Chief V Nnochiri, left and Prof. U. Akanwa 


Frontline senatorial hopeful, Chief Victor C Nnochiri has extended warm congratulatory message to Prof. Ursula N Akanwa on her appointment as the first female and  7th Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture,  Umudike, MOUAU, describing the development as a historical and significant  milestone for the 32 years  institution.

"Dear Prof Akanwa, I, on behalf of my family extends warm congratulations to you on your appointment as the 7th and first female Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU. 

"Your appointment which has attracted widespread applause from within and outside the academia is indeed a testimony of your resilient, dogged and focused pursuit of excellence, exemplary leadership, dedication to research and teaching in  your distinguished academic career.

"Your appointment as MOUAU's first female Vice-Chancellor equally testifies of you intellectual capacity in holding your grounds in a male dominated environment. It sends a strong message to our youths, especially the girl-child that with unwavering commitment to excellence, no barrier can delay the rise of women to positions of authority, influence and leadership", Chief Nnochiri a stalwart of the ADC and facilitator of the VCN Movement stated in his congratulatory message.

In his charge to the incoming Vice-Chancellor who would be sworn in on March 1, 2026, Chief Nnochiri charged her to use her experience, insight as a mother and Christian leader to position MOUAU as one of Nigeria's centres of academic excellence

"Dear Prof Akanwa, I urge you to apply your wealth of experience, your wisdom as a mother  and Christian leader to position MOUAU as one of Nigeria's centre of excellence, institution for agricultural innovation, research, and human capital development.

"I equally appeal that you improve on the town-gown relationship between MOUAU and its land donor communities and ensure that the growth and development of the University rubs off positively on its neighbouring communities who made sacrifices in donating their land for the siting of the institution.

"Accept my warmest congratulations Ma'am", he concluded 

Nnochiri also applauded the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Comrade Fidelis Edeh and members of the Council for ensuring that merit and excellence were used as yardstick in the selection of the Vice- Chancellor.