The seventh and first female Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, has said that her administration has deliberately focused on consolidation, innovation, and sustainability to strengthen the University’s resilience and drive institutional growth.
Prof. Akanwa made this known during a media chat held at the University’s Conference Room to mark her first 100 days in office. She stated that her administration’s primary objective is to strengthen the academic calendar, streamline administrative procedures, uphold ethical standards, and promote excellence in teaching, research, and community service.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the administration has recorded remarkable achievements within the short period through prayers, diligence, commitment, and teamwork. Among the notable successes is the successful negotiation for the forgiveness of a ₦27 million debt associated with the University’s former radio station, Agri Voice 106.9 FM. She noted that the intervention has revived the station and repositioned it to effectively disseminate research findings and agricultural innovations to farmers across the South-East region and beyond.
On staff welfare, Prof. Akanwa disclosed that her administration has reintroduced the subsidized staff bus scheme, ensured the regular conduct of promotion exercises, and cleared outstanding arrears owed to postgraduate supervisors. She added that the University has also strengthened its security architecture to guarantee a safer and more conducive environment for learning, teaching, and research.
The Vice-Chancellor further stated that her administration has placed significant emphasis on improving staff attitude to work, promoting discipline, and addressing unethical conduct in order to enhance efficiency, accountability, and service delivery across the institution.
Speaking on environmental sustainability, she reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy campus environment through the establishment of an Environmental Monitoring and Maintenance Committee tasked with overseeing environmental sanitation and campus beautification initiatives.
Prof. Akanwa also noted that the University’s relationship with staff unions, students, alumni, host communities, and other stakeholders has remained cordial and productive, fostering unity, mutual understanding, and institutional stability. She added that ongoing efforts to improve the University’s global ranking and international visibility are already yielding positive outcomes.
The Vice-Chancellor further revealed that her administration is prioritizing research and development through support for college-based and interdisciplinary research projects, strategic collaborations, and initiatives aimed at enhancing innovation and knowledge generation.
She expressed gratitude to God for granting her good health, wisdom, and strength during the first 100 days in office and appreciated members of the University community for their support and cooperation. Prof. Akanwa reaffirmed her commitment to providing purposeful leadership and advancing the overall interests of the University in line with its core mandate of excellence in learning, character, research, and service to society.
