AE-FUNAI Establishes Business School, Distance Learning Centre, Others to Expand Academic Reach and Institutional Growth

Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, has taken a major step towards expanding access to education, strengthening professional development, enhancing strategic partnerships, and boosting its revenue base with the establishment of three new centres.

The decision was approved during the 87th Regular Meeting of the University Senate held on June 3, 2026, as part of efforts to position the institution for greater relevance in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.

The newly established centres are:

• AE-FUNAI Business School
• Centre for Distance Learning (CDL)
• Centre for Advancement and Strategic Contacts (CASC)

Senate also approved the appointment of key officials to oversee the take-off of the centres. Professor Abel Ezeoha was named Director of the AE-FUNAI Business School, Professor Philip Omoke was appointed Director of the Centre for Distance Learning, while Dr. Edith Nkiru Obande-Ogbuinya was appointed Acting Director of the Centre for Advancement and Strategic Contacts.

Speaking during the Senate meeting, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Daniel Nwachukwu, described the initiative as a strategic response to emerging national and global demands in higher education, innovation, and workforce development.

According to him, the centres will expand access to quality education, provide specialised professional training, foster innovation, and create sustainable partnerships that will support institutional advancement and national development.

He noted that modern universities must move beyond their traditional teaching roles and become active contributors to solving real-world challenges.

The Vice-Chancellor explained that the AE-FUNAI Business School will serve as a hub for postgraduate, executive, and professional education in areas including management, finance, entrepreneurship, public sector leadership, and digital business. The school is expected to attract professionals seeking career advancement, strengthen research in enterprise and policy development, and enhance the university's industry relevance.

Professor Nwachukwu further stated that the Centre for Distance Learning will coordinate and expand the university's open and distance learning programmes through the deployment of modern educational technologies. The centre will provide flexible and affordable learning opportunities for working professionals, civil servants, nursing mothers, rural learners, and others unable to participate in conventional on-campus programmes.

Beyond widening access to higher education, the Centre for Distance Learning is expected to drive enrolment growth, increase internally generated revenue, and extend the university's academic presence beyond geographical boundaries.

The Centre for Advancement and Strategic Contacts will focus on building strategic partnerships, fundraising, alumni relations, and institutional collaborations. The centre is expected to engage industry leaders, donor agencies, development partners, diaspora communities, and international organisations to mobilise resources and opportunities that will support the university's long-term development goals.

Commending members of Senate for approving the initiative, the Vice-Chancellor said the move aligns with global best practices in higher education management and institutional development.

He reaffirmed the university's commitment to building a world-class institution driven by excellence, ethics, innovation, and impactful service, while disclosing that management would work closely with the National Universities Commission and other regulatory agencies to secure the necessary approvals and programme accreditations for the new centres.

With the establishment of the Business School, Centre for Distance Learning, and Centre for Advancement and Strategic Contacts, AE-FUNAI is expected to significantly strengthen its capacity to deliver accessible education, promote professional development, attract strategic investments, and enhance its visibility within Nigeria and the global academic community.