DVC Admin

Welcome Message

The office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) was created to assist the Vice-
Chancellor in the general administration of the University and in maintaining effective
oversight supervisory roles in some designated operational units.
Our objective is to assist the Vice-Chancellor to achieve a focused and effective
administration of the University. To this end, our mission is to strengthen the administrative
process in line with the rules and regulations, maintain the core values of integrity, honesty,
efficiency, effectiveness and excellence in administrative procedures. We commit to
promoting effective service delivery in administrative processes to achieve the vision and
mission of the University.

The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor administration) was established by the fifth Vice-
Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, late Professor Francis
Ogbonnaya Otunta in 2016.

 

Professor Joy Nwabueze assumed office as the first Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) on 13th October 2016. She was re-elected to serve a second term, which took effect from 15th October 2018, and handed over to Professor Elechi Asawalam on 15th October 2020.

The current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, took over from Professor Elechi Asawalam after her tenure ended.

CITATION OF PROF. URSULA N. AKANWA-Deputy Vice-Chancellor
(Administration) Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike

Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa is a distinguished academic, an astute administrator, and an
inspiring leader whose career spans decades of impactful contributions to the Nigerian
academic landscape and beyond. She is a distinguished Professor in the Department of
Science Education.

Her academic journey spans over three decades of dedication to teaching, research, and
leadership along with a portfolio of advanced certifications that testify to her commitment
to scholarship and professional development. With a robust academic background,
including an M.Sc. in Financial Management and a Ph.D. in Educational Measurement
and Evaluation, Professor Akanwa has contributed significantly to educational
innovation, curriculum development, institutional governance and teacher training. She is
widely published and recognized for her research in measurement and evaluation,
educational psychology, and instructional effectiveness.

Her career trajectory reflects her commitment to excellence in education and leadership.
Her intellectual prowess is complemented by her extensive contributions to research, with
numerous peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals and active participation in
both national and international conferences.

In addition to her academic endeavors, she has provided consultancy services for
numerous organizations including UNICEF, UNFPA, and ETF among others, facilitated
workshops, and contributed to policy development in education. Professor Akanwa’s
dedication to fostering academic excellence and societal development has earned her
several awards and recognition both locally and internationally.

Prof. Akanwa has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to the pursuit of excellence in
teaching, research, and administration. She has held various leadership positions,
including Head of Department, Science Education, Dean, College of Education and
Chairperson of key University committees, where she infused her visionary thinking,
meticulous planning, and commitment to fostering collaboration. These roles equipped
her with a deep understanding of the complexities of University administration and an
ability to manage resources effectively to achieve institutional goals.

Prof. Akanwa’s passion for education goes beyond academics. She is a mentor to many, a
staunch advocate for capacity-building, and a role model for many. Her mentorship
programs and initiatives have inspired countless students and early-career professionals
to reach their full potential. She believes in creating an enabling environment where
every member of the university community—students, faculty, and staff—can thrive.

As Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Akanwa brings a wealth of
experience in governance, policy formulation, and implementation. She is renowned for
her focus on efficiency, accountability, inclusiveness, monitoring and evaluation; values
that will guide her efforts to enhance the University’s administrative framework. Her
leadership style is characterized by strategic foresight, a solution-oriented mindset, and
an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Her appointment comes at a time when MOUAU is poised for transformative growth.
Prof. Akanwa’s vast experience and forward-thinking approach align seamlessly with the
University’s vision of producing skilled graduates, conducting impactful research and
stimulating ground-breaking innovations that contributes to national and global
development.

She will play a pivotal role in fostering partnerships, promoting innovation, and building
a culture of excellence across all facets of the University’s operations.
As a visionary leader, Professor Akanwa is committed to fostering innovation and
excellence in education, reflecting her lifelong dedication to enhancing the quality and
accessibility of education in Nigeria and beyond.

She is a member of several local and international professional bodies including
American Psychological Association (APA), International Association of Educational
Assessment (IAEA), Curriculum Organization of Nigeria, Nigerian Academy of Education,
(2019-till date) and Organization of Women in Science and Development (OWSD). Similarly,
she is a Fellow of Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (2024 till date) and also a Fellow of
Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria (2024 till date)
She has to her name, over 100 articles, many Book Chapters, Book Readings and has also
co-authored many text books.

HIGHLIGHTS OF HER ACHIEVEMENTS
 Attracted and hosted the Association of Educational Research and Evaluators of
Nigeria (ASSEREN) conference in MOUAU from July 26 th – 30 th 2021
 Organized Data Analysis and Interpretation workshop for staff in the college.
 Received the ‘Most Outstanding Dean’ award in MOUAU from National
Association of Education Students.
 Four programmes were resource verified and programmes due for reaccreditation
were re-accredited successfully with very high scores.
 Organized inhouse workshop on Educational Research and Methodology (which
kicked off from June 6 th 2023 and is still in progress.
 Successfully organized the 2 nd Annual National Conference of College of
Education in 2023

 Maintained high academic standard in the College (Quality Teaching) by
monitoring academic activities in the College.
 Overhauled Postgraduate programmes in the College
 Stopped extortion of students by both teaching and non-teaching staff in the
College.
 Organized workshop on Work Ethics and Culture for staff of MOUAU
Demonstration primary and Secondary Schools in 2023
 Overhauled the Teaching Practice programmes in the College towards ensuring
quality.
 Successfully hosted the first and second editions of Teachers’ Registration Council
of Nigeria Induction in MOUAU.
 Steered up the procurement of seats for COED College Board
 Refurbished the Old Assembly Hall.
 Pioneered the Department of Science Education, demonstrating exceptional
leadership and curriculum innovation.
 Supervised numerous undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. research projects,
fostering academic excellence and advancing education in Nigeria.
 Held pivotal roles in university governance, including Chairperson and Member of
several high-level committees, such as:
• Chairperson, Committee of Deans in Nigerian Universities (CODENU)
(2024–Date).
• Chairperson, Monitoring Team on University Research Optimization
(2023–2025).
• Member, MOUAU Strategic Planning Committee (2023–2024).
• Coordinated significant initiatives, including university research fairs, program
accreditation, and policy development.
• Served as a Consultant for key national projects, including World Bank-assisted
HIV/AIDS and gender advocacy programs.
• Led and facilitated training and capacity-building initiatives for educators, civil
servants and policy makers significantly improving educational standards and
administrative efficiency.
• Published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, with significant research
contributions in educational measurement, evaluation, and gender studies.
• Developed innovative frameworks and tools for assessing student and institutional
performance, contributing to national education quality assurance.