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The Vice Chancellor (VC) of the prestigious Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Professor Maduebibisi Iwe, has passionately pleaded with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to reconsider and reinstate several academic courses that were delisted from the university a few years ago. This heartfelt plea was made during the momentous 11th convocation ceremony of the institution on Saturday.

Professor Iwe, with a pang of regret, highlighted the adverse impact of the loss of these courses, describing it as one of the major challenges confronting the University. The absence of these courses has led to the unfortunate denial of admission to many aspiring students who yearn to pursue their dream courses at the esteemed institution.

In addition to his appeal for the reinstatement of the delisted courses, the Vice Chancellor earnestly requested the release of the recommended N10 billion take-off funds by the 2016-2020 Presidential Visitation Panel.

Under his stewardship, the university has made remarkable strides in research and innovations, with an outstanding 121 out of the 8369 graduating students attaining First Class honours. Notably, Nicholas Chukwuka from the Computer Engineering Department emerged as the best graduate with an exceptional 4.90 CGPA.

Furthermore, the Vice Chancellor admonished the students against tardiness in resuming for the academic sessions, as such attitudes disrupt the smooth academic calendar of the institution. He also urged parents and guardians to utilize the university’s payment platforms for the prompt payment of their wards’ school fees.

“Even when they return, some of them play around and indulge in wasteful activities while lectures are going on,” he lamented.

In acknowledgment of the institution’s dedication to its mission and vision, President Bola Tinubu, the esteemed Visitor to Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, commended the unwavering commitment and diligence of the management and staff. This commendation was conveyed by Garba Sharabutu, the Executive Director of Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, who represented President Tinubu at the convocation ceremony.

President Tinubu underscored the pivotal role of agricultural scientists and experts in the ongoing diversification of the nation’s economy, emphasizing the crucial support required to actualize this strategic objective amidst the myriad challenges facing the country.