Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has officially defended Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa regarding recent recruitment controversies. The university leadership attributed the current employment crisis to the previous administration, which allegedly bypassed official hiring quotas.
Management stated that Prof. Akanwa took office on March 1, 2026, after the recruitment process had already finished. The institution also noted that payroll matters are managed by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation via the GIFMIS platform, meaning the university administration lacks the authority to manipulate or remove personnel records.
Head of Public Relations, Mr. Anyaso Anyaso, addressed reports that some workers hired in February 2026 were currently unpaid. He explained that although the Federal Government and the Governing Council authorized only 426 positions, the former leadership issued appointment letters to 618 individuals. Consequently, the GIFMIS system only recognized the 426 authorized spots.
The university clarified that it has not dismissed staff but is instead working to align its personnel numbers with the government-approved quota. Management dismissed accusations against Prof. Akanwa as misinformation, emphasizing that the current leadership inherited an overstaffed system that lacked the necessary budgetary provisions for excess personnel.
