Professor Maduebibisi Iwe.
By Ernest Nwaogu
The immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Professor Maduebibisi Iwe, has been described as a cerebral academic and astute administrator who left enduring legacies during his five-year tenure.
Speaking during an emotional tribute at the formal handover ceremony on Friday, the Director of the Agribusiness Incubation Centre, Dr. Philips Nto, commended Prof. Iwe’s transformative leadership, noting that it ushered in infrastructural renewal, academic excellence, social stability and sustained peace across the campus.
Dr. Nto said Prof. Iwe made history as the first Vice-Chancellor of the university to secure the institution’s Certificate of Occupancy more than three decades after its establishment. He added that the former V-C also commenced significant development work at the university’s permanent site.
He stated that Prof. Iwe championed a comprehensive renewal programme within the university, strengthened academic standards and successfully addressed factionalisation and internal disputes among staff.
He further disclosed that Prof. Iwe inherited over 100 court cases, most of them instituted by aggrieved staff over promotion-related issues.
Through dialogue and administrative reforms, he ensured the amicable resolution of the cases, thereby restoring peace and harmony between staff and management.
Dr. Nto particularly praised the former Vice-Chancellor’s diplomatic approach to staff welfare, noting that he preferred consultation and engagement over high-handedness, which in the past had alienated sections of the university community.
He also highlighted Prof. Iwe’s cordial relationship with the Governing Council, describing it as one anchored on cooperation rather than confrontation, with the overall interest of the university placed above personal considerations.
On recruitment, Dr. Nto described the recent employment exercise conducted under Prof. Iwe’s administration as a model of transparency, accountability and inclusiveness.
Said Nto: “Everyone who was employed got the job strictly on merit and not through the peddling of influence. The standards were high, due process was followed, and nepotism was completely eliminated”.
Dr. Nto, a former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in Abia State, described Prof. Iwe as a worthy son of the State who had made Abia proud through his exemplary performance as Vice-Chancellor.
Stated he: “He assumed office nearly 15 years after an Abia indigene last held the position of Vice-Chancellor, and he discharged his responsibilities creditably. He made a difference and left enduring legacies”.
While commending Prof. Iwe for his service to MOUAU, Abia State and Nigeria at large, Dr. Nto urged him to remain available for national assignments and to continue contributing to the country’s development whenever called upon.
