MOUAU Vice-Chancellor Champions More Women In Leadership Roles At 2026 International Summit

The Vice-Chancellor of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Professor Mrs. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, has emphasized the indispensable role of women in societal advancement, describing them as the bedrock of every thriving society.

Professor Akanwa made the assertion while declaring open the 2026 International Women’s Summit held at the Senator Anyim Pius Anyim Auditorium, MOUAU.

The summit, themed “Women as Catalysts for Institutional Growth, Community Development, Innovation and Sustainable Development,” brought together women leaders, academics, professionals, entrepreneurs, and development advocates to deliberate on strategies for enhancing women’s contributions to national development.

Addressing participants, the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Akamwa noted that the theme aptly recognizes women not merely as participants in development processes but as leaders, innovators, mentors, caregivers, peacebuilders and agents of positive transformation. The University Don observed that through resilience, dedication and commitment, women have made remarkable contributions to institutional growth, community advancement as well as societal progress.

Professor Akanwa further stated that the summit has provided a valuable platform for reflection, learning, networking and collaboration while encouraging participants to explore practical strategies for strengthening leadership capacity, enhancing institutional visibility, promoting entrepreneurship and economic empowerment and improving health and overall well-being.

The University’s seventh Vice-Chancellor and first female occupant of the position went on to state that, sustainable development can only be achieved when all stakeholders are given equal opportunities to contribute their voices, experiences and perspectives to national growth.

and urged women to continue supporting one another through mentorship, strategic networking, and capacity building, as they create pathways that would enable younger generations of women to realize their full potential.

In her welcome address earlier, the Director of the Centre for Gender, Youth and Child Development, MOUAU, Professor Ifeoma Onwuka, described the summit and its theme as a timely reminder of the critical role women play in advancing institutions, strengthening communities, driving innovation and promoting sustainable development. Professor Onwuka commended the Vice-Chancellor for her unwavering support and commitment to the advancement of women within the university community.

She noted that Professor Akanwa’s exemplary leadership has continued to inspire and motivate women to pursue excellence and contribute meaningfully to institutional and societal development.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of the 2026 International Women’s Summit, Mrs. Becky Onyekwue, encouraged women to invest continuously in personal development, professional competence, financial literacy and lifelong learning. She also emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between career responsibilities, family commitments, and personal well-being.

Delivering the keynote address, renowned biochemist, Professor Irene Ifeoma Ijeh, alongside the resource person for the summit and immediate past Registrar of MOUAU, Dr. Jacinta Ogwo-Agu, underscored the vital role of women in nation-building. They maintained that empowering women through education, mentorship, economic opportunities and leadership development equips them to serve as catalysts for innovation, institutional growth and sustainable development.

The summit featured insightful panel discussions, goodwill messages from stakeholders and interactive sessions aimed at addressing contemporary challenges facing women.