The appointment, which is for a period of two years, The Management of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) has appointed Philips Nto as the director of Agribusiness Incubation Centre.was effective January 1, 2024.
The appointment admits Nto as a member of the University’s Senate and Management.
According to a letter signed by the University’s Registrar, Nkeiruka C. Mbanasor, Nto would report to the Vice Chancellor for coordination, administration and day to day running of the centre for the achievement of its mandate.
The mandates as listed in the letter include: “To serve as a practical knowledge hub where the best practical skills, processes and products can be acquired”. To promote value addition across agricultural value chain.
“To provide information on investment opportunities that improve Agribusiness planning and implementation and to liaise with Ministries of Agriculture and related fields to promote Agribusiness teaching, learning and practice.”
The letter noted that since the credibility of the University’s Academic programme depends on the Directorates, Nto should adhere to the highest academic standards to make the centre one of the best.
In his acceptance letter, Nto, who is the immediate past Provost of Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu, and former commissioner for Finance in the state, expressed deep appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, Maduebibisi Iwe for finding him worthy to head the Agribusiness Incubation Centre.
Nto noted that having served the University in various capacities in the past, he would apply the same zeal, energy, commitment and resources to ensure the centre emerges the best.
He said that he would ensure that the confidence reposed in him by the management of the University was not misplaced by serving to the best of his ability and expertise.