In a significant development for higher education in Ebonyi State, Professor Daniel Nwachukwu has been officially appointed as the fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AEFUNAI). The announcement was made public on Saturday, December 20, 2025, following a rigorous selection process in Abakaliki.
A Transparent and Merit-Based Selection
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University's Governing Council, Engr. Dr Anthony Nnebo, presided over the final selection exercise. He emphasized that the appointment was the result of a transparent and competitive process conducted in strict adherence to established regulations.
Dr Nnebo revealed that the council initially shortlisted eight candidates from the pool of applicants. Of these, seven participated in the final interview stage. The final decision, he noted, was anchored on the core principles of competence, integrity, and the overarching interest of the university community.
"We came here to work and to help people. Together with staff and management, we shall transform this university," Nnebo stated confidently. He added that with the cooperation of all stakeholders, tangible progress would be evident before the conclusion of the new VC's tenure.
Nwachukwu's Vision for AEFUNAI
Professor Nwachukwu, an indigene of Okposi in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Prior to this appointment, he served as a Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he accumulated 26 years of distinguished service in various academic and administrative positions.
In his first address as Vice-Chancellor, Nwachukwu expressed profound gratitude and framed his appointment as a new beginning for AEFUNAI. "My appointment marks a new dawn. I promise to justify the confidence reposed in me by working tirelessly with the council, staff and students to transform AEFUNAI into a hub of academic and intellectual excellence," he declared.
The new VC immediately pinpointed critical challenges facing the institution, which will form the cornerstone of his administration's agenda:
- Inadequate infrastructure and lecture facilities.
- Low student enrolment numbers.
- Persistent funding challenges.
He argued that successfully addressing these issues is fundamental to enhancing the university's attractiveness, competitive edge, and global visibility. "You cannot have students without infrastructure," Nwachukwu remarked pointedly.
Strategic Partnerships and a Call for Unity
To achieve his ambitious goals, Professor Nwachukwu outlined a multi-pronged strategy. He plans to diversify the university's revenue sources and strengthen ties with host communities. A key part of his plan involves forging strategic partnerships with the private sector to fast-track infrastructure development and boost internally generated revenue (IGR).
Furthermore, he pledged to sustain collaboration with the media to improve the institution's public image and global footprint. In his acceptance speech, Nwachukwu also extended a hand of fellowship to his fellow contestants, urging for unity and a collective effort to propel AEFUNAI forward.
He received counsel from Professor Paul Ezeonu, a distinguished academic, who advised the new VC to remain focused, avoid distractions, and carry all stakeholders along. "Leadership is challenging. Ignore distractions, listen to all sides, respect the council and build on the foundations laid by your predecessors," Ezeonu advised.
The academic community has expressed widespread confidence that the emergence of Professor Daniel Nwachukwu will usher in a period of enhanced stability and accelerated development for AEFUNAI as it strives for greater prominence on the national and international academic stage.
