Chukwuemeka Egejuru
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) has partnered National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to further deepen agricultural development in Nigeria.
This was climaxed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) and the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), recently, (Tuesday, 5th October, 2021) at the Headquarters of NALDA in Abuja.
The MoU is for the development of hundreds of hectares of land for Agricultural Research and Demonstration.
Information gathered revealed that the partnership would accelerates the desires of Nigeria to diversify the economy as well as to further enhance the vision of the Vice-chancellor to embark on serious agricultural practices by staff and students of the University.
Speaking at the event, the MOUAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, who expressed joy over the development, noted that hardwork and persistence will always be rewarded with results.
He thanked the NALDA leadership for the partnership, assuring them that the University will convert the opportunity into a resounding success for the country in the area of Agriculture.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NALDA, Prince Paul Ikonne, described the signing as a milestone achievement whilst expressing his confidence that it is a step in the right direction.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Iwe had during his inauguration address, promised to greatly improve agricultural research and demonstration.
This, he reiterated at a press briefing to mark 100 days in office.
The Vice-Chancellor had also expressed his ambition to clear and utilise at least 50 hectares of land for agricultural research and demonstration purposes.
This dream, the university’s boss said appeared tall and incredibly difficult to achieve due to paucity of funds and the capital intensive nature of the project, adding that it is becoming a reality.
Present at the signing ceremony were the Registrar, Bursar and the Director of Physical Planning of the University, as well as the Legal Adviser and the Principal Engineer of NALDA.
Execution of the project will soon commence.