Michael Okpara varsity needs N3bn annually to survive – VC

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Michael Okpara varsity needs N3bn annually to survive – VC

The Vice-Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof Maduebibisi Ofo, has said the institution requires more than N3bn annually to solve its development challenges.

Ofo said this on Wednesday while interacting with newsmen as part of the activities for the university’s 30th Anniversary and Founding Father’s Day celebration.

He stated that the university was faced with several challenges which include, “the far-reaching impact of the global recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, staff union strikes, paucity of funds”, as well as the non-availability of initial take-off grants from the Federal Government.”

According to him, “The challenges we confront are multifaceted and diverse in nature, but we remain resolute in our determination to move forward”.

Infrastructural development has been a significant focus of our efforts. Despite the absence of a take-off grant, the university has made substantial progress in improving the inherited facilities from the former College of Agriculture. We are optimistic that the Federal Government will prioritise the university’s take-off grant, recognising its pivotal role in driving agricultural education and development”.

He further stated that “While the journey has been marked by challenges and slow take-off, our commitment to progress has yielded significant achievements” which he highlighted to include the accreditation of all the university courses and the establishment of alternative revenue sources including the production of bottled water.

“Over the past three decades, MOUAU has transformed from its humble beginning into a beacon of academic excellence, research innovations, and community engagement. Our university has evolved into a hub of knowledge creation, fostering cutting-edge research across various disciplines, and producing graduates who make meaningful contributions to society.”