1 week ago
42
By Elom Iyke Ubochi
Great leaders are not only great because of the greatness of their vision, ideas and achievements. They are also great because of their capacity and willingness to raise, support and galvanise others (colleagues and subordinates) to achieve great things. Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI) in the last four years of Prof. Sunday Oge Elom’s stewardship has achieved great milestones in different spheres. These outstanding accomplishments underscored the importance of a great and well-thought out vision in the institution’s steady rise to greatness, and the willingness of the Vice-Chancellor to raise and support the university staff, not only to buy into his vision but more importantly to run with it, leading to the array of accomplishments the university has recorded under his watch.
The vision of sustaining, consolidating and expanding on the achievements of the previous administrations of the university, which was broken down into 16 specific, measurable achievable, relevant and timely goals with numerous objectives, which the Vice-Chancellor enunciated on assumption of office, and the quality leadership he provided, enamoured, encouraged and supported staff and students of the university to take full responsibility and ownership of the institution. The results are the gamut of verifiable and tangible achievements adorning the entire landscape of the ‘Centre of Excellence and Integrity’.
The Vice-Chancellor is a man of destiny who believes in leading a quiet change, without chest-beating and braggadocio often associated with leadership in our clime, The university under his leadership has experienced silent but real and unbelievable revolutions in different areas. No wonder, AE-FUNAI ranks as one of the fastest growing and most sought-after public universities in Nigeria, and a rapidly emerging one in Africa.
As we celebrate the fourth anniversary of Prof. Sunday Oge Elom as the Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), it is fitting to reflect on his remarkable achievements. We highlight some of the extraordinary strides he made in transforming AE-FUNAI into one of the most sought-after public universities in Nigeria.
Academic excellence
Under the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership, AE-FUNAI has witnessed significant improvements in academic excellence. The university has introduced new programmes, expanded existing ones, and strengthened its academic curriculum to meet global standards. AE-FUNAI is one of the few public universities in Nigeria where academic certificates are issued to graduates on the day of convocation, and graduates are mobilized for National Youth Service Corps Programme each year. In 2024, a total of 2,126 students were mobilized for national service. The Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to academic excellence has earned AE-FUNAI recognition as one of the fastest-growing universities in Nigeria. Under his belt, the postgraduate studies of the university was strengthened leading to approval of 12 additional new programmes by the National Universities Commission in 2024, thus providing students with a wider range of academic options. Some of the new programmes are M.Ed. and Ph.D. Business Education; PGDE in Education; M.Ed. and Ph.D. Education Management and Foundational Studies; M.Ed. and Ph.D. Guidance and Counselling; PGD, M.Eng. and Ph.D. Civil Engineering and PGD, M.Eng and Ph.D. Electrical Engineering. More importantly, the Council of Legal Education also approved the Law Programme of the university.
Accreditation of academic programmes
The Vice-Chancellor has successfully secured accreditation for several programmes from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other professional bodies. Specifically, in 2024, the university secured the accreditation of 35 of its programmes from the NUC (33 full accreditation and 2 with interim status). Some of the accredited programmes are: Accounting, Architecture, French Language, History & Strategic Studies, Music, Anatomy, Mass Communication, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Fine and Applied Arts, Law, Medicine and Surgery etc In addition, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria granted the university its First Clinical accreditation for MBBS programme. These successful accreditations have ensured that students of the university embark on their academic activities seamlessly without hitches often associated with failure in accreditation exercises.
Global ranking/visibility
AE-FUNAI has made significant strides in global rankings and visibility under the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership. The university has been ranked among the top universities in Nigeria and Africa, a testament to its growing visibility and reputation for academic excellence. In the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Ranking, AE-FUNAI was ranked fourth in Nigeria while the World Universities Ranking, 2024, Times Higher Education further ranked the university 18 in Nigeria. These rankings are extraordinary taking into cognizance of the age of the university (14 years) and the number of universities in Nigeria (about 214). In addition, AE-FUNAI was ranked first in Nigeria and fifth among Pan African Universities in Public Speaking. in the Pan African Universities Debating Championship held at Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda from 15th to 22nd December, 2024 with over 80 universities from 25 different countries in Africa in attendance. The university was also ranked first in Nigeria at the 16th edition of the Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition held from 14th to 21stMay, 2024, which enabled it to represent the country at the grand finale of the competition held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland from 15th to 19th July, 2024. The university contingent at the event was warmly received and hosted by the Director-General of World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Research and development
The Vice-Chancellor has prioritised research and development, establishing the university’s research policy and providing support for faculty research projects. This has led to an increase in research output, innovation, and collaboration with local and international partners, making many of our academics to be rated globally by rating institutions. Five academic staff of the University (Dr. Ukwuaja Kingsley, Prof. Okereke Chukwumerije, Dr. Elieazu Chinedum O, Dr Onyeneke Robert Ugochukwu and Engr. Anadebe Valentine Chikaodili) were ranked among top two per cent scientists in the world by Elsevier and Stanford University, United States of America. Also, a team of five interdisciplinary researchers of the University invented- a CompoXter machine that can help in improving soil fertility, and cassava yield. More so, a non-teaching staff of the university working in the Directorate of Physical Planning, Works and Services, Mr. Paul Joseph Smile developed a Web App “DeyChop.Com” that helps in online booking and delivery of food within Ebonyi State.
