Final year students at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, are appealing to the Federal Government for intervention as an alleged power struggle between the Pro-Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor has led to the indefinite postponement of their convocation ceremony. The crucial event, scheduled to celebrate the achievements of graduating students, now faces an uncertain future, leaving many in distress.

Preparations for the 13th Convocation Ceremony, which had reached an advanced stage with statutory approvals in place, were abruptly halted just days before its commencement. The ceremony was initially slated to take place from December 10th to December 13th, 2025, on the university campus.

A statement released by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Iwe, announced the postponement, offering apologies to the Chancellor and Chairman of Convocation, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar IV, and the Convocation Lecturer, Dr. Simeon Ehui, for any inconvenience caused. The university assured that a new date would be communicated at a later time.

Distraught graduands expressed their frustration and financial strain, having incurred significant costs in anticipation of the ceremony. One student lamented the situation, attributing the delay to “needless power play” and highlighting the impact on their future plans, including pursuing master’s degrees abroad. They urged President Tinubu to intervene through the Minister of Agriculture.

When questioned about the alleged insistence that the convocation would not proceed under the current Vice Chancellor, a personal adviser to the Pro-Chancellor, Comrade Fidelis Edeh, suggested that those claiming the ceremony was halted should also provide the reasons behind its postponement.

This ongoing dispute between the university’s top leadership has cast a shadow over the academic achievements of hundreds of students, jeopardizing their transition to the next phase of their careers and lives. The situation underscores the critical need for clear governance and conflict resolution mechanisms within educational institutions to prevent such disruptions.

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Keywords: Michael Okpara University, MOUA Umudike, Pro-Chancellor VC dispute, convocation postponement, Abia State education, university leadership conflict, student graduands, Federal Government intervention