Prof Otunta bows out as Vice Chancellor of MOUAU

 



By Monday Oketa

The Ebonyi born Professor of mathematics, Professor Francis Ogbonnaya Otunta who was sworn in on March 1st, 2016 as the fifth Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State has set to bow out from his office after a five year tenure came to an end February 28, 2021.

Professor Otunta, is from Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and had served in different capacities in various universities and polytechnics across the country.

Otunta was once a Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Benin Chapter, he was also a Rector of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwanna, Ebonyi State before his remarkable appointment as the first Ebonyi State indegene to lead a renowned Federal government owned citadel of learning, Michael Okpara University in 2016.

His administration as the Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University, recorded a tremendous success but as no one has ever made himself a saint, his administration also recommended a huge setback especially in infrastructural development and otherwise.

Professor Francis Ogbonnaya Otunta demonstrated his uncommon leadership attitude during 2019 gubernatorial election wherein he, as a returning officer for Imo State gubernatorial election, declared Chief Emeka Ihedioha as the elected governor of Imo State, the development that was later ruled otherwise only in the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

NATIONAL PANEL reports that people of goodwill have expressed gratitude to Prof Otunta following his excellent administration and track records in building human society especially in academic parlance.