Lecturers at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike are applauding former lawmaker Rep. Sir Sam Ifeanyi Onuigbo for a legacy that keeps opening doors for students long after he left office. Their praise follows news that over 5,000 JAMB candidates have applied for Management Sciences programmes at MOUAU this year.
The surge in applications, university officials say, is a direct result of Onuigbo’s years-long campaign to reinstate courses that were delisted in the 2016/2017 academic session. When NUC removed the programmes, admission opportunities collapsed and the university’s reputation in business education took a hit.
Former Dean of the College of Management Sciences, Prof. John Ihendinihu, described Onuigbo’s impact as transcending politics. He said the former Rep’s work was defined by “legacy over position, impact over popularity, and service over self-interest.” That philosophy, he noted, turned “Odoziobodo” from a slogan into a leadership principle.
Ihendinihu recalled the frustration of watching MOUAU sidelined while similar programmes were restored at federal agriculture universities in Abeokuta and Makurdi. Despite having one of Nigeria’s best accounting laboratories, MOUAU remained locked out until Onuigbo intervened.
The former lawmaker moved a motion at the House of Representatives that triggered a public hearing. Officials from NUC, JAMB, and vice chancellors of federal agriculture universities attended. Onuigbo also convened a stakeholder forum to highlight the economic damage caused by the delisting.
Working closely with then VC Prof. Francis Otunta and later Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, plus Prof. Ihendinihu and Prof. Wilson Ani, Onuigbo kept pressure on NUC. The sustained engagement paid off: NUC approved for the programmes’ return, realigning MOUAU with its mandate to offer allied disciplines that complement agriculture.
The restoration did more than bring back courses. It revived hope for thousands of Abia youths and beyond. MOUAU’s College of Management Sciences is now rebuilding with focus on practical training, entrepreneurship, and skills for a competitive economy.
Director of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Michael C. Ekwe, called Onuigbo “a rare public servant.” He said the former Rep “truly loves the people and is burning himself up for their wellbeing.” Ekwe credited Onuigbo’s intervention for last year’s admission of over 2,000 students into Management courses.
This year, demand has more than doubled. “Over 5,000 JAMB candidates have indicated interest in Management Sciences programmes in MOUAU,” Ekwe revealed. For a course block that was once shut down, the numbers signal a dramatic turnaround.
For academics, the story proves that advocacy can correct policy errors. Ihendinihu said the outcome shows persistent engagement can fix oversights and secure opportunities for future generations. The programmes now aim to produce graduates with business knowledge and adaptability for leadership across sectors.
MOUAU recognised Onuigbo’s role by conferring on him the honorary title of Ambassador Plenipotentiary. University officials said the honour reflects appreciation for his commitment to expanding access to education and strengthening institutions.
As admissions open, dons say Onuigbo’s footprints extend beyond MOUAU. The restoration is a win for Nigeria’s education system. In an era of dwindling trust in leadership, they argue, his model shows that true greatness is measured by lives touched and institutions strengthened, not just years in office.