Photo caption: Head of Public Relations Unit, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Dr. Ubadire Agua, (Standing), addressing members of the Correspondents Chapel during his visit to the Chapel. By his immediate right is Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Chief Obinna Ibe and other Chapel leaders
Our VC’ll leave legacy of moving MOUAU to permanent site – Ubadire
Head of Public Relations Unit, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Dr. Ubadire Agua, (Standing), addressing members of the Correspondents Chapel during his visit to the Chapel. By his immediate right is Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Chief Obinna Ibe and other Chapel leaders
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) in Ikwuano local government area of Abia State would soon be moving to its permanent site, the newly appointed Head of the Public Relations Unit of the institution, Dr. Ubadire Agua, has disclosed.
The 30 year-old specialized university has been operating from a temporary site since it was founded 30 years ago. But Agua said the current Vice Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, since he assumed office in 2021, has caused great development in the permanent site of the institution.
Dr. Ubadire, who spoke when he paid a familiarization visit to the Correspondents Chapel of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, noted that when the Prof Iwe succeeds in achieving the feat of moving MOUAU to its permanent site, the Vice Chanellor would be leaving a legacy in the university which would outlive him.
Past administrators of MOUAU had loudly complained that non-release of take-off grant to the federal government-run institution hampered the development of the university’s permanent site, stressing that the delay encouraged trespassers who have grabbed a large chunk of the school’s land.
“One of the reasons I embarked on this visit is to let us know that a whole lot is happening at Michael Okpara University under the able leadership of our Vice Chancellor. Since 2021 when our VC assumed duty, he has been trying his best to reposition that university.
“The Vice Chancellor has introduced so many things that will make the university stable and unique, not just in Nigeria, but globally.
“And one thing the Vice Chancellor is doing that will outlive him is moving our university to its permanent site. Many of us many not know that where we have been in the past 30 years is not really the permanent site of our university but the administration of Prof. Iwe has taken on the enormous task of moving the university to the permanent site. Structures are being erected there, they have reached advanced stage. Some Faculties, Colleges and Administrative offices will move to that permanent site which is about 10 minutes drive from our present location,” the MOUAU Spokesman said.
The Communication expert and Reputation Manager, appointed Head of the Public Relations Unit on the 23rd of September 2024, expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Madu Ebibisi Ofo Iwe, a globally Certified Food Scientist (CFS), for considering him fit to manage the university’s image, adding that he came to solicit the partnership of the Correspondents Chapel to enable him to succeed in his new responsibility.
“The essence of this meeting is to reintegrate myself formally, having been appointed the Head of the PR Unit of our university; to present myself to you as your colleague, so that you can know me once again, so that you can relate with me, so that we can interface, interact; you can help me to succeed in the enormous responsibility of managing the image and reputation of our great university,” Dr. Ubadire said, adding, “we want you to help us to relay to the world the good works of our Vice Chancellor.”
He promised to run an open door policy where journalists would always have access to the MOUAU PR Unit and receive prompt attention.
“The university would not be ashamed of taking responsibility when it makes a mistake but we will be glad that on each occasion and on every issue that the Press makes attempts, as professionals, to reach out to the university. I promise you that whenever you make any enquiry on any issue concerning the university, the PR Unit will be there to respond, if not directly, we will be able to get the information and pass on to you in a very short time.
“There will not be any gap in communication, as far as the university is concerned. We will be regularly engaging with you,” he assured.
Dr. Ubadire paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Mr. Patrick Okpara, who was on ccting capacity as Head of the PR Unit for over a year, for “not allowing the efforts of the PR Unit not to go down the drain.”
