earlier, Mr. Esheya said the bank was established with a share capital of ₦200 million under Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba’s administration. It received its operational license from the Central Bank of Nigeria on Januay 29, 2024 during Prof. Sunday Elom’s tenure and began operations on April 3, 2024.

He noted that AE-FUNAI Microfinance Bank is currently the only bank operating in Ikwo LGA, making its expansion vital for financial inclusion in the area. With Interswitch integration, the bank will be able to offer online transactions, mobile banking, and wider ATM access.

Mr. Esheya congratulated Prof. Nwachukwu on his appointment and acknowledged that, by statute, the Vice-Chancellor now serves as Chairman of the bank’s Management Board. He appealed for management’s continued support to accelerate the bank’s growth and impact.

The planned upgrades signal a new phase for AE-FUNAI Microfinance Bank—one aimed at delivering faster, smarter, and more accessible financial services to the university community and beyond.

AE-FUNAI VC DELIVERS ON PROMISE: 650 MATTRESSES, 120 FANS DISTRIBUTED TO BOOST STUDENTS’ COMFORT IN HOSTELS

In a bold step to improve student welfare and campus living conditions, the Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, has delivered the first batch of 650 high-quality mattresses and 120 wall fans to students residing in university hostels.

The distribution, carried out on Thursday, fulfills a commitment the Vice-Chancellor made during his March 2026 tour of student hostels to assess infrastructure and listen directly to students’ concerns.

“This is about keeping our word and putting students first,” Prof. Nwachukwu said while handing over the items. “Your comfort matters because a conducive environment is the foundation for academic excellence. This is only the first batch. More is on the way.”

Addressing students directly, the Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed that students’ welfare is central to his administration’s vision. He urged students to remain focused on their studies, uphold the university’s rules, and partner with management to build a university they can be proud of.

“Be patient with us, but be assured that we are working deliberately to solve your challenges and make AE-FUNAI a place where you can learn, grow, and thrive,” he said.

Beyond immediate comfort, Prof. Nwachukwu announced plans to renovate the Abubakar Adamu Rasheed Auditorium before the end of 2026, restoring it to a modern facility befitting the university’s status.

Students welcomed the intervention with enthusiasm. The President of the Students’ Union Government, Comrade Kevin Ipere Nwankwo, praised the Vice-Chancellor for turning promises into action.

“This initiative shows that the administration is listening and acting. Providing new mattresses and fans will make a real difference in students’ daily lives,” he said.

He also commended the ongoing rehabilitation of hostels and appealed for the distribution of the mattresses and fans to reach every student in campus accommodation.

The gesture marks another step in Prof. Nwachukwu’s drive to restore confidence, improve facilities, and strengthen the partnership between management and students. With more interventions underway, AE-FUNAI is positioning itself as a university where student voices translate into visible change.