Ursula Akanwa Becomes First Female Vice Chancellor of MOUAU

Ursula Ngozi Akanwa has emerged as the first female Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, marking a historic milestone in the 34 year history of the institution.

Her appointment was announced by the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Fidelis Edeh, shortly after the Council’s 95th meeting, where the report of the Selection Panel was considered. Akanwa emerged successful in a competitive process that involved 22 professors.

A professor of Educational Measurement and Evaluation, Akanwa joined the university in 2011 as an Associate Professor from Abia State University and was elevated to the rank of full professor in 2014. She currently serves as Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Research and Development. According to the university’s Public Relations Unit, she will assume office on March 1, 2026, succeeding Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, whose tenure ends on February 28, 2026.

Established in 1993, the university has maintained an informal rotational arrangement among South East states in producing its Vice Chancellors. Past leaders include Placid Njoku of Imo State, Ogbonnaya Onwudiwe of Abia, Ikenna Onyido of Anambra, Hilary Edeoga of Enugu, and Francis Otunta of Ebonyi.

Born in Gusau and originally from Imo State, Akanwa attended Community Primary School Agbala Owerri and Girls Secondary School Emekuku Owerri before proceeding to University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where she graduated in 1984. She has authored over 73 journal publications and eight textbooks.

She also serves on the Investigative Panel on the Recovery of Looted Abia Funds set up by Alex Otti and has been Women’s Leader of Streams of Joy International, Umuahia, since 2009.