MOUAU Recruitment Exercise: VC Akanwa Cleared of Involvement in Staff Disengagement

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU).

The management of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has officially addressed rumors surrounding the recent MOUAU recruitment exercise, clarifying that the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ursula Akanwa, had no involvement in the employment process or the subsequent disengagement of affected personnel.

Speaking with press representatives on Tuesday, the university’s Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Mr. Anyaso Anyaso, emphasized that both the hiring process and the payroll registration on the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) were completed before Prof. Akanwa assumed office on March 1, 2026.

Providing further context, Anyaso explained that the Federal Government and the University Governing Council originally granted an official waiver authorizing the employment of 426 staff members. 

However, previous administration issued appointment letters to 618 individuals, significantly exceeding the authorized quota for the MOUAU recruitment exercise. 

While 553 individuals were initially captured on the GIFMIS system, the federal portal automatically restricted the upload to the sanctioned 426 slots, leaving 127 workers uncaptured.

Addressing concerns over administrative manipulation, the university spokesperson clarified that the Vice-Chancellor lacks system access to modify, remove, or substitute names on the federal GIFMIS portal. 

He urged the public to dismiss misleading reports spread by third parties and rely exclusively on verified university communication channels for accurate updates.

Anyaso also refuted claims that security personnel forcibly retrieved identity cards or issued formal sack letters to the affected workers, describing such allegations as unfounded. 

The official clarification follows protests staged on Monday by representatives of the 127 disengaged personnel, who claimed unfair termination and harassment following the outcome of the controversial MOUAU recruitment exercise.