Ahead of the selection process for a new Vice Chancellor at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), an Abia State APC stakeholder, Anyaragbu Chinweuba, has called on the Governing Council to prioritize merit over ethnic entitlement.
In a strongly worded statement, Chinweuba argued that the push for an “Abia for Abia” candidate—rooted in host-community entitlement—undermines the federal character of the university and threatens academic excellence.
He noted that MOUAU is a federal institution, not a state-owned university, and therefore belongs to all Nigerians. Citing Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, he clarified that federal character ensures equitable representation across the country, not exclusive control by host communities.
The statement also pointed out that Abia State has produced two of the university’s six substantive Vice Chancellors, including the incumbent, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, representing approximately 10 years of leadership—fair representation by regional standards.
Chinweuba warned against reducing university leadership to ethnic entitlement, stressing that competence, scholarship, and administrative track record must remain the sole criteria for appointment. He drew comparisons with other federal universities—UI, UNN, UNILAG, ABU—where Vice Chancellors have historically emerged from various states, not exclusively host communities.
“The real injustice is not whether an Abian leads MOUAU, but whether MOUAU produces globally competitive research and graduates,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to reject mediocrity and instead champion a transparent, merit-based process that strengthens the institution’s national and global standing.
Disclaimer: This report is based on a statement issued by Anyaragbu Chinweuba, an Abia APC stakeholder.
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