Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
A fresh chapter opened on Monday at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) as Professor Ursula Akanwa formally assumed office, making history as the institution’s first female and seventh Vice-Chancellor.
Her resumption, marked by fanfare and high expectations, signalled what university authorities described as a decisive shift towards innovation, self-sustenance and renewed academic focus.
In her maiden address, Akanwa unveiled a far-reaching vision to reposition MOUAU as an entrepreneurial agricultural university capable of funding its growth while delivering cutting-edge research and training.
Central to her agenda is an aggressive drive to expand internally generated revenue through the establishment of a university-owned construction firm, feed mill, oil palm mill and cassava processing plant.
She also disclosed plans to revive the university’s livestock farms and introduce year-round greenhouse vegetable production.
“We must move beyond dependence to self-reliance. My goal is to build a financially autonomous, innovation-driven agricultural university that leads in research, agribusiness, food security and national development,” she said, drawing loud applause from the audience.
The Vice-Chancellor also placed strong emphasis on human capital development, promising improved welfare for staff and students, prompt payment of salaries and entitlements, transparent promotions, and an inclusive leadership style anchored on dialogue and accountability.
Describing staff unions as indispensable partners, Akanwa pledged harmonious engagement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and other unions.
The new VC assured students of firm measures to curb cultism and other deviant behaviours on campus.
She expressed gratitude to the Governing Council and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in her, pledging to advance the Federal Government’s priorities in education and agriculture.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Comrade Fidelis Edeh, described Akanwa’s emergence as symbolic of a “new dawn” for the university, insisting that her appointment followed a transparent and merit-based process.
“This university has been liberated,” Edeh declared, announcing that the N100 million land rent waived by the Abia State Government would be deployed to fund scholarships for students from host communities.
Goodwill messages from staff unions and students reflected widespread optimism, with speakers describing the new Vice-Chancellor as “a square peg in a square hole” and pledging cooperation to ensure the success of her administration.
The atmosphere reached a crescendo when a former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hilary Edeoga, arrived at the venue, prompting sustained applause that briefly halted proceedings.
Dignitaries at the event included former Military Administrator of Kogi State, Col. Paul Omeruo; former Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University, Professor Mkpa Agu Nkpa; and former Abia State Secretary to the Government, Dr. Eme Okoro, among others.
With the exit of her predecessor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, who completed his five-year tenure on February 28, observers say Akanwa steps into office at a time of both opportunity and challenge—one that could redefine MOUAU’s future if her vision takes root.
Professor Akanwa, a pastor with Streams of Joy International, is widely reputed for her integrity and firmness.
