Over the past four years, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has experienced remarkable growth and development under the leadership of its 6th Vice Chancellor, Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, who assumed office in 2021.
His administration has prioritized infrastructural expansion, research advancement and improved academic standards, positioning the university as a leading institution in agricultural education and innovation.
As part of activities marking his fourth anniversary in office, a delegation of journalists from Abia State,as well as Abia executive of the Nigerian Union of Journalists(NUJ), embarked on a facility tour to assess and report on the various projects undertaken under his administration.
Ongoing Construction of Admin Block,MOUAU Permanent SiteUlo Nka, Unipod centre for Skills Acquisition, MOUAU
During the tour, the journalists visited several completed and ongoing infrastructural projects across the university, including the ongoing construction of the School’s permanent site in Olori, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, the green house for smart Agriculture, newly installed solar driers, the construction of the Unipod centre for the training of youths on skills and technology, a yet to be commissioned hybrid solar power station that would supply 24 hours electricity to the school, among other projects.
MOUAU Permanent Site,Olori,Ikwuano LGA
These developments are part of Prof Iwe’s vision to transform MOUAU into a world-class institution for agricultural education and research.
Site of the hybrid solar power station
Speaking earlier during a media chat held at the VC’s Conference Room, Prof Iwe highlighted the commitment of his administration to fostering academic excellence through infrastructural expansion and research-driven initiatives. He expressed gratitude to the federal government, university management and other stakeholders for their support in realizing these achievements.
Ongoing construction of Ulo Nka,the Unipod centre for skills Acquisition,MOUAU
According to him, his vision for the university is to become a key player in Nigeria’s food supply chain and contributing to national food sufficiency. He emphasized that the only way to tackle food scarcity in the country is for Nigerians to produce what they eat and also, consume what they produce.
Abia NUJ Executive
The Vice Chancellor revealed that the institution currently cultivates tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and rice, alongside processing cassava flour, which is used in their biscuit and bread production,adding that the university is engaged in various forms of livestock farming.
“So far, our products, including water, bread and biscuits, have gained a strong market presence beyond Umuahia. They are among the best you can find in the market,” he stated.
Prof Iwe expressed concern over poor funding, which he described as a major challenge facing the University. However, he reaffirmed his commitment to transforming MOUAU into a globally competitive university.
He also encouraged students to take advantage of the NELFUND initiative to support their academic pursuits, emphasizing that the university’s current standards require students to meet their financial obligations and noted that NELFUND has been beneficial both to students and the institution, helping to position MOUAU as a modern center for learning.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor appealed to the Federal Government to lift the ban on employment, allowing universities to recruit more lecturers to fill vacancies that have existed for over five years. He pointed out that at MOUAU, the shortage of senior lecturers has become evident, as many have risen to the ranks of Professors and Associate Professors. Additionally, he stressed the need to replace those who have relocated abroad, ensuring the university maintains a strong academic workforce.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Abia State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ),Comrade Chidi Asonye, praised the progress made under Prof Iwe’s leadership, describing it as a testament to visionary governance and effective management of resources.
Abia NUJ Chairman, Comrade Chidi Asonye, Presenting a Certificate of Credence to the Vice Chancellor, MOUAU
The NUJ while seeking for collaboration with the institution, presented a Certificate of Credence to the Vice Chancellor, as a proof of his hard work in
repositioning the University.
Highpoint of the event,was the cutting of the VC’s fourth anniversary cake, among other exciting moments.
