“I Am Here to Deliver Results” — AE-FUNAI Vice-Chancellor Seeks ASUU’s Backing for Reform Agenda

The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, Professor Daniel C. Nwachukwu, has declared his readiness to reposition the institution, calling for the full cooperation of staff to achieve measurable progress.

Professor Nwachukwu made the remarks while receiving the executive members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), AE-FUNAI chapter, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that his administration is focused on performance, institutional growth, and strategic transformation. With over 27 uninterrupted years in academia and extensive leadership experience, he expressed confidence in his capacity to elevate the university’s profile.

Describing AE-FUNAI as fortunate to have a prepared and experienced leader at this critical juncture, Professor Nwachukwu thanked ASUU for being the first staff-based union to engage with his administration. He pledged to maintain a collaborative relationship with the union, noting his previous service on the ASUU Advisory Board at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

He acknowledged ASUU’s historical contributions to reforms in the Nigerian university system, stating that many positive developments in higher education were championed by the union.

As part of his reform blueprint, the Vice-Chancellor announced plans to introduce a structured reward system to recognize outstanding staff and students who excel in research and innovation. According to him, celebrating excellence will not only motivate productivity but also help address the growing challenge of brain drain within the university system.

Professor Nwachukwu expressed concern over the intense workload and stress faced by academics in Nigeria, commending lecturers who have remained committed to the system despite opportunities abroad. He also lauded the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving and releasing the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), noting that AE-FUNAI lecturers have already received their payments — a development he described as encouraging.

While acknowledging that the allowance may not fully address systemic challenges, he described it as a positive step toward stabilizing the sector and mitigating brain drain. He assured staff of his administration’s commitment to improving welfare and strengthening institutional standards.

In his remarks, the AE-FUNAI ASUU Chairman, Comrade Dr. Louis Omenyi, commended the Vice-Chancellor for promptly approving the payment of CATA to members of the union. He clarified that the allowance was the outcome of negotiations between ASUU and the Federal Government.

Dr. Omenyi also informed the Vice-Chancellor about the union’s forthcoming Sports Fiesta and Health Week, initiatives endorsed by ASUU’s National Executive Committee to address stress-related health concerns among lecturers. He disclosed that approximately 20 lecturers nationwide had been lost due to work-related stress, underscoring the need to prioritize health and well-being.

He thanked the Vice-Chancellor for approving a one-week schedule of activities free from lectures and academic engagements to enable staff participation.

Reaffirming the union’s stance, Dr. Omenyi pledged ASUU’s support for the administration, provided due process and institutional regulations are upheld.

The meeting signals an early attempt by the new leadership to foster collaboration with organized labour, as AE-FUNAI navigates the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s university system.