ASUU AEFUNAI begins week-long sports fiesta to boost members’ health
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (AEFUNAI) branch, has commenced a week-long sports 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 applauded the union for organising the programme, stressing that regular exercise remains essential for longevity and sustained 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 improve brain function and overall wellbeing,” he said.
He assured the union of the university’s continued support, noting that a healthy academic workforce is vital to maintaining academic excellence.
The vice-chancellor added that he adjusted his official schedule to attend the opening ceremony as a demonstration of management’s commitment to staff welfare and institutional growth.
In his remarks, Dr Louis Omenyi, chairperson of ASUU AEFUNAI branch, explained that the sports fiesta forms part of a broader three-pronged programme that includes sporting activities, medical checks and scholarship awards to indigent students.
Omenyi said the initiative followed approval by ASUU’s national leadership in response to rising cases of stress-related deaths among academics.
According to him, documented cases of deceased lecturers in recent years prompted the union’s national executive council (NEC) to adopt preventive measures to improve members’ health and work-life balance.
“To address deaths linked to work-related stress, NEC resolved that branches should organise regular sporting activities and health checks for members.
“Beyond welfare concerns such as poor remuneration, many academics face intense workloads with little time for rest or routine medical examinations.
“This initiative is designed to encourage relaxation, bonding and preventive healthcare,” he said.
He disclosed that the branch also incorporated scholarship awards into the week’s programme as part of ASUU’s social responsibility.
Omenyi said the national body selected two outstanding but indigent students from each of its 90 branches nationwide, with each beneficiary receiving N200,000.
He added that the AEFUNAI branch expanded the number of beneficiaries in the institution from two to 12 by sponsoring 10 additional students.
“The gesture is aimed at cushioning financial challenges faced by brilliant students and reinforcing the union’s commitment not only to staff welfare but also to students’ academic success,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the annual event would strengthen camaraderie among members while promoting a culture of regular exercise and preventive health checks.
Members participated in football, 100 metres and 50 metres races for men and women, volleyball and lawn tennis, among other activities.
ASUU, established in 1978, is the umbrella body for academic staff in Nigerian public universities and has consistently advocated improved funding, better working conditions and policies to strengthen the country’s university system.
The sports fiesta signals a growing emphasis on internal wellness initiatives as part of efforts to enhance productivity and longevity within academia.
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