In a landmark initiative aimed at expanding educational opportunities, enhancing professional development, strengthening strategic partnerships, and enhancing revenue base, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, has established three new Centers to drive the institution’s growth and relevance in a rapidly evolving academic environment.
The approval for the establishment of the centers was granted during the 87th Regular Meeting of the University Senate held on Tuesday, June 3, 2026.
The newly established centers are the AE-FUNAI Business School, the Centre for Distance Learning (CDL), and the Centre for Advancement and Strategic Contacts (CASC).
As part of the take-off arrangements, Senate also approved the appointment of Prof. Abel Ezeoha, as Director of the AE-FUNAI Business School, Prof. Philip Omoke, as Director of the Centre for Distance Learning, and Dr. Edith Nkiru Obande-Ogbuinya, as Acting Director of the Centre for Advancement and Strategic Contacts (CASC).
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, described the initiative as a strategic response to emerging national and global demands in higher education, innovation and workforce development. According to him, the centers would enable the university to expand access to quality education, provide specialized professional training, foster innovation, and create sustainable partnerships that will contribute to institutional advancement and national development.
‘’Universities must go beyond traditional teaching to solve real-world problems. These centers will equip professionals, expand access to quality education, and build sustainable partnerships that advance our mandate’’ he said.
Professor Nwachukwu took time to outline the benefits of these centers, stressing that the AE-FUNAI Business School will serve as a hub for postgraduate, executive, and professional education in areas such as management, finance, entrepreneurship, public sector leadership, and digital business, adding that the school is expected to attract professionals seeking career advancement, strengthen research in enterprise and policy development, and contribute to the university’s drive for academic excellence and industry relevance.
The Centre for Distance Learning will coordinate and expand the university’s open and distance learning programmes through the deployment of modern educational technologies. He mentioned that the centre is expected to provide flexible and affordable learning opportunities for working adults, civil servants, rural learners, nursing mothers, and other individuals who may not be able to participate in conventional on-campus programmes.
Beyond increasing access to higher education, Prof. Nwachukwu added that the centre is also expected to contribute to enrolment growth, boost internally generated revenue, and extend the university’s academic footprints beyond geographical boundaries.
Similarly, the Centre for Advancement and Strategic Contacts will serve as the university’s hub for strategic partnerships, fundraising, alumni engagement, and institutional collaborations. The centre will work closely with industry leaders, donor agencies, development partners, diaspora communities, and international organizations to mobilize resources and opportunities for the university.
The Vice-Chancellor commended members of Senate aligning with global best practices in approving the establishment of the centers. He reiterated the university management’s commitment to building a world-class institution driven by excellence, ethics, innovation, and impactful service while disclosing that management would engage the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant regulatory bodies to secure the necessary approvals and resource verification for academic programmes to be domiciled in the centers.
With the establishment of the Business School, Centre for Distance Learning, and Centre for Advancement and Strategic Contacts, AE-FUNAI is expected to strengthen its capacity to deliver accessible education, promote professional development, attract strategic investments, and enhance its visibility within Nigeria and the global academic community.
