The Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, says it has committed resources to obtain security equipment to curb the rising spate of theft and cultism in the institution.

The university’s vice-chancellor, Ursula Akanwa, disclosed this while briefing journalists about her achievements during the first 100 days in office.

She said, “Some modern response gadgets were procured for proper coordination. The goal was to nip in the bud the incessant burglary of university property, which was common in the past. It was bad, you keep something you will not see. In one day, 20 laptops were missing, and 20 air conditioners went missing.”

She, however, disclosed that, with the current security arrangement, those who burgled one of the college offices were caught, adding that the burglary rate on campus had decreased.

She also noted that investments in the security unit had begun yielding fruit as some thieves and cultists who had infiltrated the campus recently were arrested and undergoing prosecution.

Ms Akanwa, who is the first female VC of the institution, promised that her administration would do things differently to ensure the return of utmost safety and serenity to the university community during her tenure.

The VC said she had allocated and approved space for the construction of a student’s relaxation centre to reduce their academic pressures.

According to Ms Akanwa, her administration has separated the procurement unit from the Directorate of Physical Planning, a practical approach to institutional reform in procurement policy.

Ms Akanwa said efforts were ongoing to return MOUAU to national and international rankings and presence by organising workshops with Times Higher Education to aid its ranking.

The VC said efforts were also underway to consolidate multiple accounts for the institution’s academic staff to enhance recognition and visibility.

She said the institution established forums for patenting discoveries and for preparing high-quality academic manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals to improve its visibility.

(NAN)