Ae-Funai Receives New Pro-Chancellor In Grand Style

Date27 Sep 2020

Justifies positioning as ‘Most Serious Public University’
Monday, September 21, 2020, marked the maiden visit of the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council for Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Emeritus Professor Nimi Dimkpa Briggs, to the University, since his appointment on July 13, 2020, alongside others, for the 12 new Universities founded by the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2011.

VC, Prof. Nwajiuba and Former DVC (Academic) Prof. Elom receiving Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Briggs(L)

VC, Prof. Nwajiuba and Former DVC (Academic) Prof. Elom receiving Pro-Chancellor, kProf. Briggs(L)The Pro-Chancellor, who arrived the University campus in the company of his lovely wife, Mrs Data Briggs, was received at the University main gate by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Nwajiuba in the presence of Principal Officers and other top functionaries of the University, who were duly introduced to the special guest of honour.

Special ride around the University to familiarize the Pro-Chancellor with the University environment, started from administrative block to Take- off site, renamed Zone A of the University campus, in line with the ongoing unification and transformation to one big Campus in a Garden. Prof. Briggs and wife, in the company of other officers of the university were taken round all the faculties, centres, major facilities and landmarks in the university, with VC, Prof. Nwajiuba providing details on all the locations visited, as the tour progressed.
The major areas and points visited include Security Post, Catholic and Anglican Chaplaincies (ongoing), faculties of Humanities, Education, Engineering and Technology, Science, Agriculture, Law, Management and Social Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, School of Post-Graduate Studies, Language and Igbo Centres, Arts Theatre, AE-FUNAIWA school building, New Administrative Block, Convocation Arena, Solar Power Plant, which Prof. Briggs confirmed that is not just the first, but the best in Nigeria. Among the places and things inspected, were also the network of internal roads, walkways and adorable trees, building up to the campus in a garden and many other ongoing project sites.

VC, leading the Pro-Chancellor and wife to plant trees

The memorable tree planting by the Pro-Chancellor and his wife, to mark his first visit to the University was done in front of the main auditorium. Prof. Nwajiuba used the opportunity to do another round of introduction of the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Nimi Briggs and his amiable wife, Mrs Data Briggs, to the University Officers, who gathered to witness the special tree planting ceremony. Prof. Briggs thanked the University management for giving them the privilege to plant trees to mark his first visit, and establish himself as part of the community, expressing his delight in strong terms thus: ‘’VC, you and your team have done exceptionally well within five years of your administration here”. From that point, Prof. Briggs was led to his office, where the Registrar and Secretary to Council showed him round the facilities and introduced the staff to him.
At the Senate Chamber, venue of the reception proper, Prof. Abel Ezeoha, who led opening prayer, thanked God for the presence of the Pro- Chancellor and his wife, and prayed that his coming to AE-FUNAI shall end in glory.
VC, Prof. Nwajiuba went on to introduce all the university officers present at the reception hall, after which the traditional kolanut was presented to the Pro- Chancellor in the AE-FUNAI custom of receiving special guests and mark of honour and hearty welcome. The DVC (Administration), Prof. Philip Omoke took charge of the presentation protocol and the blessing in the language of the land, was done by Mr. Ikechukwu Elom, SA(Documentation). The university choir led by Jaye Folorunsho of the Music Department was on ground to spice up the event with renditions of a variety of songs of praise to God.
Elated Prof. Nwajiuba, formerly presented the 3rd Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of the University Governing Council, Emeritus Prof. Nimi Dimkpa Briggs and his dear wife, Mrs. Data Briggs, extolling his virtues and accomplishments in the academic and university administration. He announced that the gathering was therefore to herald the presence of the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council. He then heartily welcomed him in these words: “Welcome to AE-FUNAI where it has pleased God that you become the third Pro-Chancellor”.