The Director of the Agribusiness Incubation Centre at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Dr. Philips Nto, has commended the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Offor Iwe, for his outstanding service to the university, Abia State, and Nigeria at large.
Dr. Nto, while paying an emotional tribute during the formal handover to a new university leadership on Friday, urged Prof. Iwe to remain available for national service whenever called upon, describing him as a cerebral academic and astute administrator whose five-year tenure left indelible marks on MOUAU.
According to him, Prof. Iwe’s transformative leadership ushered in an era of infrastructural development, academic excellence, social stability, and sustained peace on campus. He noted that Prof. Iwe made history as the first Vice-Chancellor of the university to secure a Certificate of Occupancy for the institution more than three decades after its establishment, in addition to initiating development at the permanent site.
Dr. Nto further stated that the former Vice-Chancellor championed a comprehensive renewal programme that strengthened academic standards and decisively ended factionalisation and internal disputes among staff. He recalled that upon assumption of office, Prof. Iwe inherited over 100 court cases against the university mostly related to promotion grievances but successfully resolved all, restoring harmony between staff and management.
He praised Prof. Iwe’s diplomatic approach to staff welfare, noting that his preference for dialogue over high-handedness fostered inclusiveness and trust within the university community. Dr. Nto added that Prof. Iwe consistently chose cooperation over confrontation in his dealings with the Governing Council, prioritising the institution’s interest above personal considerations.
Reflecting on recent staff recruitment at MOUAU, Dr. Nto described the process as a benchmark for transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness. He stressed that appointments were strictly merit-based, with high standards and due process observed, effectively eliminating nepotism and undue influence.
A former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in Abia State, Dr. Nto described Prof. Iwe as a worthy son of the state who brought pride to Abia through exemplary leadership.
“He assumed office nearly 15 years after the last Abia son served as Vice-Chancellor, and he delivered creditably,” Dr. Nto said. “He made a clear difference and has left enduring legacies that will stand the test of time.”
