Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), located in Abia State, Nigeria, is still waiting for its take-off grant, 32 years after it was established.
The university was created in 1992 by the federal government with the aim of promoting agricultural education and research.
However, the promised take-off grant, which was meant to kickstart the university’s operations and development, has not been released by the government.
This delay has continued despite repeated requests from the university’s management and governing council.
Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, the 6th Vice-Chancellor of the university, recently discussed the issue during a press conference.
“The take-off grant is still pending,” said Professor Iwe. “For some unknown reason, it has not been provided by the government.”
The professor further explained that despite this financial setback, the university has made remarkable progress in the last three decades.
MOUAU has become a leading institution in Nigeria for agricultural studies, contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.
Its graduates are playing key roles in the nation’s agricultural sector and other industries.
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the challenges faced by the institution, but he also highlighted its achievements.
“We have made giant strides in academics, infrastructure, and human capital development,” he stated proudly.
“Despite the challenges, our university has been an entrepreneurial hub, producing graduates who are excelling locally and internationally.”
The university’s academic growth and success have not been without difficulties, especially when it comes to funding.
The government’s failure to release the take-off grant has created financial strain on the institution.
In the face of these challenges, the university has had to rely on internal resources and external support to continue its development.
Professor Iwe also touched on the broader issues facing federal universities in Nigeria, particularly after the 2022 national industrial action.
Staff unions went on strike for eight months, demanding better pay and working conditions.
While the strike was resolved, many universities, including MOUAU, are still dealing with the aftermath.
Professor Iwe explained that the financial difficulties from the strike have left many staff members feeling demoralized.
“While the government has made efforts to address the salary issues, there are still lingering problems,” he said.
“The effects of the strike continue to impact the mood and productivity of staff across the country.”
The university is also grappling with allegations of student exploitation through fees and levies.
Some students and critics claim that the university is charging exorbitant fees for its services, but the Vice-Chancellor dismissed these allegations.
“There are no fees, only charges,” he clarified. “These charges are in line with the economic realities, especially with the removal of the fuel subsidy.”
The Vice-Chancellor added that there is an open committee within the university to address any grievances related to student fees.
“There is no exploitation,” he said firmly. “If anyone feels unfairly treated, they can bring their concerns to the committee.”
In February 2024, the university was rocked by violent protests from students who were unhappy with the administration’s handling of various issues, including the state of the facilities.
The protests led to significant damage to campus infrastructure, prompting the university to impose a reparation levy of N25,000 on each student.
Professor Iwe explained that the levy was a necessary measure to repair the damaged facilities.
“Students who do not pay the levy will face sanctions,” he stated.
The university’s administration has been working hard to repair the damaged infrastructure, but the financial burden remains a challenge.
Despite the setbacks, MOUAU continues to strive toward its goal of becoming a world-class institution in the field of agriculture and beyond.
Professor Iwe’s message was clear: the university’s journey has not been easy, but it has made significant progress over the years.
“Our university may have faced challenges, but we have overcome them,” he said. “And we will continue to build on our successes, even without the promised take-off grant.”
