By Leonard Okachie
Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has urged the Federal Government to establish a conventional university in Abia.
He made this appeal on Monday during a media chat marking his fourth anniversary as the university’s sixth vice-chancellor.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Iwe’s request follows calls to make MOUAU a conventional university, allowing it to offer disciplines beyond agriculture.
Currently, MOUAU is the only federal university in Abia, and it remains a specialised institution focusing on agriculture.
Iwe explained that MOUAU was established in response to Igbo demands for a federal agricultural university, alongside those in Abeokuta and Makurdi.
According to him, these two universities remain agricultural institutions, reinforcing the need for a conventional federal university in Abia.
He stated: “Leaving Abia with just one university creates stress and tension, making it difficult for residents to secure admissions in other states.”
He added that Abia indigenes seeking employment in universities outside the state also face challenges.
“I believe we need another federal university while allowing MOUAU to continue growing,” he said.
Iwe stressed the need for a non-political think tank dedicated to Abia’s development.
Highlighting his achievements, he said the university’s visibility had significantly improved during his four-year tenure.
He listed accomplishments such as the establishment of an Agribusiness Incubation Centre, an Artificial Intelligence Centre, and the MOUAU Business School.
He also noted progress in digital transformation, streamlining processes, and improving information dissemination within the university.
The vice-chancellor revealed that MOUAU had signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with national and international organisations.
These include agreements with the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute and the United Nations Development Project for an innovation hub and AI centre.
Iwe added that the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency, through its Energizing Education Programme (EEP), had built a hybrid solar facility for the university.
Earlier, Mr Chidi Asonye, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Abia, presented a Certificate of Credence to Iwe for his exemplary leadership.
NAN also reports that a facility tour was conducted to showcase the vice-chancellor’s achievements. (NAN)
