As the process for the appointment of a new Vice chancellor for the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU, continues to generate interest, the Outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe has appealed to Stakeholders of the University to pray and act for a peaceful transition in the University.
The Vice Chancellor in a release this Tuesday (18/11/25) endorsed by Dr Ubadire Agua, Chief Public Relations Officer of the University, noted that Peace is priceless, adding that it is only in an atmosphere of peace that the modest achievements of the Prof Iwe administration, led by Prof. Maduebibisi could be sustained.
“Peace is priceless and it is only in an atmosphere of peace that we can sustain the modest achievements of the present Administration, led by Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, in MOUAU, ” the release emphasized.
While disclosing that the University Management is not aware of any arrest of any University Staff in MOUAU by DSS, pointed out that the Chairman of Governing Council could not have ordered DSS or any Security Agency for that matter to do so without informing the University Management.
He however appealed to security agencies to remain watchful, neutral, and unbiased in the exercise of their lawful duties, pointing out that as critical stakeholders, the University Management will always partner with the agencies to ensure peace on campus, particularly in the ongoing transition from the current Administration to the next.
The Vice Chancellor used the opportunity to appeal to members of the Press to be cautious in casting headlines to their stories and in carrying out their lawful duty as watchdogs of the society.
“We appeal to members of the Press to be cautious in casting headlines to their stories and to get their facts before publishing their stories. For example, the University Management is not aware of any arrest of any University Staff in MOUAU by DSS, and the Chairman of Governing Council could not have ordered DSS or any Security Agency for that matter to do so without informing the University Management.
“There is absolutely no reason to heat up the University with news stories that are scripted to promote personal political interests. There is also no justification to attempt to create tension in a system that has enjoyed peace in nearly five years of the current administration in the University, ” the statement noted .
Recall, Four staff of the MOUAU who are of Abia origin, were on Monday invited by the DSS over an allegation of planned protest, an action that was seen by some as an attempt to witch hunt those seeking transparency in the choice of the successor to Prof Iwe .
