The appointment of Prof. Michael Ugota Awoke as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, has been met with widespread celebration. A Professor of Agricultural Economics with over two decades of post-professorial experience, Prof. Awoke has played a significant role in the university’s growth since its inception.
Starting as a Lecturer I, he later became the founding Director of the Work and Study Programme in 2000, which provided educational opportunities for workers and helped many Ebonyi civil servants advance their careers. Additionally, Prof. Awoke was instrumental in securing an Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) charter for EBSU, serving as the pioneer ASUU Chairman for two terms. His career progression saw him rise through the ranks to become Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) before his recent appointment.
Challenges Facing EBSU
Despite being the first university in Ebonyi State, EBSU has faced serious challenges over the years, including infrastructural decay, inadequate funding, and political interference. The presence of two federal universities—Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (FUNAI) and King David University of Medical Sciences—has further strained the institution, as they were both offshoots of EBSU and took over some of its key facilities.
For instance, the EBSU Teaching Hospital was taken over by FUNAI for more than a decade, leaving EBSU medical students without a proper training facility. Similarly, the construction of King David University began as an EBSU project with TETFUND allocations but later transformed into a federal institution.
Beyond infrastructural setbacks, poor funding, lack of student hostels, absence of staff quarters, and political interference in appointments have weakened the university. Labour disputes, delayed promotions, and financial struggles have further exacerbated the institution’s decline, affecting both research and academic excellence.
The Road to Revitalization
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, an EBSU alumnus, has shown a commitment to improving the university. His administration has cleared salary arrears, increased staff wages, and boosted subventions to the institution. However, EBSU needs more strategic investments, especially in research, infrastructure, and staff welfare.
As the new Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Awoke is expected to:
- Strengthen ASUU – Resolve internal labour disputes and restore the local ASUU chapter.
- Improve Security – Construct perimeter fencing around campuses.
- Revive Infrastructure Projects – Resume work on the abandoned hostel project and construct new hostels, staff quarters, and a Vice-Chancellor’s residence.
- Enhance Staff Welfare – Ensure regular salaries, allowances, and pension plans for financial security.
- Prioritize Research – Establish and fund research institutions across faculties, while providing training, workshops, and seminars for staff.
A Call for Collective Support
The task ahead for Prof. Awoke and his team is daunting, but with the right support from Governor Nwifuru and other stakeholders, EBSU can be transformed into a world-class institution. The university community has a duty to support the new leadership in making EBSU a true center of academic excellence.
Ebonyi State University deserves better, and the time for change is now.
