Meet Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, first female VC of MOUAU

Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, a renowned scholar in Educational Measurement and Evaluation and the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Development) at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has been appointed the university’s first female Vice Chancellor. 

With over 20 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership, Prof. Akanwa is celebrated for her contributions to higher education and her exemplary administrative skills.

Her appointment marks a historic milestone for MOUAU and a significant achievement for women in Nigerian academia.

Background

A native of the Igbo tribe in Nigeria, Prof. Ursula Akanwa began her educational journey at Community Primary School, Agbala, Owerri, before she proceeded to Our Lady of Mount Carmel College, Emekuku, Imo State, where she obtained her WASSCE in 1979.

She earned a B.Sc. (Hons) in Zoology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1984.

Determined to pursue a career in education, she went on to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and later a Master of Education in Measurement and Evaluation from the same university.

Expanding her expertise, she also earned a PGD and M.Sc. in Financial Management Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. In 2008, she completed her Ph.D. in Educational Measurement and Evaluation at Abia State University, Uturu.

Academic journey

Prof. Akanwa began her university career as an Assistant Lecturer and steadily rose through the ranks to become a Professor in 2014.

With over 20 years of teaching and research experience, she has taught numerous undergraduate and postgraduate courses and supervised more than 60 undergraduate students and over 50 postgraduate students.

She has also served as an external examiner and assessor for professorial promotions in several universities across Nigeria, contributing to maintaining academic standards nationwide.

Professional affiliations

A Fellow of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, Prof. Akanwa is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria Board, the Nigerian Academy of Education, the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, the International Association of Educational Assessment, the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa, and the American Psychological Association.

Her research profile is equally impressive. She has authored and co-authored over 100 journal articles, written more than 10 textbooks, and contributed 19 book chapters.

She has presented papers at eight international conferences and participated in over 50 national and regional academic gatherings.

Her work continues to influence discussions in educational assessment, teacher education, and sustainable human development.

Leadership roles

Before emerging as Vice Chancellor, Prof. Akanwa served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Development) and earlier as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

She also held several other leadership positions within and outside the university system, including Dean of the College of Education, Pioneer Head of the Department of Science Education, Chairman of the Committee of Deans in Nigerian Universities (CODENU), and Senate Representative to the Governing Council.

Her administrative experience extends beyond academia. She served as an Agricultural Research Officer at the Niger Delta Development Commission, broadening her exposure to development-focused initiatives.

Community service

Beyond academic achievements, Prof. Akanwa has remained committed to community development.

She has facilitated workshops, seminars, and capacity-building programmes organized by universities, professional bodies, and government agencies.

She is actively involved in mentoring young scholars and participating in outreach programmes that promote literacy, women empowerment, youth development, and sustainable community growth.

Family

Married to Dr. M. O. Akanwa and blessed with six children, she balances professional excellence with family life. In her leisure time, she enjoys singing, reading, and exercising.

Awards

Her dedication to service and excellence has earned her several honours.

Among them is the Award of Honour as the Most Outstanding Dean in MOUAU, presented by the National Association of Education Students in 2023.

Emergence as MOUAU’s VC

Prof. Ursula Akanwa’s emergence as the first female Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, marks a historic milestone for the institution.

Her appointment represents not only personal achievement but also progress for gender inclusion in Nigeria’s higher education leadership.