Prof. Iwe, Onuigbo, NUC commended as MOUAU gets NUC nod to commence Management Science programmes

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has achieved a major academic milestone with the National Universities Commission (NUC) granting approval for the commencement of Management Science programmes. This landmark development signals a new era in the institution’s pursuit of excellence in business and financial education.

Prof. John U. Ihendinihu, a Professor of Accounting and former Dean of the College of Management Sciences at MOUAU, expressed profound joy over the approval, describing it as a transformative achievement for the university. He highlighted the importance of this endorsement in bolstering capacity building in Accounting, Banking & Finance, Economics, Business Management, and Marketing.

“This approval marks a historic milestone in our university’s academic pursuit. It will enhance knowledge creation and skill acquisition in critical fields that are essential for economic growth and national development,” Prof. Ihendinihu stated.

The approval, he noted, was the result of unwavering dedication and strategic leadership by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, and his management team. Their relentless efforts, coupled with the vital support of key stakeholders, ensured the successful accreditation of these programmes.
“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, whose visionary leadership and commitment to academic excellence made this possible. His administration has remained focused on expanding academic opportunities for students,” he said.
Prof. Ihendinihu also commended Rep. Sir Sam Onuigbo, KJW, Odozi Obodo Gburugburu, for his steadfast support and pivotal role in navigating the bureaucratic processes that led to this approval. He praised Onuigbo’s unwavering commitment to developmental projects and his passion for progress, which have positively impacted the university and the wider society.

“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Rep. Sir Sam Onuigbo KJW, Odozi Obodo Gburugburu, for his invaluable, distinctive, and unpatrolled support, as well as his politically astute navigation of the terrain to unmask the masquerade and make this milestone a reality,” Ihendinihu remarked.

He further encouraged prospective students and the general public to take advantage of the newly accredited Management Science programmes, emphasising their potential to equip students with relevant skills needed in today’s evolving business landscape.
“These programmes are tailored to provide students with cutting-edge knowledge, practical expertise, and entrepreneurial insights. They are designed to produce graduates who will thrive in leadership roles across various industries,” he explained.

With the NUC’s approval, MOUAU’s College of Management Sciences is now poised to offer a competitive learning environment that integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the challenges of the modern economy.
“The world of business is constantly evolving, and we must prepare our students to be not just participants but leaders in the field. MOUAU’s College of Management Sciences offers a unique opportunity for students to gain industry-relevant knowledge,” Prof. Ihendinihu added.
He called on parents, guardians, and all education stakeholders to encourage enrolment in the newly established programmes, stressing that they present a golden opportunity for those aspiring to build careers in the financial and business sectors.
“Join MOUAU’s College of Management Sciences—where excellence meets opportunity,” he urged.
The introduction of these programmes aligns with MOUAU’s broader vision of diversifying its academic portfolio to meet national and global economic demands.
For years, MOUAU has remained committed to providing specialised education, particularly in agricultural sciences. However, the inclusion of Management Sciences programmes aligns with the university’s founding principles, which allow for allied courses to enhance the interdisciplinary nature of modern education.
Rep. Onuigbo had been at the forefront of this campaign since the courses were delisted in the 2016/2017 academic session, persistently advocating for their reinstatement. His determination never wavered, and he remained resolute until the programmes were successfully restored.
Rep. Onuigbo had earlier moved a motion on the floor of the House of Representatives for their restoration. One of the prayers of the motion resulted in a high-profile public hearing that brought together the NUC, JAMB, and Vice-Chancellors from the Universities of Agriculture located at Abeokuta, Makurdi, and Umudike.
He also convened a stakeholders’ meeting, where he highlighted the economic and social consequences of delisting the courses. The adverse impact on students and the wider community soon became evident, reinforcing the urgency of their restoration.
Rep. Onuigbo worked closely with former MOUAU Vice-Chancellor, the late Prof. Francis Otunta, and later with Prof. Iwe, alongside former Dean Prof. Ihedinihu, current Dean Prof. Wilson Ani, and other key stakeholders. Through extensive engagements with the NUC and persistent advocacy, he played a pivotal role in securing this remarkable success.
The College of Management Sciences has already paid a courtesy visit to Rep. Onuigbo to express their gratitude for his steadfast commitment to this cause.
Prof. Ihedinihu, who witnessed the battle from its inception in 2016/2017 until its successful conclusion, praised the university’s leadership and Rep. Onuigbo for their resilience in achieving this long-overdue victory.
As a Professor of Accounting and a former Dean of the College, Ihedinihu was deeply pained by the initial delisting of the courses, especially considering that MOUAU’s accounting laboratory was rated among the best in the country.
Rep. Onuigbo’s persistence was further fuelled by the cries of marginalization and injustice after observing that similar programmes were restored at the universities of Abeokuta and Makurdi that had suffered similar harsh executive action while MOUAU remained sidelined. His relentless efforts in collaboration with the Vice Chancellor, the Dean, and top management of MOUAU eventually ensured that Umudike received the long-overdue approval.
Business leaders and education analysts have welcomed this development, noting that it will help bridge the gap between theoretical learning and the practical demands of industries.
Meanwhile, members of the academic community have commended the university’s management for achieving this feat, acknowledging the rigorous accreditation process that led to the approval.
“This is a testament to what visionary leadership and strategic planning can achieve. MOUAU is setting a precedent for excellence,” remarked a senior lecturer in the College of Management Sciences.
Stakeholders are optimistic that the newly accredited programmes will not only empower students but also contribute significantly to national development by producing graduates equipped with industry-relevant skills.
As the new academic session approaches, expectations are high that the College of Management Sciences will attract a new wave of students eager to tap into the university’s expanding academic resources.
With its robust curriculum and commitment to innovation, MOUAU is set to redefine business education in Nigeria, ensuring its graduates remain competitive in the global economy.