The atmosphere at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) was filled with emotion and reflection as the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, formally prepares to leave office after five years of service.
The gathering resonated with the familiar hymn, “We are together again, just serving the Lord. Something good is about to happen, something better is in store”, capturing the mood of unity and hope as the outgoing VC addressed members of the press and university community in a “thank you” meeting held at the Vice Chancellor’s Conference room.
Prof Iwe, whose tenure officially ends at midnight on February 28, said his administration though faced with tantrums, focused on reconciliation, innovation, and institutional reforms that repositioned the university for growth.
Reflecting on his early days in leadership as Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, he noted that the institution was once deeply divided, with factions and grievances which threatened the progress of the institution.
According to him, at that time, people felt threatened and aggrieved but he never relented in working to bring reconciliation and understanding and today, “We are together again,” he said.
Highlighting key achievements, Prof Iwe pointed to the transformation of the university’s infrastructure and internal systems. Under his leadership, he said the school recorded a performing microfinance bank, an entertaining guest house premises, where people from outside flock to enjoy themselves and socialise on daily basis.
He said the university expanded its guesthouse from 16 rooms to 51 rooms, and set up a petrol station serving both the university, the host community and environs for the past five years without failing.
Iwe disclosed that the institution also ventured into production, introducing MOUAU-branded bread and biscuits, as well as Umudike Water, which according to the Vice-Chancellor, were part of efforts to strengthen the university’s internally generated revenue base.
Academically, the 6th Vice Chancellor revealed that his administration updated key administrative documents, starting with the document that directs the organisation of the council, called Standing Orders of Council and also strategic plan of the university that will take the university from 2021 to 2030.
“How we intend to utilise the funds of government to run the university to advantage. We also have, within the period, updated the academic brief of the university”, he hinted.
He also announced that the Governing Council had approved a new Conditions of Service for staff, setting a new administration that will achieve more acceleration than previous administrations, noting that these were the hub of his administration, ensuring a formidable platform is built where the system would be running smoothly, achieving adequate results.
Prof Iwe further disclosed that new academic programmes and departments were introduced, including Metropolitan Engineering, Food Engineering, Applied Chemistry, and a Centre for Artificial Intelligence.
The VC cited the MOUAU Business School, which was established in 2022 amid economic uncertainties and funding challenges, as a major milestone expected to make strong contributions to the region.
However, Prof Iwe emphasised the digitization of the university operations as one of his administration’s proudest achievements, stressing that student biometric capturing, automated result processing, digitised transcript systems, and improved registration procedures have significantly enhanced efficiency.
“We now have daily release of student results. Students can obtain their results immediately after completion. That was the standard in our time, and we restored it”, he said.
He added that professorial promotions were fully digitized during his tenure, leading to an unprecedented number of promotions within the five-year period.
Describing peace and harmony as a major “product” of his administration, the outgoing VC said the university enjoyed stability throughout his tenure, attributing it to collaboration among staff, students, and management.
He particularly commended the University Senate for robust deliberations and decisive action, as well as the Student Union for maintaining stability.
Prof Iwe also reflected on his decision to appoint women as Deputy Vice-Chancellors, describing it as divinely inspired, which he said brought about the historic transition of Prof Ursula Ngozi Akanwa succeeding him.
He expressed optimism that Prof Akanwa would consolidate on ongoing projects in the University as she was part of his administration. “She knows most of our ongoing projects. I know she will consolidate on them,” he said.
As he prepares to step aside, Prof. Iwe urged the media to continue in their support to the institution and urged the new Vice Chancellor designate to always verify information before drawing conclusions.
“Cross-check what you hear before you take decisions so that you do not make mistakes,” he advised.
With the symbolic refrain, “We are together again,” the outgoing Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to staff, students, and stakeholders, expressing confidence that the next administration would build on the solid foundation laid over the past five years.
