Federal government-owned Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, has been repositioned and additionally fortified to implement/discharge its statutory mandate to research into and train students in various aspects of agriculture that would positively impact the country’s strives to attain food security status.

This follows the re-modelling and re-trofitting of its Chemistry Laboratory by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Eunisell Nigeria Ltd, an Industrial Chemical Products manufacturer, Dr. Chika Ikenga, who is a University of Nigeria-trained Industrial Chemist.

While handing over the Laboratory now branded as “Industrial Chemistry Laboratory,” he described Chemistry as the ‘Subject of Life.’ He therefore encouraged its study, stressing that without Chemistry, the entire world would not have been how it is today.

He urged students of Chemistry to persevere and study it, predicting that their successful graduation will earn them successes thereafter, adding “without education, no society can progress desirably.”

He told The Guardian that his motivation to embark on the Laboratory upliftment was born by his desire to appreciate the positive impact of Chemistry in his life and society and to provide the enabler for more young people to study the subject in this science era.

He also noted the strategic role Chemistry would play in research and training of agriculture professionals in a University of Agriculture like MOUAU, which he also noted admits and trains students from across the entire country and strives towards the attainment of food security, which he said is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government.

Dr. Ikenga, an honorary doctorate degree beneficiary of this University, urged the University to do the needfuls that can attract more Nigerians and non-Nigerians to benefact them in many areas.

The MOUAU Vice Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, who on behalf of the University lauded Dr. Ikenga for re-touching their Chemistry Laboratory, described Chemistry as the Center of Science.

He said, “We are very happy and elated to receive this new Laboratory gift from Dr. Ikenga, who took his time and made this Laboratory look as it is today, with marbled tables, floor tiles, among others.”

Also, the Acting Head of the Chemistry Department, Dr. Okenwa Uchenna Igwe, while commending Dr. Ikenga’s generosity, said, “We are thrilled that today has come, and we give him the kudos for coming to add value to our students, including future ones.”

It was gathered that Dr KK. Igwe, who is the Acting Head of the university’s Department of Veterinary Biochemistry and Animal Production,
played a major role of introducing Dr Ikenga for the Honorary Doctoral Degree conferred on him ( Dr Ikenga) in 2021 and his rebuilding the said university’s Industrial Chemistry Laboratory.

Dr Ikenga had extended his philanthropic gestures to the Abia state government by sponsoring the Abia Warriors Football Club to enable it to win the National League Competition in which it ( Club ) is presently in the third position that qualifies it to participate in the Continental Competition.