The Vice-Chancellor of Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Sunday Elom, has urged the newly elected Students’ Union Government for the 2024/2025 academic session to lead by example to gain the confidence and support of both the students and the university administration.
AE-FUNAI VC urges officials to lead by Example: The Vice-Chancellor addressed the new student officials during their inauguration in the conference room. Prof. Elom congratulated them on becoming the newly elected representatives and emphasized that their success will rely on their teamwork. He encouraged them to remain dedicated to their responsibilities and promises, fulfilling the oath they took to uphold the university’s ideals and prioritize student welfare.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration, Prof. Abel Ezeoha, the Vice-Chancellor urged the student officials to conduct themselves appropriately in public, as they represent both the students and the university. He emphasized that with great responsibility comes high expectations, advising them to lead by example by adhering to the university’s rules and regulations. Additionally, he encouraged them to promote and protect the university’s image in all their activities, as they will carry the institution’s reputation throughout their lives.
He also urged the new student leadership to consistently protect the interests of their peers and to report any incidents of sexual harassment, sex-for-grades, “sorting,” and other forms of abuse to the university authorities, ensuring that appropriate action is taken against the offenders.
Continuing his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor urged them to leverage their positions to drive positive change within the university and to make their respective offices impactful.
He also expressed his gratitude to the electoral committee, led by Dr. Onyekachi Eni, for their impartial approach that contributed to the election’s success. He noted that there was no tolerance for bias, as the university management does not condone corruption, making it unsurprising that the committee adhered strictly to the established rules.
In his inaugural speech, the new Students’ Union Government President, Comrade Ngwu Sopuruchi Victor, expressed his gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elom, for fostering a conducive environment for a free and fair election. He highlighted the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership and support as crucial to ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process and pledged his commitment to collaborating with the university management to enhance the institution.
He added that he would work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the needs of students were addressed during his tenure to enable every student of the university to thrive in an environment that fosters growth, learning, and success. He further used the opportunity lay down his vision.
In conclusion, Comrade Ngwu affirmed his dedication to advocating for students’ welfare, acknowledging the significant challenges ahead but expressing his unwavering resolve. He emphasized his commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure that students’ needs are effectively addressed during his tenure, creating an environment conducive to growth, learning, and success for every student. Additionally, he took the opportunity to outline his vision for the future.
The immediate past SUG President, Comrade Ezeh Makuochukwu in his valedictory speech thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the university Management for making his tenure a success, stressing that the Vice-Chancellor helped in stabilizing and giving direction to his tenure which helped them to thrive.
In his valedictory speech, the immediate past SUG President, Comrade Ezeh Makuochukwu, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and the university management for their support in making his tenure a success. He emphasized that the Vice-Chancellor’s guidance and leadership played a crucial role in providing stability and direction, which enabled his administration to thrive.
He went on to highlight some of the key achievements of his administration and urged the incoming leadership to prioritize the welfare and security of students. He encouraged them to ensure that, through their actions, they continue to be exemplary ambassadors of the university.
A key moment of the inauguration ceremony was the oath of allegiance taken by the newly elected student officials—Executive, Senators, and Judiciary. They pledged to uphold the ideals of the university and to serve the student body selflessly throughout their tenure.