He emphasized progress in academics, human capital development, infrastructure, community engagement, and administration.
Prof. Iwe noted that MOUAU continues to excel in academics, with its graduates making significant contributions to Nigeria's socio-economic and political development, as well as on the global stage.
He remarked that many alumni have become prominent farmers, job creators, and vital players in ensuring Nigeria’s food security.
Furthermore, the university’s staff have engaged in groundbreaking research, won prestigious national and international grants, received community service awards, and earned fellowships from renowned organizations and professional bodies.
Despite these successes, the Vice-Chancellor acknowledged ongoing challenges, including inadequate physical facilities, insufficient funding, the lack of a government take-off grant, and the high demand for essential services like electricity, water, and road infrastructure.
He also highlighted the negative impact of frequent disruptions in academic activities caused by industrial actions and student protests. Specifically, he referenced the eight-month strike by staff unions in 2022, which left lingering issues of withheld salaries and a general decline in staff morale.
"We are making significant strides in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), with efforts to expand its bandwidth and achieve near-total campus-wide coverage by year-end. A key initiative includes the biometric registration of all students, which aims to enhance campus security, streamline examination processes, expedite transcript preparation, and improve administrative efficiency.
This electronic capture of student data marks a milestone in modernizing university operations. Additionally, the Bursary Department is undergoing full computerization to optimize its functions.
To strengthen its global presence and foster growth, the university has established partnerships with over 62 institutions worldwide, reflecting its commitment to impactful collaboration as a specialized institution."
Iwe answered questions bothering on students exploitation.
He stated that the university has established a dedicated committee to address cases of student exploitation by lecturers. He explained that the committee is tasked with investigating allegations of harassment, unethical behavior, and other forms of misconduct reported by students.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the committee operates with transparency and impartiality, ensuring that all complaints are thoroughly reviewed and appropriate actions are taken against offenders. He added that the university is committed to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment, and the committee serves as a critical mechanism to uphold accountability and ethical standards among staff.
Nevertheless, Prof. Iwe expressed optimism about the university’s future, noting significant strides in fostering entrepreneurship. He cited the growth of MOUAU’s entrepreneurial ventures, including its bread and biscuit factory, water production unit, and guest house, as examples of efforts to enhance the university’s financial sustainability. Additionally, the institution’s various colleges, such as the College of Animal Science and Animal Production (CASAP) and the College of Crop and Soil Sciences (CCSS), are thriving and contributing to its growing reputation.
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