The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, has urged the newly sworn-in leadership of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the institution to adopt responsible, accountable, and service-oriented leadership.
Prof. Nwachukwu delivered this message during the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of the 9th SUG President, other members of executive and Senate of the university, held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Hall.
He emphasized that students’ leadership is a call to service, encouraging the new members of executive and senate to foster peace, unity, and the welfare of students.
He advised them to maintain constructive engagement with the University Management and to utilize dialogue and established channels for addressing issues affecting students.
Speaking further, the Vice-Chancellor reminded them that their studies should be their priority and that they must take their academic responsibilities seriously without being distracted by union activities. He also mentioned that the university is working with a private investor to procure electric buses for easier transportation on campus, while also assuring them of his administration willingness towards building a befitting SUG secretariat for students.
The immediate past SUG President, Comrade Kelvin Ipere Nwankwo in his valedictory speech, described the handover ceremony as not merely a transition of power but a celebration of service, sacrifice, growth, and the continuity of leadership. He expressed gratitude to the University Management, members of his Executive Council, and the entire student body for their support, acknowledging the critics whose feedback strengthened his administration.
Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, he highlighted several accomplishments, including the ongoing Legacy Seat-Out Project, electrification efforts at AEFUTHA Students’ Hostel 2, solar lighting installations, campus fumigation, the inaugural AE-FUNAI Trade Fair, welfare and health interventions, talent development programs, and advocacy for NELFUND refunds as well as transportation and security levies.
He urged the incoming administration to liaise with the University Management to sustain the momentum in pursuing outstanding projects, such as establishing a SUG Secretariat, acquiring a SUG bus, and developing a larger ICT center. He concluded that while power is transient, true leadership is defined by service.
In his acceptance speech, the new SUG President, Comrade Eze Daniel Owo, characterized his victory as a collective mandate, and pledged to pursue reforms aimed at enhancing students’ welfare and improving university infrastructure. He expressed gratitude to the University Management, Electoral Committee, his campaign team, and the student community for their support in ensuring a free and fair election, while also acknowledging previous SUG administrations for laying the groundwork for his administration.
Outlining his agenda, he identified improved campus lighting, hostel renovations, especially in female hostels, academic mentorship, health and sanitation services, and the construction of a SUG Secretariat as key priorities. Other proposed initiatives include acquiring an official SUG vehicle, regulating prices of goods and services on campus, improving housing opportunities, and upgrading sporting facilities.
He called for the support of students, staff, and Management, emphasizing that his administration would strive for an inclusive and united AE-FUNAI community.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Special Assistant to the Governor of Ebonyi State on Students’ Affairs, Hon. Joshua Nwafor, congratulated the newly inaugurated Student Union Government (SUG) leadership, and urged them to view their positions as an opportunity to serve rather than as a privilege for personal gain.
Hon. Nwafor encouraged the new leaders to promote unity, peace, and purposeful engagement among students while assuring them of the Ebonyi State Government’s continued commitment to youth development and the advancement of education.
