MOUAU Vice-Chancellor Urges Students to Report Extortion and Harassment Without Fear

The Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, has urged students to report cases of extortion, harassment and intimidation without fear, assuring them of protection regardless of whether the alleged offenders are staff members or fellow students.

Professor Akanwa gave the assurance while receiving members of the St. Thomas Aquinas Chaplaincy Council during a courtesy visit to the university. She also highlighted the important role of religious organisations in promoting discipline, good character and responsible conduct among students.

Addressing the leaders of the Nigerian Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS), Onwumere Michael and Twomey Egwu, the Vice-Chancellor encouraged them to urge fellow students to report any incident of extortion, harassment or intimidation they experience or witness.

She stressed that no student should remain silent out of fear, adding that the university administration is committed to protecting whistleblowers from any form of victimisation.

Professor Akanwa also commended religious organisations on campus for their contributions to the moral and character development of students. According to her, faith-based groups remain key partners in fostering:

• Discipline
• Responsible behaviour
• A peaceful learning environment

Speaking during the visit, the Chaplain of St. Thomas Aquinas Chaplaincy, Reverend Father Leo Ehiemere, and the President of the Chaplaincy Council, Professor Damian Asawalam, congratulated Professor Akanwa on her leadership and pledged the council's full support for her administration.

They also reaffirmed the chaplaincy's commitment to working with the university management to promote:

• Moral values
• Unity
• The overall growth and development of MOUAU