Photo: Dr Nto, Director of Agribusiness Incubation Centre, MOUAU
By: Mandy Park
The immediate past vice-chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike ( MOUAU) Prof Maduebibisi Iwe has been described as a cerebral academic and astute administrator who left enduring legacies during his five year tenure.
In an emotional tribute to Prof Iwe as he formally handed over to a new leadership on Friday, the Director of Agribusiness Incubation Centre in the university, Dr Philips Nto said Iwe’s transformative leadership ensured infrastructural revolution, academic excellence, social stability and peace in the campus.
According to him, Prof Maduebibisi Iwe became the first vice-chancellor of MOUAU to secure the certificate of occupancy of the institution after more than 30 years in existence in addition to commencing work on the permanent site.
According to Dr. Philips Nto, the outgone vice-chancellor, championed the renewal programme within the campus, strengthened academic excellence, and put a stop to factionalisation and internal squabbles among the staff
He noted that whereas Prof Iwe inherited more than 100 court cases against the university, mostly from disgruntled and marginalised staff over promotion matters, he ensured that all were settled, thus bringing about peace and harmony among staff and management.
He was particularly impressed that Iwe employed diplomacy in the handling of staff welfare as against high handedness, which often alienated a section of the university’s community.
He said that even in his relationship with the governing council, Iwe chose peace against confrontation and always put the interest of the university above his personal inclination.
He also reflected on the recent employment embarked upon in the university, describing it as a model of transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.
” Every one who was employed got it through merit and not through peddling of influence. The standard was quite high, and due process was followed, which completely eliminated nepotism, “he submitted.
Dr Philips Nto who is a former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in Abia state described Prof Iwe as a true son of the state who has made Abia proud through his excellent performance as the vice-chancellor Chancellor of MOUAU.
” He came in almost 15 years after an Abia son was the vice chancellor, and he discharged his assignment creditably. He made the difference and left enduring legacies, ” he submitted.
While commending Prof Iwe for his services to MOUAU, Abia State, and Nigeria, Dr Philips Nto asked him to always avail himself to national development whenever he is called upon to do so .
