The new governing council of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, (MOUAU) – near Umuahia – has paid its inaugural visit to the university, following its inauguration in Abuja on Sept. 8, 2022.
The council led by Pro-Chancellor Abubakar Danso Sodangi – a renowned human rights lawyer and three-term senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from Nasarawa State – is MOUAU’s seventh governing council.
The two-day visit began on Monday and the council used it to assess and familiarize itself with the tertiary institution.
In a speech, Sen. Sodangi gave kudos to the Vice-Chancellor Iwe-led administration for the ongoing infrastructure development in the school and assured the university of the council’s unwavering support.
The revamped fish farm is part of the many parts of the university the council visited.
At the farm, Sen. Sodangi urged students to take to fishery, calling it a rewarding and viable source of income, citing his personal experience as a fish farmer.
Members of the governing council, Vice-Chancellor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, other principal officers of the university as well as representatives of the federal ministries of education, agriculture and rural development were later hosted by Sen. Chris Adighije at his country home in Olokoro, Umuahia, Abia State.
During the courtesy visit, Sen. Sodangi described Sen. Adighije as an excellent politician and businessman who has been a valuable asset to the university.
In his remark, Prof. Iwe recalled how Sen. Adighije assisted the university when it ran into financial difficulty, stressing that his contribution helped the university generate funds that facilitated some of the projects executed by the institution’s past administrations.
The vice-chancellor noted that the visit of the members of the governing council marked the beginning of its responsibilities to the university and expressed optimism that they would collaborate with him in moving the university forward.
Responding, Sen. Chris Adighije expressed delight at the visit, describing Sen. Sodangi as a man of impeccable character fit for the job of MOUAU’s pro-chancellor and promised his continuous support for the development of the university.
Other external council members of the university are Engr. Kevin Ikechukwu Ojobor, Chief David O. Emaniru, Aliyu Ahmed Shungurum, and Chief Leonard Nzadon.
The governing council is the highest decision-making body of the university. Its duties include setting policies, reviewing, approving and monitoring the university’s budgets.
