Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, the 7th Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, (MOUAU) has detailed the steps taken by her administration to tackle staff indiscipline, unethical practices, and institutional dysfunction since assuming office.

Speaking with journalists in Umudike on Tuesday to mark 100 days in office, Akanwa disclosed that her administration inherited a range of challenges, including the extortion of graduating students, examination malpractice, truancy, indecent dressing, substance abuse, cultism, and other antisocial behaviours.

She stated that decisive interventions, including strict warnings issued during visits to colleges, departments, centres, and schools, helped curb the practices and restore order across the institution. The enforcement of university regulations, she noted, had strengthened adherence to institutional rules among both staff and students.

Akanwa affirmed that her administration maintains zero tolerance for unprofessional conduct and would sustain the reforms already initiated.

On staff welfare, she revealed that morale improved significantly after she directed the payment of salary shortfalls and arrears for January and February 2026. Promotions to the ranks of Associate Professor and Professor were also carried out within the period, alongside the restoration of regular postgraduate supervision allowances and honoraria for external examiners involved in thesis and dissertation assessments.

The Vice Chancellor also disclosed that outstanding payments for external assessors in academic promotion exercises were being processed to protect the institution's reputation.

Among the administration's notable achievements is the revival of AGRI VOICE FM Radio, which had been inactive. Akanwa described the station as a vital platform for educating rural communities on modern agricultural practices and promoting community based extension services for improved crop production.

She further revealed that a ₦370 million World Bank supported Feed Laboratory project is currently underway at the university, describing it as a significant boost to research and development. The project, she noted, was initially attracted by former Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Udo Herbert, and reflects the institution's growing research capacity.

The university has also strengthened research collaborations, including a partnership between the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Management and Primarch Integrated Farms for large scale fish production research aimed at reducing production costs.

Akanwa expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Ministers of Education and Agriculture, the university's Chancellor, Pro Chancellor, Governing Council, staff, students, and other stakeholders for their support.