Joyce Nwabuisi
In its efforts to build better students of Abia State origin, the office of the Special Assistant to the governor on Students Affairs has desired to collaborate with the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU.
In an address he presented during a courtesy visit to the MOUAU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe at the VC’s conference room, Umudike, the Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor on Students Affairs, Comrade Ndom Chibuzo said the synergy became necessary following the student friendly initiatives put in place by Prof. Iwe which include, maintaining an open door policy, which made a lot of students group to have audience with him.
Ndom, an alumnus of MOUAU said, “Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs was created to liaise with school authorities as well as the student bodies to ensure that the students participate actively in governance and that of Abia State is not left out, hence I was appointed as the Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Students Affairs.”
He disclosed that the administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has recorded a huge success in the inclusion of students in the day to day running of his government and has also constantly carried the MOUAU students along in his administration.
The SA on Students Affairs who cited the donation of a Siena vehicle by Gov. Ikpeazu to the MOUAU Students Union Government, SUG as a glaring evidence, revealed further that the governor sees students as critical stakeholders in his administration.
Comrade Ndom who seized the opportunity to present a merit award to Prof. Iwe, disclosed that the Vice Chancellor’s prowess, doggedness and sagacity in discharging his duties professionally, moved his office to honour him with the award.
His words, “Your (Prof. Iwe) arrival to this great citadel of learning has brought so many fortunes, hope and innovative ideas for the good of the staff and students, the entire state and country at large. Your numerous achievements within this few months of your stay in office is worth commending.
“We have no iota of doubt that MOUAU will witness a tremendous increase in Academic excellence and developmental projects. Moreso, the menace of cultism and crime will be nipped in the bud.”
While assuring the MOUAU Dean Students Affairs, Prof. Mark Ogbuagu of his readiness to work with him to ensure that the plights of the students are given adequate attention, he lauded the institution for the successful conduct of the SUG election done through Electronic Voting System, without violence.
Responding, the MOUAU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe made it clear that the university is a training ground for the students to acquire positive skills for the development of Abia and the nation.
He warned that MOUAU under his watch will not tolerate students coming to the institution to acquire negative skills, as according to him, “We have zero tolerance for negative skills.”
On the issues Comrade Ndom raised which include: the completion of the University’s street light project; hastening the clearance process; revamping the school clinic into a 24 hours functioning clinic among other areas calling for immediate attention, Prof. Iwe assured that the needs had already been met and the realization will come in few months time.
Prof. Iwe thanked Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu for the roles he played towards his emergence as the sixth Vice Chancellor of MOUAU and for the giant strides he has recorded in the state.
He appreciated Comrade Ndom for honouring him with a merit award and assured that MOUAU will collaborate with his office.