Prof. Francis Ogbonnaya Otunta today assumed office as the fifth Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), in Abia State, with a promise to promote peace, industrial harmony, academic excellence, as well as welfare of all members of the university community.

The Ebonyi State-born Professor of Mathematics told the university community that gathered at the Anyim Pius Anyim Auditorium that he would run an all-inclusive administration to ensure continuity, progress and breaking of new grounds.

He emphasised that the university would not record any achievements if there was no peace and enjoined staff unions which declared industrial action against the management of MOUAU to sheath their sword and embrace dialogue for resolution of whatever disputes that may exist.

Sid he: “No war ends in the battle field. All disputes are usually resolved through negotiation, arbitration, and eventually reconciliation.

“Please my dear colleagues, let us meet at the round table to resolve all the differences that seem to exist between management and all or any staff or even students’ unions.

“Please let us ensure that we get all these behind us before the end of the month of March 2016.

We cannot achieve any of our goals when there is no peace in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.”

He made the call against the backdrop of a lingering dispute between a faction of the Academic Staff Union of Universities MOUAU branch which had a long running battle with his predecessor, Prof. Hilary Edeoga, who vacated office on February 29, 2016.

The new VC, therefore, called on all “citizens” of MOUAU “to sue for peace and in fact, perfect peace” in the institution from the onset of his administration.

He promised that his administration would devote its energy and resources to realising the 10-point set goals of the school and bring about the commencement of the 10 proposed academic programmes that have been on the drawing board.

He assured that he would give adequate attention to staff and students welfare to make them comfortable since “comfort provokes a man to give off his best and be more productive in his service delivery.”

The two-time Rector of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, reminded the students that they were at the institution “to be prepared as employable entities after their sojourn” at the school, not just to acquire “literacy and numerical efficiency or other skills.”

Otunta urged the students to imbibe hard work, dedication, self-discipline and respect for others as well as obedience to constituted authorities to be able to attain “educational excellence,” adding that his administration would strive to provide world-class amenities that would provide an environment convenient for teaching, learning and research.

He invited all those who vied for the position of the Vice Chancellorship from MOUAU to join hands with him in taking the school to higher heights.

The new Vice Chancellor was warmly welcomed by the university community which filled the Auditorium to the brim. Those who volunteered comments expressed happiness that the VC listed staff welfare as his priority and pledged their cooperation and support to him.