The 13th convocation ceremony of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has been postponed, sparking controversy as graduates call on the federal government to intervene in what they describe as a power struggle between the university’s Pro-Chancellor, Fidelis Edeh, and Vice Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Iwe.
Allegations have emerged that the Pro-Chancellor refused to approve the budget for the convocation in an apparent attempt to settle scores with the Vice Chancellor. Preparations for the ceremony, initially scheduled for December 12, 2025, had reportedly reached advanced stages, with all statutory organs giving approval. The sudden postponement has left graduates frustrated and demanding accountability.
On December 10, the university officially announced the postponement, which was initially set to hold from December 10 to 13 at the Umudike campus. In a statement signed by Professor Iwe, the institution apologized to the Chancellor and Chairman of Convocation, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar IV, and expressed regret for any inconvenience to graduands.
The statement read that the Senate of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, wishes to notify the public that the 13th convocation ceremony of the university, earlier approved to hold from December 10 to 13, 2025, has been put on hold until further notice.
Professor Iwe, who also chairs the university Senate, apologized to the convocation lecturer, Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director-General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, for any disruption caused, and assured that a new date would be announced in due course.
Reports suggest that the Pro-Chancellor is opposed to holding the convocation during Professor Iwe’s tenure, although graduands insist that university convocation ceremonies are constitutionally under the purview of the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor.
One graduating student decried the disruption, highlighting the personal and financial strain it had caused. He said it was unfair that students should suffer because of political differences between the university leadership and called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene through the Minister of Agriculture.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Ubadire Agua, disputed claims that the postponement resulted from a conflict between the Pro-Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor. In a statement dated December 6, 2025, Agua said the Vice-Chancellor convened an emergency Senate meeting on December 4, 2025, and informed members that the chairman of the Governing Council had placed all convocation activities on hold, pending the council’s review of the budget and determination of a new date. Professor Iwe cautioned that the directive should not create disaffection or distract the university, particularly as his administration transitions to a new one.
In a telephone interview, the Pro-Chancellor said the postponement was not a personal decision but a collective one. He emphasized that the chairman of the Governing Council does not have unilateral power to halt the convocation. He said stopping the convocation requires consideration by the Governing Council, Senate, Chancellor, Minister of Education, and the President as Visitor. Convocation is vested in the Senate, and the council only approves the process, including funding. Any allegations of vendetta cannot affect the convocation, he added, stressing that no individual can stop it and that rumours suggesting otherwise are inconsequential.
He assured that the university is addressing the matter internally and that a new date for the ceremony will be announced once resolved.
