By Our Reporters
The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Professor Daniel Nwachukwu, has commended the pioneer staff of the institution for their sacrifices, resilience, and commitment in laying a solid foundation for the growth and development of the university. Professor Nwachukwu gave the commendation while receiving members of the AE-FUNAI Pioneer Staff Forum during a courtesy visit on him, on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Addressing the delegation, Nwachukwu expressed delight at receiving the pioneer staff, describing them as critical stakeholders whose efforts and sacrifices helped to shape the university into what it is today. He noted that establishing a new institution was never an easy task, especially during the early years when structures, systems, and policies were still evolving. According to him, the pioneer staff contributed immensely to the growth and development of the institution through their courage, resilience, and dedication to duty.
“I am thrilled to have the pioneer staff of AE-FUNAI in my office today,” he stated, stressing that it is never easy to start something from the beginning looking at the foundation of the university.
Professor Nwachkwu applauded them for setting the pace for others to follow even as he urged them to continue giving their best in their various offices while serving as role models within the university community. He equally assured the pacesetters that their sacrifices and contributions would be rewarded accordingly, adding that the future holds better prospects for them and the institution as a whole.
Speaking further, the Vice-Chancellor appealed for their continued support and cooperation in line with his mission to move the institution to greater heights academically and administratively, disclosing that his administration would give primary consideration to staff children in matters relating to admission and employment opportunities.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Joseph N. Chukwu, congratulated Professor Nwachukwu on his appointment as the 4th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university and pledged their support and prayers towards the success of his administration.
Dr. Chukwu described the pioneer staff as the bedrock upon which the university was built following its establishment in 2011, noting that they played major roles in developing the academic, administrative, and institutional structures of the university. He explained that despite the difficult working conditions and limited resources during the formative years of the institution, the pioneer staff remained committed to the ideals of excellence, discipline, institutional growth, and public service.
The forum further appealed to the Vice-Chancellor to sustain the recognition of pioneer staff through greater inclusion in university committees and other institutional activities. They equally revealed plans to establish the AE-FUNAI Pioneers and Archives Centre, a project aimed at preserving and documenting the history and legacy of the institution.
According to them, the proposed centre would serve as a historical repository for visitors, staff, and students seeking authentic information about the university’s origin and growth, as well as conference halls, offices, and shopping spaces capable of generating revenue for the institution.
The highlight of the gathering was presentation of gift to the Vice-Chancellor by the pioneer staff forum.
