* Eze Oriaku


By Tony Icheku

Ahead the change of baton at the helm of affairs at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU, the thinking is gathering strength that the next Vice-Chancellor  for the only Federal tertiary institution in Abia State, must be an indigene from any of the land donor communities, albeit appointed  purely on merit.
 
His Royal Highness, HRH Eze Ben Oriaku, Dike I of Umudike Ukwu Autonomous Community one of the land donors sharing boundaries  the University  expressed his views on the matter with theledgerng.com thus:

"Yes, our people believe the time is ripe for the next VC of MOUAU, which we understand will emerge in matter of months to come from any  of the land donor communities.

"We are not asking for any extra-ordinary concessions in making this demand. No. I know we have qualified sons and daughters who are qualified to be VC. To strengthen our position, we intend to unify all interests and present one candidate from any of the land donor communities for the position.

" Our agitation is premised on ensuring harmonious relationship between our various communities and the University community, and we pray the Federal Government considers our agitation favourably", says royal father.

Eze Oriaku who was recently elected Chairman, Traditional Rulers of Land Donors Hosting MOUAU and National Root Crop Research Institute, NRCRI expantiates on MOUA/NRCRI-Land donors relationship over time.

"The Traditional Rulers of Land Donors Hosting  MOUAU and NRCRI is essentially a platform to build a harmonious and cordial relationship between these two Federal institutions and we, their hosts. It is also a channel for building genuine communications and dialogue.

" For instance, the two issues that have always generated heated arguments between MOUAU and the communities, namely employment and admission have been resolved amicably since we organised ourselves as a united body. As at today, the University authority has assured us that by statute, 65% of junior staff appointments is meant for qualified indigenes from our communities, while the Senior staff and management positions is open to all Nigerians, including
 ourselves.

"Regarding admission to the University, the land donor communities are catchment areas, and I can assure you that the era of any qualified student from our communities lobbying, begging or bribing to gain admission to MOUAU is a thing of the past. 

"As long as the student has met all requirement, his/her admission is guaranteed, that is the assurances the VC, Prof. Francis Otunta has given us. And on our part we have seen it in practice. As of today, details of the admission process
is open and transparent.

According to Eze Oriaku, about 32 communities from Ikwuano LGA (Oboro), and Umuahia South LGA, (Olokoro) donated lands to both MOUAU and NRCRI,  for both their main campuses and out stations.

The Royal Father explained that before the coming together of the traditional rulers, conflicting communications were received from either inbdividuals, groups or associations from the communities to the institutions, but today, we have established to both institutions that we represent our communities and speak for them.

" What we see unfolding is an era of cordial and harmonious co-existence. Don't forget they are Federal establishments, drawing  workers from all parts of the Country, and as royal fathers in these communities, it is our responsibility to ensure their safe and hospitable stay in our communities", Eze Oriaku affirmed.