A total number of 35 veterinary Medical graduands from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) have been inducted into Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN).

Speaking during the 8th Oath-Taking/Induction Ceremony for the 2019/2020 graduands of the institution’s College of Veterinary Medicine, held at MOUAU recently, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe acknowledged the roles the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) play in ensuring that the College of Veterinary Medicine maintains the standard requirements for the training of Veterinary Surgeons.

He reiterated that his administration is committed to providing an enabling atmosphere for quality research and training for the College.

The VC promised that the pressing needs of the College would be met within the available resources.

Prof. Madu Iwe congratulated the graduands on the successful completion of their studies despite the rigorous processes, and challenged them to be good ambassadors of the University.

In his welcome address, the Dean of the College, Prof. Josephat Onu stated that the oath-taking/induction exercise is mandatory for all veterinary graduands before they can practice.

Prof. Onu used the occasion to solicit the support of the University management in the provision of teaching/research farm, as well as laboratory and office spaces for the College. He also stated that the College is in dire need of Senior Academics in the professorial cadre.

In her remarks, the President, Nigerian Veterinary Council, AIG (Dr) Aishatu Abubakar Baju, represented by Dr. Olutunji Nasir, maintained that the Council would continue to support and collaborate with universities in providing necessary resources and ensuring the sustenance of global best practices in the profession.

The Acting Registrar of Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Dr. Ezenwa Nwakonobi, in his remarks, applauded the exploits of Veterinary practitioners from the University in their various engagements. He urged the College and the University to do more to maintain their excellent standards.

35 graduands were administered the oath of induction and were presented with the Provisional Registration Certificate of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria.

Highlight of the occasion was the award of prizes to the best graduating students in their various subject areas. The star student at the event was Dr. Favour Okwaraeke Okore who emerged the overall best graduating student. Dr. Nancy Eni-Otu also shone bright as she became the first ever recipient of the Farm Alert Leadership Award.

In his remarks, the overall best graduating student, Dr. Favour Okore Okwaraeke disclosed that diligence, hard work and unwavering parental support were the keys to his success. He applauded the lecturers of the College for their resourcefulness and urged students of Veterinary Medicine to show commitment in their studies.

The elated father of the star student, Mr. Moses Okwaraeke, narrated the challenges he faced in the course of training his son, especially regarding finance. He, however, expressed happiness that his relentless efforts have been rewarded by his son’s stellar academic achievements.

The ceremony attracted the principal officers of the University and Heads of Departments in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Other dignitaries present at the occasion were the President, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Olutoyin Adetuberu, who also presented an award to the best graduating student; as well as family members and friends of the graduands.

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Government at all levels and policy makers have been challenged to formulate necessary policies towards harnessing hidden treasures in the agricultural sector, to foster wealth creation and circulation. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebisisi Ofo Iwe and Prof. Remy Mejeha made the call at the 50th Inaugural Lecture of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) Abia state, held at its auditorium recently.

The inaugural lecturer and Professor of Agricultural Economics, Prof. Remy Onyekachi Mejeha in his lecture titled, “Financial Intermediation in Agriculture: Hidden Treasure Mobilized for Wealth Creation,” noted that the hoarding of cash and the storage of valuable possessions, which he described as idle funds, heavily constitute the hidden treasure needed for wealth creation. He stressed that the ‘hidden treasures’ are ample in the agricultural rural areas waiting to be harnessed and reintegrated into the Nigerian economy.

Prof. Mejeha, who started as a petty trader several years ago before his academic journey, lamented that banks and other financial intermediaries like agricultural insurances have failed in their financial advisory roles, especially in mobilizing the ‘hidden treasures’ for economic growth. He warned that if these hidden treasures were not channeled appropriately and re-invested into viable economic activities, they could either be lost or remain unproductive to the detriment of the country’s economic growth.

The inaugural lecturer recommended that designated central authorities should be formed to regulate relevant authorities and middlemen that exercise control over prices of agricultural products and interest payments on cash deposits.

In his remarks, the VC, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe described the title chosen by Prof. Onyekachi Mejeha as timely, stressing that cash hoarding is a major brick wall to the growth of the economy. He called on relevant authorities to adopt all the recommendations made by Prof. Mejeha to revive the economy.

The occasion attracted the principal officers of the University, Deans of Colleges, academics from other Universities, as well as family, friends and well-wishers of the renowned Professor of Agricultural Economics. Guests were treated to a display from a cultural dance group from Umuawada Onicha, Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State, the inaugural lecturer’s home town. Other highlights were the unveiling of his book and gift presentations from the College of Agricultural Economics Rural Sociology and Extension.

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It was a goodwill galore and gathering of big wigs in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) Abia State, as friends and colleagues of former MOUAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ogbonnanya Chikwe Onwudike, joined him in celebration of his 74th birthday.

The event held at the University’s Senator Anyim Pius Anyim Auditorium where MOUAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, reminisced on his days of working with the celebrant, praising him for the positive changes he brought to the University.

Prof. Iwe recounted some of Prof. Onwudike’s achievements particularly in the areas of infrastructural development, staff welfare as well as attracting sundry developmental funds to the University.

Prof. Iwe said the former vice-chancellor is on the positive side of history and would never be forgotten for his good works.

Dignitaries who graced the occasion included the founder of Living Word Ministries and Chancellor of Rhema University, Aba, Bro. Emma Okorie, the Vice-Chancellor of Wesley University, Ondo, Prof. S.N. Ukachukwu – who described Prof. Onwudike as a visionary, astute leader – a sentiment echoed by MOUAU’s senior staff.

In his remarks, Prof. Onwudike, who is the current Vice-Chancellor of Rhema University in Aba, thanked God for preserving his life this far.

The professor of Animal Science also thanked his friends and colleagues for hosting and honouring him.

The ceremony also featured the institution of an endowment fund for graduating students of the University in honour of the former VC.

The best graduating student of the University and one other from the College of Animal Science and Animal Production, in each academic session, would be rewarded with the sum of N50,000 and N20,000 respectively for the next ten academic sessions spanning across10 years.

Prof. Ogbonnanya Onwudike was born on October 12, 1947. He served as the second vice-chancellor of MOUAU from 2001-2006.

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