Research grants
The University under the leadership of Prof. Elom has secured significant research grants from local and international organisations, further demonstrating the university’s commitment to research and development. These grants have enabled faculty members to conduct cutting-edge research, advancing knowledge in their respective fields, and providing solutions to some problems facing humanity. AE-FUNAI was among the five universities in Nigeria that received €50, 000 grant from the French Government in 2024 to combat plastic pollution in order to promote safer environment on campus. In summary, under Prof. Elom as the Vice-Chancellor, a total of €430, 075.79 , $21, 490, and £28, 000 have been received by staff of the university as research grants from international universities and foreign agencies while N91, 000, 000 was received from TETFund.
Community service
The Vice-Chancellor has emphasized the importance of community service, encouraging faculty and students to engage in outreach programmes that benefit the local community. This has fostered a sense of social responsibility among stakeholders and promoted the university’s role as a development partner. As part of its effort to bridge the gaps in banking activities on campus and in the university’s host communities, which hitherto had no bank, the Vice-Chancellor inaugurated a tier-1 microfinance bank for business on Wednesday, 3rd April, 2024, solving an age-long banking problem in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The Faculty of Education of the university collaborated with the Ikwo Local Government Council to train selected primary and secondary school teachers in modern teaching techniques. While the Directorate of Community and Extension Services in collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture organised a capacity building workshop for selected farmers/indigenes of the host communities on the business sides of farming.
Physical infrastructure
The Vice-Chancellor has overseen significant investments in physical infrastructure, including the construction of new buildings, renovation of existing facilities, and upgrade of utilities. This has created a conducive learning environment for students and improved the overall aesthetic appeal of the university. Specifically, in 2024, 2 major buildings were completed (Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and Faculty of Social Sciences buildings), while many projects that were started with maturing date of 2025 are ongoing. Some of these ongoing projects include: Construction of College of Medicine Office Block, construction of hostel building, construction of lecture theatre for the Faculty of Social Sciences, construction and furnishing of academic building for the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, construction, installation, testing and commissioning of office classroom, laboratory furniture and equipment for academic building for Architectural studio etc.
Staff welfare
One of the cardinal goals of the Vice-Chancellor on assumption of office was the promotion of staff welfare. In the past four years, he has matched his words with actions, ensuring that all the staff that meet the criteria for promotions is promoted without hitches. His administration also removed some encumbrances in the Academic Staff Promotion Guidelines that have stalled many academics from reaching the peak of their career. In 2024, a total of 435 staff were promoted, out of which 136 were teaching staff (nine Professors and 11 Readers inclusive), 245 senior non teaching staff and 54 were junior non teaching staff. Many staff and students have also benefitted from the Exchange Programmes’ Partnership the university has with international universities like the University of Gavle, Sweden and Texas Southern University, United States.
Other achievements
The Vice-Chancellor’s achievements extend beyond academics and infrastructure. He has also strengthened the university’s governance structure, ensuring judicious and disciplined use of scarce financial resources. His commitment to frugality, transparency and accountability has earned him the respect of most stakeholders. He has also enhanced the overall campus experience by ensuring massive tree planting campaign to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability through the Campus-Green Initiative of the university. In fact, 6, 500 new trees were planted on campus in 2024.
Conclusion
As the curtain draws to a close on the fourth anniversary of Prof. Sunday Oge Elom as the Vice-Chancellor of AE-FUNAI, the spotlight shines brightly on a legacy of silent transformation, a testament to the power of visionary leadership, doggedness and strict compliance to the ideals of a university. Today, we celebrate a catalogue of divine ordinations– the remarkable strides of a Child of God, and astute administrator, who has silently redefined the contours of excellence, professionalism and transparency in university administration. From the rubbles of modest beginnings, Prof. Elom has orchestrated a symphony of accomplishments, lifting AE-FUNAI to unprecedented heights, and changing the narratives of this young but ambitious university.
•Elom Iyke Ubochi is the Public Relations Officer, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State
English (US) ·