Pearl Jubilee Award: MOUAU holds founders’ day award
*We shall relentless support Institution – second VC Onwudike pledges
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU has, in recognition of the landmark achievements of the Institution, honoured various founding fathers and mothers of the school.
The event which held at Senator Anyim Pius Anyim Hall, had in attendance the founders of the great institution alongside her alumni from all walks of life.
Earlier in his remarks, the Prof. of Food Science and Technology and Vice Chancellor of the famous Institution, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe reiterated the need to appreciate the efforts of the founding fathers and mothers of the school.
Describing it as a session of reflection and thanksgiving, Dr. Iwe posited thus:
“We must celebrate this University in grand style. We must appreciate the labours of our founding fathers and mothers in the last thirty years. We must remember our days of agreement and disagreement that have worked together to bring our University to maturity. It is a season of reflection, thanksgiving to God and re-strategize to move forward for more achievements.”
Meanwhile, Prof. Ogbonna Onwudike, the second VC, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, who spoke on behalf of all other awardees, urged the latter not to relegate the honour done on them, to the background but reciprocate the magnanimity of the school by relentlessly support the school.
“I pray that we’ll continue to support the University no matter how small. We’ll keep supporting so that the university will grow.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen, oman alumnus of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike in Abia State Mr Okechukwu Ehiemere, who was also honoured with an award of a distinguished alumni of the university expressed profound gratitude to the citadel of learning for preparing him adequately during his days of studying.
The Regional Banker at Access Bank, amidst euphoria, admitted that the training he acquired from the institution prepared him for success in life, despite the odds.
The awardee dedicated it to his family, friends and class mates, enjoined present students of the institution to give into intensive studying of their books, so as to acquire the needed knowledge and skills that would enhance their profitability and productivity in the future.
He said, “We were thought in Umudike as students that we could make it in life anywhere we find ourselves.
“MOUAU prepared us to be achievers in any Field of endeavours that we found ourselves, l decided to go into the banking sector and the rest is history.
“I appreciate the University management for this award,
it came to me as a big surprise, because I never expected it. I think I’m very humble to have been identified as someone who deserves this recognition from my alma mater.
“This award will challenge me to continue to do more to uplift the university’s name and I think all the members of my class in the university deserves this kind of award so I will dedicate it to them.
“I will want the under graduates here now to persevere and take one step at time and at the end they will be proud of the training and knowledge they are acquiring from this university.
“It will take them to the world stage, I will ask them not to give up because, success is just a few steps away”, he advised, as he commended the university management for considering it worth-his-while worthy for the honour.
Meanwhile, the rundown of the programme were:
The rundown of the programme were as follows:
Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba FASN, Ex-Vice-Chancellor of AE-FUNAI and Former Pro-Chancellor of Federal University of Agric, Zuru, Kebbi State. who spoke on the theme: “Leadership, Agriculture, and Entrepreneurship: The Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara Model for National Growth and Identity.”
Prof. Uchenna Nwachuku from Southern Connecticut University, USA
While the keynote address was presented by Excellency, Prof.
Others were: Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR, Executive Governor of Anambra State and former Chief of Central Bank of Nigeria, the special address was presented by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Among those who received the award were; Dr. Peter Chikwendu Nwaoma (Ph.D), Acting Registrar-(May, 2011-July, 2011 & July, 2022-April, 2023); Dr. A.C. Nwokocha (Registrar, 2011-2017); Dr. Gina I. Edeora, , Pioneer PhD Graduate Award for MOUAU
Immediate past University librarian, Mr. Arua, Dr. (Mrs.) ofiong Samuel Ofiong, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Akwa-Ibom State Government
