The Business School of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) has taken a significant step toward institutional growth and global relevance with the formal inauguration of its Board of Directors.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, held at the University’s New Public Lecture Theatre, the Commissioner for Transport in Abia State, Dr Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, expressed deep gratitude to the University’s Governing Council and Management for the confidence reposed in the newly constituted Board.
Describing the appointment as both an honour and a call to service, Ukaegbu said the Board’s responsibility goes beyond administration to shaping the intellectual and entrepreneurial future of the institution and the nation at large.
He noted that the inauguration would mark a strategic milestone in the evolution of the Business School, emphasizing that the institution must reflect innovation, enterprise and global competitiveness in line with the legacy of Michael Okpara, after whom the University is named.
According to him, the global economy has evolved beyond traditional agricultural production, requiring a strong focus on agribusiness value chains, financing, technology integration, export markets, sustainability and data-driven management.
“The Business School must become a hub for executive education tailored to emerging industries, agribusiness management and entrepreneurship, public sector leadership development, and research that bridges academia and industry”, he said.
Ukaegbu further stressed that the Board would be guided by transparency, accountability, strategic planning, measurable outcomes, financial sustainability and adherence to global standards.
He said the overarching goal is to position the MOUAU Business School as a leading centre of excellence in management education, not only in Abia State and the South-East, but across Nigeria and Africa.
The Commissioner posed critical questions that would shape the Board’s direction, including how to build a strong brand capable of attracting top faculty and high-calibre students, how to design industry-responsive programmes, and how to ensure sustainability without compromising quality.
“Education remains the most powerful tool for economic transformation. When we strengthen management capacity, we strengthen enterprises and when we strengthen enterprises, we strengthen the economy and the nation”, he stated.
On behalf of the Board members, Ukaegbu pledged to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, support the Management of the Business School in achieving its strategic objectives, foster strategic partnerships to enhance visibility and funding, and work collaboratively in the interest of the University.
He commended the Vice-Chancellor and University leadership for what he described as a visionary initiative, noting that the inauguration signals readiness for growth, innovation and global relevance.
In an interview with Newsmen, the Commissioner stated that the establishment of the Business School would give MOUAU a more conventional outlook despite its core mandate as an agricultural university.
He urged Abians to take advantage of the opportunity by enrolling in the institution, describing it as the first indigenous Business School in the state.
The Commissioner further assured that he would bring innovative ideas and sound initiatives to the board.
According to him, beyond serving as Transport Commissioner, he is also an entrepreneur, and his appointment would provide him with a platform to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the business community in Abia State and the South East at large.
