Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike has recorded a landmark achievement with the appointment of Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa as its first female Vice-Chancellor in the institution’s 34-year history. Her emergence represents a significant moment for the university community and signals a new chapter in its leadership trajectory.
The announcement was made by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Fidelis Edeh, following the Council’s 95th meeting. During the session, members reviewed and adopted the recommendations of the Selection Panel tasked with overseeing the appointment process. Professor Akanwa secured the position after a rigorous and competitive selection exercise that featured 22 professors.
An accomplished scholar in Educational Measurement and Evaluation, Professor Akanwa is recognized both within and outside the university for her principled leadership style and strong administrative character. She joined the institution in 2011 as an Associate Professor, transferring from Abia State University. Her academic progression was swift, as she attained the rank of full professor in 2014. Before her appointment as Vice-Chancellor, she served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research and Development, a role in which she contributed significantly to strengthening the university’s research output and innovation profile.
According to an official statement issued by the university’s Public Relations Unit, Professor Akanwa is scheduled to formally assume office on March 1, 2026. She will succeed the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, whose tenure concludes on February 28, 2026.
Since its establishment in the early 1990s, the university has informally observed a rotational leadership pattern among the South-East states in selecting its Vice-Chancellors. The pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Professor Placid Njoku from Imo State, served between 1993 and 1999. He was succeeded by Professor Ogbonnaya Onwudiwe of Abia State (2000–2006) and Professor Ikenna Onyido from Anambra State (2006–2011). Subsequent leaders included Professor Hilary Edeoga of Enugu State (2011–2016), Professor Francis Otunta of Ebonyi State (2016–2021), and Professor Iwe from Abia State.
Professor Akanwa, who is originally from Imo State, was born in Gusau. She began her early education at Community Primary School in Agbala, Owerri, and later attended Girls’ Secondary School, Emekuku, also in Owerri, where she completed her secondary education in 1979. She proceeded to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, enrolling in 1980 and graduating in 1984.
Over the course of her academic career, she has authored more than 73 scholarly articles published in reputable journals, in addition to writing eight textbooks. Beyond her academic contributions, she is a member of the Investigative Panel on the Recovery of Looted Abia Funds established by Governor Alex Otti. She has also played an active role in faith-based activities, serving as the Women’s Leader of Streams of Joy International in Umuahia since 2009.
Her appointment is widely regarded as both historic and symbolic, reflecting the institution’s evolving commitment to inclusive leadership and academic excellence.