The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building and sustaining a strong, mutually beneficial and lasting relationship with Echara Nkpoke Kingdom, one of the host communities of the institution.
Prof. Nwachukwu gave the assurance when he led members of the University Management team on a courtesy visit to the palace of His Royal Highness, the Nkpoke I of Echara Nkpoke Kingdom, Eze Pius Igwe, in Ndufu-Echara autonomous community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The Vice-Chancellor described the establishment of AE-FUNAI in the area as a blessing and a unique opportunity for the people, noting that the presence of the institution would continue to open doors for young people to access quality education and create opportunities capable of transforming the social and economic life of the host communities.
He stressed that his administration places great importance on peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding between the University and its host communities, describing such partnership as fundamental to sustainable growth and development.
Prof. Nwachukwu further disclosed that the University’s Department of Agriculture would extend its expertise and services to farmers in the community. According to him, local farmers would benefit from training and guidance on modern farming practices, pest prevention and control, improved crop management and other techniques aimed at protecting crops from destruction and improving agricultural yields, stressing that the University is committed to ensuring that its knowledge, research and expertise positively impact the lives of the people within its immediate environment.
The Vice-Chancellor appealed to the traditional institution and members of the community to continue to cooperate with the university in achieving the vision of his administration. He also addressed the residents still living within the university premises, cautioning against the erection of new structures in the area.
He explained that his administration is liaising with the Ebonyi State Government to intervene in relocating affected residents to alternative location as part of ongoing plans to facilitate the physical development and expansion of the University, urging the people to remain cooperative and supportive of the efforts aimed at promoting the collective good.
Responding, His Royal Highness, the Nkpoke 1 of Nkpoke Kingdom, Eze Igwe, described the visit as a demonstration of respect for the traditional institution and a significant step towards strengthening the relationship between the University and the community.
The monarch commended Prof. Nwachukwu for taking the initiative to personally visit and interact with the leadership of the community, noting that regular engagements and dialogues would help foster mutual understanding and prevent avoidable misunderstandings.
The traditional ruler pledged the full support and cooperation of the Ndufu-Echara Community to the Prof. Nwachukwu-led administration, assuring the Vice-Chancellor that his people would continue to maintain peace and provide an enabling environment for the University to thrive.
He stated that the community regards AE-FUNAI as its own institution and had no intention of creating problems or difficulties for the University. Rather, he said that the people were eager to be part of the progress and good developments taking place within the institution.
The royal father, however, appealed to the University Management to ensure that qualified children and indigenes of the host community are given opportunities to benefit from the presence and activities of the institution. He expressed the hope that children from the community would be encouraged to pursue their education at AE-FUNAI and that qualified indigenes would be considered for employment opportunities where necessary.
He further pledged to continue mobilising his people towards peaceful coexistence and support for the University, expressing confidence that a sustained partnership between the institution and its host community would promote development, create a sense of belonging and guarantee lasting peace.
The courtesy visit forms part of the Vice-Chancellor’s ongoing engagements with critical stakeholders of the university host communities and further underscore the commitment of the Prof. Nwachukwu-led administration to fostering peace, inclusiveness and sustainable partnerships.
The visit is expected to further consolidate the cordial relationship between AE-FUNAI and Ndufu-Echara autonomous community, opening a new chapter of cooperation geared towards shared development, peaceful coexistence and mutual prosperity.
