The Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, has lauded the university’s academic excellence, as 163 students emerged with first-class honours at the institution’s 12th convocation ceremony.
The remarkable accomplishment, highlights the university’s unrelenting pursuit of excellence, solidifying its reputation as a hub for exceptional academic achievement.
Addressing the media at the Pre-Convocation Press briefing, held at the Vice Chancellor’s Conference Room, Professor Iwe expressed pride in the students’ achievements, emphasizing that the record number of first-class graduates is a proof of the institution’s dedication to academic rigor and quality education.
He said the feat reflects the unwavering commitment of the students, faculty, and administration to excellence, adding that the institution is proud to celebrate the efforts of these outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional discipline and resilience in their academic journey.
The convocation ceremony which would see the graduation of 4,743 Bachelor Degree students, 49 Postgraduate Diploma students, 252 Master’s Degree and 164 Doctorate Degree students, has a breakdown of 163 first Class students, 1,710 second class upper, 2,114 second class lower and 734 students with third class, while 9 students recorded a pass.
The Vice-Chancellor, however, reiterated the university’s commitment to fostering an environment that nurtures academic brilliance and innovation, producing high caliber graduates.
According to the University Don, the Convocation ceremony would begin with an inter-Denominational Convocation thanksgiving service, followed by a novelty football match, and Juma’at prayer at the MOUAU central mosque.
He stated that the 12th Convocation lecture entitled, “From Ivory Tower To Innovation Hubs: The Renewed Hope Agenda for Economic Transformation and Sustainable Development, would be taken by the Imo state Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma and chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, adding that the event would be climaxed on Saturday, November 30th, 2024, with the convocation proper, featuring, Academic Procession, award of certificates,first degrees and prizes,as well as,the conferment of higher degrees.
Prof Iwe further re-emphasized that the school has cumulatively made giant strides in academics,human capital development, infrastructure, community service and administration in the last three decades, stressing that in line with the vision of the founding fathers, many of their graduates have become established farmers, employers of labour and major contributors towards ensuring food security in Nigeria.
The VC, however, lamented the myriad of challenges confronting the institution, which included, poor funding, inadequate physical facilities,non release of take-off grant from government, high demand on provision of amenities and Public utilities, especially electricity,water,bad roads among others.
Prof Iwe equally reeled out some remarkable headway the institution has recorded in spite of the intriguing situation. “We are succeeding in making MOUAU an entrepreneurial university in line with our dream of ensuring that it attains a level of enterprise that would enhance its resources. Our bread and biscuit factory, water production and guest house outfits are steadily growing and giving name to our university.
“All our colleagues are also thriving. Our college of Animal Science and Animal Production(CASAP),and the College of Crop and Soil Science (CCSS), are vigorously driving a level of animal and crop production that is consistent with our vision.
“We are equipping our Laboratories with the state of the art equipment and we will continue to do so for agriculture, sciences, engineering and technology. In ICT, we are increasing the University’s bandwidth and almost achieving full coverage by the end of the year”,he said.
The Vice Chancellor further concluded with a call for the graduates to be ambassadors of the university, upholding its values in their various endeavors,while urging the management and staff of the university to remain resilient in their pursuit, fostering academic excellence and nurturing exceptional talent.
