Within 100 days of assuming office as the 7th Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa has outlined measures taken to address staff indiscipline, unethical practices, and institutional reforms in the university.

Speaking with journalists in Umudike on Tuesday to mark her 100 days in office, the Vice Chancellor said her administration inherited several challenges, including extortion of graduating students, examination malpractice, truancy, indecent dressing, substance abuse, cultism, and other antisocial behaviours.

She explained that decisive interventions, including strict warnings during visits to colleges, departments, centres, and schools, helped curb the practices.

According to her, the enforcement of university regulations has restored discipline among staff and students, while strengthening adherence to institutional rules.

Akanwa said her administration is committed to maintaining zero tolerance for unprofessional conduct within the university system.

She also noted that her leadership has recorded progress in several key areas, including the revival of AGRI-VOICE FM Radio, which had been moribund.

She described the radio station as a vital platform for educating rural communities on modern agricultural practices and promoting community-based extension services for improved crop production.

On staff welfare, the Vice Chancellor said morale improved significantly after she directed the payment of salary shortfalls and arrears for January and February 2026.

She added that promotions to the ranks of Associate Professor and Professor were also carried out within the period under review.

Akanwa further disclosed that her administration has restored regular payment of postgraduate supervision allowances and honoraria for external examiners involved in thesis and dissertation assessments.

She added that outstanding payments for external assessors in academic promotion exercises were being processed to safeguard the institution’s reputation.

The Vice Chancellor also revealed that a N370 million World Bank–supported Feed Laboratory project is currently underway at the university, describing it as a major boost to research and development.

VC Akanwa  said that the  project, initially attracted by a former  Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Udo Herbert, underscores the institution’s growing research capacity.

According to her, the university has also strengthened research collaborations, including a partnership between the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Management and Primarch Integrated Farms for large-scale fish production research aimed at reducing production costs.

On community relations, Akanwa said the university has deepened engagement with host communities and traditional institutions, while engineers and environmental scientists have contributed to addressing erosion challenges in surrounding areas.

She expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Education, the Minister of Agriculture, the university’s Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council, as well as staff, students, and other stakeholders for their support to her administration.