Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, was established in 1992 by the Federal Government of Nigeria through Decree No. 48. The university, located in Umudike, Abia State, began operations in 1993, with the appointment of its first Vice-Chancellor, Professor Placid C. Njoku, and the enrollment of 82 pioneer students.

Key Information

• Type of Institution: Federal University
• Year of Establishment: 1992
• Vice-Chancellor: Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe
• Location: Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
• Motto: Knowledge, Food, and Security

Campuses and Facilities

The university operates from its Umudike campus, about 9 km from Umuahia, Abia State’s capital. It is strategically located on the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Federal Road, connecting the university to key locations like Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states. The Continuing Education Centre (CEC) offers part-time programs, while the main campus serves undergraduate, postgraduate, and research students.

MOUAU boasts about 39,078 students, including 27,750 undergraduates, 4,598 postgraduates, and 6,730 part-time students. The university offers a wide range of programs through its 11 colleges, 50 departments, and 16 directorates.

Vision and Mission

• Vision: MOUAU aims to provide practical knowledge that promotes food security in Nigeria and beyond, with a mission to alleviate hunger and ensure sustainable agricultural development.
• Mission: The university is committed to providing high-quality practical training that equips students with entrepreneurial skills, prepares them for self-employment, and promotes the development of environmentally-friendly agricultural technologies. MOUAU also focuses on community engagement and extension services to improve the well-being of society.

Academic Structure

MOUAU is organized into 11 colleges offering diverse programs in agriculture, engineering, sciences, and management. Some key colleges and their departments include:

College of Animal Science and Animal Production

• Animal Breeding and Physiology
• Animal Nutrition and Forage Science
• Animal Production and Livestock Management

College of Education

• Agricultural/Home Science Education
• Educational Management
• Library and Information Science

College of Agricultural Economics, Rural Sociology, and Extension

• Agribusiness Management
• Agricultural Economics
• Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology

College of Engineering and Engineering Technology

• Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

College of Management Sciences

• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Entrepreneurial Studies
• Human Resource Management

College of Natural Sciences

• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Zoology and Environmental Biology

College of Veterinary Medicine

• Veterinary Anatomy
• Veterinary Microbiology
• Veterinary Medicine and Surgery

Expansion and Research Focus

MOUAU has expansive land for agricultural research and development, with locations in Umudike, Uzuakoli, Olokoro, and Ibeku. These facilities allow for extensive agricultural practices, which are critical for training students and conducting research to support Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The university also has an Agricultural Extension Program that helps bridge the gap between academic research and local farmers, providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge for sustainable farming practices.

Historical Milestones

• 1992: Established through the Federal Universities of Agriculture Decree.
• 1993: First set of students admitted, with 82 students enrolled.
• 2021: Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe appointed as the sixth Vice-Chancellor, succeeding the late Prof. Francis Ogbonnaya Otunta.

Core Values

MOUAU’s core values include:

• Excellence: Pursuing the highest standards in teaching and research.
• Integrity: Upholding strong moral principles in all activities.
• Commitment: Dedicated to providing quality education.
• Fairness: Ensuring equity in all operations.
• Justice: Promoting fairness and justice in education and governance.

Achievements and Impact

MOUAU is one of the three federal universities of agriculture in Nigeria, along with FUNAAB and FUAM. Its establishment addressed key issues in agricultural education, including linking education, research, and production more effectively and preparing graduates for self-employment. The university’s agricultural programs emphasize modern technology, environmental sustainability, and entrepreneurship, all critical for advancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Conclusion

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), is a leader in agricultural education in Nigeria, dedicated to providing practical training, research, and community development initiatives. With its focus on agricultural transformation and sustainable food production, MOUAU remains a vital institution for ensuring food security and economic growth in Nigeria.

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