The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Professor Ursula Akanwa, has pledged to run an inclusive administration following her emergence as the institution’s first female vice chancellor.

Akanwa, the 7th vice chancellor of the university, said her leadership would prioritise creating opportunities for both staff and students to maximise their potential.

“It is a new dawn, and it is a new season. It is going to be an inclusive leadership. People will be given an opportunity to maximise their potential,” she said.

Expressing gratitude over her appointment, she added, “I give glory to God. I have nothing more to say than that God should be praised. All glory to the Lord, thank God that He sees me.”

Her appointment was announced by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Fidelis Chukwunweike Edeh, after the council’s 95th meeting where the report of the selection panel was approved.

She will assume office on March 1, 2026, succeeding the outgoing 6th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe.

A professor of Educational Measurement and Evaluation, Akanwa joined MOUAU in 2011 as an associate professor from Abia State University, Uturu, and was elevated to the rank of full professor in 2014.

Established by the Federal Government of Nigeria through Decree No. 48 of November 1992, the institution was formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture before it was renamed Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.