The Senate of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, has elected Professor Princewill Chukwudi Ogbonna as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Research and Development (R&D). Professor Ogbonna previously served as the Head of the Directorate of Advancement and was elected from his current position as Dean of the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Management (CNREM).
Senate Approval and Governing Council Ratification
The election took place during the university Senate's 261st Regular Meeting held on Thursday, June 11, 2026. However, the appointment is subject to ratification by the University Governing Council, which is chaired by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Comrade Fidelis Chukwunweike Edeh. If ratified, Professor Ogbonna will serve a two-year tenure.
Succession and Background
Professor Ogbonna will succeed the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, who previously held the DVC Research and Development position before being appointed as the institution's seventh Vice-Chancellor in March 2026. An alumnus of MOUAU, Professor Ogbonna has held several strategic roles, including Acting Director of the Directorate of University Advancement, Acting Head of Environmental Management and Toxicology, and Dean of the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Management.
Gender Balance in Principal Officers
With his election, the university's principal officers now comprise three females and three males. The female principal officers are: Vice-Chancellor Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Nneoma Elechi Obasi, and Registrar Dr. Mrs. Nkeiruka Charity Mbanasor. The male principal officers are: Bursar Chief Ugochukwu Ironkwe, Librarian Professor Isaac Ogbonna, and the newly elected Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) Professor Princewill Ogbonna.
