MOUAU First Female VC Champions Food Security in Landmark Debut Lecture

“Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, the first female Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), marked her historic debut by emphasizing food security, agricultural innovation, and institutional growth during the university’s 69th Inaugural Lecture.”

‘History was made at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), as Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa stepped into the spotlight—not just as the 7th Vice Chancellor, but as the first woman to ever hold the prestigious office. In a moment charged with pride, purpose, and promise, her debut at the university’s 69th Inaugural Lecture signaled more than leadership—it marked the beginning of a renewed push toward food security and national development.”

Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, the 7th and first female Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has described her inaugural outing at the institution’s 69th Inaugural Lecture as a “significant milestone” in her leadership journey.

Delivering her opening remarks at the event, Prof. Akanwa emphasized the importance of the lecture themed “The Triplex Agenda of Food Engineering in Leveraging Challenges of Consumers’ Avarice and Food Security,” presented by Engr. Prof. Udochukwu Nelson Onwuka.

“This is very significant because it is the first time I am presiding as the 7th Vice Chancellor of this University,” she said. “The topic aligns perfectly with the core mandate of our institution.”

Highlighting the university’s strategic role, she noted:

“Our University, as a specialised institution in agriculture, was established to be a critical player in our nation’s food security and agricultural prosperity. We are responsible not just for teaching, but also for improving food production, processing, and preservation systems; addressing environmental sustainability; strengthening the food chain; and ultimately contributing to national food security, economic development, and GDP growth.”

In an exclusive interview following the lecture, the visibly elated Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to God for a successful event—her first official engagement in the role.
“I feel so excited because this is my first outing as the first female Vice Chancellor and the 7th Vice Chancellor of the University. It was truly fulfilling presiding over this inaugural lecture,” she said.

Prof. Akanwa also used the opportunity to inspire women aspiring to leadership positions, urging them to remain focused and dedicated.
“It is doable—nothing is impossible. As long as you give your best and commit your full capacity, with God, even the sky cannot limit you,” she encouraged.

On her leadership approach, she expressed confidence in her working relationship with both academic and non-academic staff.
“I am already working well with them,” she said with a smile, reflecting optimism and unity.
Speaking further on the lecture’s theme, she stressed the importance of local production and institutional capacity building.

“We are going to maximise every opportunity and harness the full potential of the University—both natural and material resources—to build and strengthen the institution,” she added.