Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa has emerged as the first female Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU).
Her appointment comes 34 years after the university was established as one of the specialised institutions to promote agriculture in the country.
The announcement was made by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Comrade Fidelis Edeh, shortly after the Council’s 95th meeting, where the report of the Selection Panel was considered.
Her emergence followed a keenly contested process involving no fewer than 22 professors.
Prof. Akanwa, a Professor of Educational Measurement and Evaluation, is reputed within and outside the university community for her integrity and firmness.
She joined the services of MOUAU in 2011 as an Associate Professor from Abia State University, Uturu, and rose to the rank of full professor in 2014.
She currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) of the university.
A statement by the Head of the Public Relations Unit, Dr Ubadire Agua, said the new Vice-Chancellor “will take over from the 6th Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, on March 1, 2026.”
MOUAU, established in 1992, has maintained an informal rotational arrangement among South-East states in producing its Vice-Chancellors.
The pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Placid Njoku (Imo State), served from 1993 to 1999, followed by Prof. Ogbonnaya Onwudiwe (Abia) from 2000 to 2006, and Prof. Ikenna Onyido (Anambra) from 2006 to 2011.
Others include Prof. Hilary Edeoga (Enugu, 2011–2016), Prof. Francis Otunta (Ebonyi, 2016–2021), and the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe (Abia), whose tenure ends on February 28, 2026.
Professor Akanwa, who hails from Imo State, was born in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State.
She began her academic journey at Community Primary School, Agbala, Owerri, and later attended Girls’ Secondary School, Emekuku, Owerri, where she graduated in 1979.
She enrolled at the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1980 and graduated in 1984.
Prof. Akanwa is a member of the Investigative Panel on the Recovery of Looted Abia Funds set up by Governor Alex Otti. She has over 73 publications in reputable journals and has authored eight textbooks.
She currently serves as the Women’s Leader of Streams of Joy International, Umuahia, a position she has held since 2009.
She is married to Dr M. O. Akanwa, the Managing Director of a private hospital in Umuahia, and the marriage is blessed with children.
