Prof Maduebibisi Iwe: Academic Colossus’ Transforming Michael Okpara University

In a show of solidarity, hundreds of Abia-born staff at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) have expressed strong support for the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe.

During a well-attended meeting comprising Deans, Directors, professors, and other staff members, a unanimous vote of confidence was passed on Professor Iwe’s leadership. The staff acknowledged his performance over the past three years as not only outstanding but also courageous, considering the challenges faced by the university.

A motion by Professor Donatus Igbokwe, a former Dean, and seconded by Professor Princewill Ogbonna, Dean of the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, highlighted Professor Iwe’s achievements in academics and infrastructure development.

The staff commended the Vice Chancellor’s ability to deliver exceptional results despite limited resources and restrictions on recruitment due to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Prof. Anthony Nlewadim, Immediate Past Chairman of Abia Staff in MOUAU and current Director of Academic Planning, acknowledged Professor Iwe’s contributions to repositioning the University. He highlighted the historical achievement of obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), which had been elusive since the university’s inception in 1993.

The staff urged cooperation from all land donors, particularly as Professor Iwe spearheads the university’s ambitious development plans for its permanent site.

Prof. Nlewadim commended the Vice Chancellor’s efforts to improve the efficiency of transcript and result collection. He added that the focus on online processes aims to eliminate delays, human error, and unnecessary bureaucracy.

He further emphasized the VC’s commitment to staff welfare and promotion. According to him, both teaching and non-teaching staff were prioritized for promotion based on merit.

Prof. Nlewadim also revealed the VC’s ambitious project to establish a 24-hour solar power system on campus. He stated that the initiative, nearing completion, promised significant benefits in reducing reliance on the national grid, ensuring a more stable power supply, and potentially lowering operational costs for the university.

Dr. Kingsley Obike, Deputy Dean of Post Graduate School, also highlighted several key achievements of Professor Iwe’s tenure, commending his success in bridging the gap caused by the late calendar.

He remarked, “It takes an academic Colossus to be able to bridge the academic calendar by admitting two sets of 100 level students in a session, to resolve the issue caused by the previously truncated calendar.”

Dr. Obike commended Professor Iwe’s commitment to balancing appointments based on groups and states, ensuring fair representation. He also highlighted the significant structures sprouting up in the university’s permanent site.

Also speaking, Professor Ike Nwachukwu, a former Dean and Director, urged all MOUAU staff to unite behind the Vice Chancellor and ensure the successful completion of his academic, developmental, and infrastructural initiatives.

Engr. Ifeanyi Nwaji, NAAT MOUAU Chairman and the South East Zonal PRO of NAAT, pointed out, “March 1st 2021 marked the beginning of his (the Vice Chancellor) first year in office. Ever since, accreditation of several courses has been completed without stress.”

Engr. Nwaji lauded Professor Iwe’s role in superintending the building of the School Senate Building at Oleri.

Furthermore, they pledged their unwavering support for Professor Iwe, urging students and the surrounding communities to do the same. They believe this collective effort will empower him to further propel the university forward.