When Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa assumed office as the seventh Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, she inherited what she described as a university grappling with a range of disciplinary and administrative challenges.
One hundred days later, the vice chancellor says her administration has begun restoring order through a series of reforms aimed at tackling staff misconduct, unethical practices and institutional inefficiencies.
Speaking with journalists in Umudike on Tuesday to mark her first 100 days in office, Akanwa said the university faced challenges including extortion of graduating students, examination malpractice, truancy, indecent dressing, substance abuse, cultism and other antisocial behaviours.
According to her, the administration responded with decisive interventions, including visits to colleges, departments, centres and schools, during which staff and students were warned against acts capable of undermining the institution’s values.
She said strict enforcement of university regulations has improved discipline across the campus and strengthened compliance with institutional rules.
Akanwa maintained that her administration would continue to uphold a zero-tolerance policy toward unprofessional conduct and unethical behaviour.
Beyond disciplinary reforms, the vice chancellor highlighted progress in infrastructure, research and staff welfare.
She announced the revival of AGRI-VOICE FM Radio, which had been inactive for some time, describing the station as an important platform for agricultural extension services and rural education.
According to her, the station will help disseminate modern farming techniques and improve access to agricultural information for surrounding communities.
On staff welfare, Akanwa said morale has improved following the payment of salary shortfalls and arrears owed for January and February 2026.
She added that promotions to the ranks of Associate Professor and Professor were approved during the period, while payments of postgraduate supervision allowances and honoraria for external examiners have resumed.
The vice chancellor also disclosed that outstanding payments to external assessors involved in promotion exercises are being processed to protect the institution’s academic reputation.
In the area of research and development, Akanwa revealed that a N370 million World Bank-supported Feed Laboratory project is currently underway at the university.
She described the project as a significant boost to the institution’s research capacity and innovation drive.
The vice chancellor further noted that the university has expanded research collaborations, including a partnership between the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Management and Primarch Integrated Farms on large-scale fish production research aimed at reducing production costs.
Akanwa also highlighted efforts to strengthen relations with host communities and traditional institutions.
She said university experts, including engineers and environmental scientists, have contributed to addressing erosion challenges affecting neighbouring communities.
The vice chancellor expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Education, the Minister of Agriculture, the university’s Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council, staff, students and other stakeholders for supporting her administration.
She pledged to sustain ongoing reforms aimed at improving discipline, research output, staff welfare and community engagement within the university.
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