Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), announced that it has invested significant resources in modern security gadgets to curb rising theft and cultism on campus.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ursula Akanwa, disclosed this in her office while briefing journalists on her achievements during her first 100 days in office.
She stated, “We procured modern response gadgets to improve coordination. The goal was to prevent the frequent burglaries of university property that occurred in the past. It was bad—20 laptops and 20 air-conditioners went missing in a single day.”
READ ALSO: Educationist urges professionals to embrace risks
Akanwa added that with the current security measures, those responsible for burglaries, including one caught in a college office, have been apprehended. She noted that campus burglary has significantly decreased.
She also reported that investments in the security unit are paying off, as some thieves and cultists recently arrested are undergoing prosecution.
As the first female VC of the institution, Akanwa pledged that her administration would prioritize safety and peace within the university community.
She emphasized that staff and student welfare remains her priority, noting efforts to promote both academic and non-academic staff.
The VC revealed that she approved space for constructing a Student Relaxation Centre to ease academic pressures.
Regarding institutional reforms, she said her administration has separated the Procurement Unit from the Directorate of Physical Planning, a move aimed at improving procurement processes.
Akanwa mentioned ongoing efforts to elevate MOUAU’s national and international standing through workshops with Times Higher Education and initiatives to enhance recognition by merging staff accounts.
She added that the university has created forums for patenting discoveries and preparing high-quality manuscripts for publication in reputable journals to boost visibility.
As the seventh VC, she also announced that she has stopped the practice of departmental officers extorting money from final-year students for result reconciliation—an issue prevalent before her tenure.
Her administration is also focusing on research by supporting college and interdisciplinary projects. One such project, in collaboration with a private organization, aims to increase maggot production to boost fish farming.
Akanwa further stated that the World Bank’s Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has commenced construction of a N370 million Animal Feed Reference Laboratory, expected to be completed within six months from June. This facility will improve livestock production and address agricultural value chain challenges.
Finally, she announced the restoration of the University Radio Station, AGRI-VOICE 106.9 FM, to broadcast programs that promote improved farming practices among youth and women.
