By Leonard Okachie, Umuahia
Dr Philips Nto has praised the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, for what he described as transformative leadership.
Nto, Director of the Agribusiness Incubation Centre, delivered the tribute as Iwe formally handed over to a new leadership on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Iwe handed over to Prof. Ursula Akanwa, who will be inaugurated on Monday as the institution’s first female and seventh Vice-Chancellor.
Nto described Iwe as “a cerebral academic and astute administrator” who left an indelible mark during his five-year tenure.
He said Iwe’s leadership brought infrastructural renewal, academic excellence, social stability and sustained peace across the campus.
According to him, Iwe became the first Vice-Chancellor to secure the university’s certificate of occupancy after more than 30 years of existence.
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He added that the former Vice-Chancellor also started work on the institution’s permanent site.
Nto said Iwe championed a renewal programme, strengthened academic standards and ended factionalisation and internal squabbles among staff.
He noted that Iwe inherited over 100 court cases, largely from aggrieved staff over promotion disputes.
Nto, a former Abia Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, said all cases were resolved, restoring harmony between staff and management.
“I was particularly impressed by his diplomacy in handling staff welfare, rather than high-handedness that alienates sections of the university community,” he said.
He added that even in dealing with the governing council, Iwe “chose peace over confrontation and always placed the university’s interest above personal inclination”.
Reflecting on recent recruitment, Nto described the exercise as a model of transparency, accountability and inclusiveness.
“Everyone employed got the job on merit, not through peddling of influence.
“The standards were high and due process was followed, completely eliminating nepotism,” Nto said.
He described Iwe as “a true son of Abia” who made the state proud through excellent service.
“He came nearly 15 years after an Abia son last held the office and discharged his assignment creditably.
“He made the difference and left enduring legacies,” Nto insisted.
While commending his service to the university, Abia and Nigeria, Nto urged Iwe to remain available for national development whenever called upon. (NAN)
