FIC Report (Abia State) – The Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, has highlighted a series of transformative achievements recorded within her first 100 days in office, reaffirming the university’s strategic role in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural revolution, food security agenda and national development.
Speaking during the celebration of her 100 days in office at the New Public Lecture Theatre , Prof. Akanwa, the institution’s seventh and first female Vice-Chancellor, described the period as one focused on consolidation, innovation, institutional reforms and sustainable growth aimed at strengthening MOUAU’s mandate as a foremost federal university of agriculture.
She noted that her administration had taken deliberate steps to reposition the institution as a centre of excellence capable of driving agricultural research, manpower development, technological innovation and practical solutions to national challenges in food production and economic sustainability.
Prof. Akanwa stated that one of the landmark achievements of her administration was the revival of the university’s moribund AGRI-VOICE 106.9 FM, an agricultural radio station designed to bridge the gap between research and practice through agricultural extension services, climate-smart farming education, dissemination of scientific findings and public enlightenment for farmers across Nigeria.
According to her, the station is expected to strengthen MOUAU’s contribution to the Federal Government’s food sufficiency agenda by expanding access to modern farming techniques, pest control knowledge, agribusiness opportunities and rural agricultural education.
The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that her administration had prioritised staff welfare through the clearance of salary shortfalls and arrears, payment of allowances and honoraria, improved promotion processes and enhanced staff motivation, noting that a stable and motivated workforce remains essential to delivering quality teaching, research and national service.
She said reforms introduced in students’ registration and examination processes had significantly improved efficiency, ensuring a more conducive academic environment for training future agricultural experts, researchers and professionals needed for Nigeria’s development.
Prof. Akanwa also revealed that governance reforms, including the separation of the Procurement Unit from the Directorate of Physical Planning, had improved institutional transparency, accountability and operational efficiency.
On security, she said the restructuring of the university’s security architecture had successfully curtailed burglary and cult-related disturbances, restoring peace and confidence within the academic community and creating an enabling environment for learning and research.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted MOUAU’s growing contributions to national agricultural productivity through expanded cassava cultivation, research-based farming initiatives and increased support from intervention agencies aimed at promoting food security and agricultural mechanisation.
She explained that investments in agricultural production and practical learning initiatives were geared toward equipping students with hands-on skills capable of supporting Nigeria’s drive for self-sufficiency in food production and agro-industrial growth.
To strengthen the institution’s national and global competitiveness, Prof. Akanwa disclosed efforts aimed at improving research visibility, staff development, global university rankings and strategic collaborations with international institutions.
She further noted that environmental restoration projects, improved sanitation and strengthened partnerships with host communities reflected the university’s broader commitment to sustainable development and social responsibility.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to the Governing Council, management team, staff, students and stakeholders for their support, pledging to sustain reforms that would continue to position Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike as a critical federal institution driving agricultural innovation, academic excellence and national development.
She , however, reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to building a university capable of producing solutions to Nigeria’s food security challenges while contributing meaningfully to economic growth and national transformation.
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC FIC Umuahia Abia State.
09-06-2026
