Nkechinyere Ewa
The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, 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 to his office on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Addressing the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor expressed delight at receiving the pioneer staff, describing them as critical stakeholders whose efforts and sacrifices helped shape the university into what it is today. He noted that establishing a new institution was never easy, especially during the formative 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, adding that it was never easy to start an institution from the beginning considering the challenges associated with laying a solid foundation for a university.
Professor Nwachukwu applauded the pioneer staff for setting the pace for others to follow and urged them to continue giving their best in their various offices while serving as role models within the university community. He assured them that their sacrifices and contributions would be rewarded accordingly, stressing that the future holds better prospects for both the staff and the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor further appealed for their continued support and cooperation in line with his administration’s vision of moving the institution to greater heights academically and administratively. He also disclosed 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 fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university and pledged the support and prayers of the pioneer staff 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 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 appealed to the Vice-Chancellor to sustain the recognition of pioneer staff through greater inclusion in university committees and other institutional activities.
They also 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 the forum, the proposed centre would serve as a historical repository for visitors, staff and students seeking authentic information about the university’s origin and growth. It would also house conference halls, offices and shopping spaces capable of generating revenue for the institution.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a gift to the Vice-Chancellor by members of the pioneer staff forum.