The University was agog with excitement last Friday as the vice-chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe reeled out his achievements, and reiterated his commitment towards staff and students’ welfare in a press conference to mark his first 100 days in office.
Earlier, the VC held a town hall meeting with the students of the University, who seized the opportunity of the meeting to request for improved electricity supply on campus and renovation of some of the students’ hostels. The students also expressed dissatisfaction with the Comrade Famous Otuonye–led Students’ Union Government (SUG), stating that contrary to speculations in some quarters that their demonstration on Tuesday was politically motivated to bring Prof. Madu Iwe’s administration to disrepute, they did so mostly to draw his attention to the distasteful activities of Comr. Otuonye, who they described as highhanded and insincere.
While addressing the students, the VC, who attributed some of the challenges they faced to a systemic failure that had occurred overtime in the University, stated that he has given directives for adequate electricity supply on campus, adding that efforts were being made to renovate the hostels. Speaking further, the VC announced the sack of the SUG President, who he said would be replaced by the Vice President, Comr. Mildred Chinenye, to complete his tenure.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the students for presenting their problems maturely, and thanked them for their support, reiterating that his administration is poised to protect their interest.
During the press briefing at the VC’s conference room, Prof. Iwe reeled out the achievements of his administration in its first 100 days. Some of the achievements outlined by the VC include re-engaging the Abia State government in a mutually beneficial relationship; signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), for the establishment of weather stations in the University; and the re-introduction of the MOUAU Agric Graduate Loan Scheme (MGALS). Other achievements highlighted were the revitalization of the University’s information dissemination channels, the implementation of e-senate, and the procurement of more farming equipment for research, teaching, and commercial purposes. The VC, while addressing the media, reiterated his commitment to staff and student welfare, infrastructure development, and the overall growth of every aspect of the University.
The memorable day reached a climax with a get-together organized in honour of the Vice-Chancellor at his conference room. Professors and senior staff from various Colleges and Units of the University, who attended, hailed the VC’s numerous achievements in such a short period of time.
They expressed optimism that more good things would come the University’s way even as they prayed God to grant him the wisdom and strength to achieve his vision for the University.
