The Governing Council of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU, has presented Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe as the sixth vice-chancellor of the institution. Ofo Iwe, a professor of food science and technology, succeeded Professor Francis Otunta whose vice-chancellorship expired last month.

The new vice-chancellor while speaking at the presentation ceremony held at the university’s auditorium on Monday, pledged to drive the productivity of both staff and students in line with his vision of a: “knowledge-giving, society-conscious-and-satisfying world-class university; in which competent and committed staff shall consistently produce competent graduates, equipped with entrepreneurial, problem-solving and social skills and capacities…”

Professor Ofo Iwe promised to put in place a robust mechanism for fund generation and prudent management, physical development, research, governance, staff and student welfare, information and communication technology (ICT) as well as peace and security on campus as a strategy to implement his vision for the university. He vowed that his administration “shall totally depend on God for all its dreams, engagements, programmes and achievements."

Professor Iwe acknowledged the efforts of the university's past vice-chancellors, who he admitted had laid solid foundations for the development of the school and called on his fellow contestants to join him in the task of lifting it to greater and enviable heights in the coming five years. 

“The contest is over, and it is time for all of us in the words of Professor Ikenna Onyido, our third vice-chancellor, to roll up our sleeves and work,” he said. 

Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of the University, Rt. Hon Lawal M. Zayyana, in his address, expressed confidence that the new vice-chancellor was fit to take up the responsibility of piloting the affairs of the university and thanked everyone who contributed to the successes recorded by the Governing Council.

In his remarks, a former vice-chancellor of the university and current vice-chancellor of Rhema University, Aba, Professor O. C. Onwudike, extolled the leadership qualities, hard work and intelligence of Professor Iwe and expressed optimism that the new vice-chancellor would take the university to a greater level. 

On his part, Professor Patrick Obi Ngoddy, the B.Sc. supervisor of Prof. Iwe and later Ph.D. supervisor, added that the staff and students of Michael Okpara University were lucky to have him as their vice-chancellor as he could not think of a better person to take up the challenging position at this present time.

Present at the occasion were dignitaries from all walks of life among whom were Most Rev. C.R. Opoko, the Arch Bishop and Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Methodist Chruch of Nigeria, and Professor Chibuzo Ogbuagu, the former vice-chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu. Others included Mrs. Eunice Ukamaka Egwu, former first lady of Ebonyi State. The high point of the event was the presentation of gift items by various associations including the Postgraduate Students’ Association of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike.