The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo branch, has commenced a week-long sporting fiesta aimed at promoting the health and wellbeing of its members.
The event, which began on Monday at the university’s main football field in Ndufu-Alike, was declared open by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, a cardiovascular physiologist.
Nwachukwu praised the initiative, describing regular exercise as essential for longevity and improved productivity.
“As a cardiovascular scientist, the importance of exercise cannot be over-emphasised. Even 30 minutes of daily physical activity can prolong life, reduce medical expenses and enhance brain function and overall wellbeing,” he said.
He assured participants of the institution’s support, stressing that a healthy academic workforce is crucial for sustaining academic excellence. The vice-chancellor added that he adjusted his schedule to attend the event as a sign of management’s commitment to staff welfare and institutional development.
Earlier, Dr. Louis Omenyi, Chairperson of the ASUU branch at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, said the sports fiesta forms part of a three-part programme that includes sporting activities, medical checks and scholarship awards to indigent students.
Omenyi explained that the initiative followed concerns over increasing cases of stress-related deaths among academics nationwide. According to him, records of deceased lecturers in recent years prompted the union’s National Executive Council to adopt proactive measures focused on improving members’ health and work-life balance.
He noted that, beyond welfare issues such as remuneration, many academics grapple with heavy workloads, leaving little time for rest and routine medical examinations. The programme, he said, is designed to encourage relaxation, bonding and preventive healthcare.
As part of its social responsibility, the branch also incorporated scholarship awards into the week’s activities. Two outstanding but indigent students were selected from each branch nationwide to receive N200,000 each. However, the AEFUNAI branch increased the number of beneficiaries in the institution from two to 12 by sponsoring an additional 10 students.
Omenyi said the gesture was intended to ease financial burdens on brilliant students and reaffirm the union’s commitment to academic success.
The sporting activities featured football, 100 metres and 50 metres track events for both men and women, volleyball and lawn tennis, among others.
Established in 1978, ASUU is the umbrella body for academic staff in Nigeria’s public universities and has consistently advocated improved funding, better working conditions and policies to strengthen the country’s university system.
The ongoing sports fiesta reflects a growing focus on internal wellness initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and longevity within academia.