AE-FUNAI Hosts Second International Academic Accounting Workshop With Global Participation

Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State (AE-FUNAI), has successfully concluded its Second International Academic Accounting Workshop, bringing together leading scholars and researchers from around the world to explore the evolving role of accounting research in driving global development.

Themed “Academic Accounting Research: Interdisciplinary, Engagement, and Impact,” the workshop offered a dynamic forum for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the exploration of innovative approaches to accounting research that address societal needs.

Declaring the workshop open, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Elom, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Celestine Afiukwa, commended the Department of Accountancy for hosting a globally inclusive academic event. He emphasized that AE-FUNAI’s vision is to become a world-class institution known for excellence in research, innovation, and community impact.

“This workshop reflects our commitment to research that changes the world,” Afiukwa said, adding that AE-FUNAI encourages scholars to pursue studies that extend beyond the classroom, addressing real-world challenges, strengthening economies, and promoting sustainable development. The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research in tackling complex global issues and noted the wide international participation as a testament to AE-FUNAI’s growing visibility on the global academic stage.

Delivering the keynote speech virtually, Professor Charles Cho, a distinguished sustainability accounting scholar from York University’s Schulich School of Business, Canada, emphasized that contemporary accounting research must go beyond financial metrics to include social and environmental responsibilities. He urged participants to produce research that inspires trust, drives accountability, and fosters sustainable progress, challenging scholars to engage rather than isolate themselves from society.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Isaac Ikpor, Head of the Department of Accountancy, expressed profound satisfaction with the workshop’s success, describing it as one of the most impactful academic events in the university’s history. He praised the diversity of participants from Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America and reaffirmed the importance of producing research that fosters social change, ethical responsibility, and sustainable development.

Dr. Ikpor also acknowledged the keynote speaker, Professor Cho, for delivering insights on sustainability and purpose-driven research, which have inspired participants to pursue work with tangible societal impact. He further thanked the Vice-Chancellor, university management, the organizing committee, and all participants, pledging that future workshops will continue to build on this success.

The workshop underscores AE-FUNAI’s commitment to nurturing international collaborations, advancing interdisciplinary research, and producing scholarship that contributes meaningfully to global academic and societal progress.