My vision is to create a nationally and globally competitive, multi-functional college that will respond to the academic needs of Nigerians; a college of agriculture that is a leader providing solutions, through cutting edge research and innovation, to the myriads of challenges facing the region and nation in sustainable food security, while producing an efficient middle level manpower that will champion sustainable and socio-economic development of Nigeria.
While acknowledging and recognizing the achievements of previous and current administrations of the college, as the Provost, my strategies and actions toward achieving my vision will be anchored on four key areas, namely: a.) College Administrative; b.) Teaching, Learning and Research Environment; c.) Fund Generation; and d.) Infrastructure Development (ICT Infrastructure/Civil works).
In line with my philosophy of openness, team work, and accountability, my aim, is to run an inclusive and transparent administration that is people centered, anchored on efficiency, effectiveness, service delivery (especially staff and students’ welfare), and academic excellence. In order to achieve my aim in terms of the college administration, I will focus on the followings:
To pursue academic excellence and ensure that Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu becomes one of the leaders in cutting edge research and development, and in producing an efficient manpower for the socio-economic development of the region and Nigeria in general, I will carry out the following:
To achieve my vision as regards making the College of Agriculture Ishiagu self-funding in the near future, I intend to increase the College’s internally generated revenue within the next four years. I hope to achieve this through the followings:
I will commit myself to massive investment in /and improvement of the existing infrastructure especially utilities (power, water, roads, etc.), classrooms, laboratories, and massive development of infrastructure. Key processes that I will embark on will include: addressing the lingering and current energy challenge facing the College by investing in clean energy for the College Community and completing already on-going structures and new hostel blocks to accommodate more students using the private public partnership mo-del.
Provost Prof. A. E. Agwu Leads Campus-Wide Engagement Tour, Pledges Renewed Focus on Infrastructure and Staff Welfare
In a clear demonstration of open-door leadership and commitment to institutional renewal, the Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Prof. Agwu Ekwe Agwu, today led his management team on an extensive familiarization and needs-assessment tour of the College community.
Fulfilling his pledge to give FCA Ishiagu “a new face,” Prof. Agwu visited over 20 academic and non-academic units and departments, engaging directly with staff at their duty posts. For more than five hours, under the midday sun, the Provost and his team walked the length and breadth of the campus, listening, observing, and interacting with members of staff in their work environment — a gesture many described as a mark of humility, accessibility, and togetherness.
At each stop, Heads of Department and Unit Heads were on ground to brief the Provost on their operations, achievements, and pressing challenges. Common concerns raised across units included poor working conditions, inadequate funding for key projects, unstable power supply, structural dilapidation, and the need to modernize administrative processes.
The Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, remains committed to training skilled manpower, advancing applied research, and serving farming communities. Under the new administration, the College is set to strengthen infrastructure, improve staff welfare, and expand partnerships that will deliver a world-class learning environment.
Responding, Prof. Agwu commended staff for their resilience and assured them that pragmatic steps will be taken to address the issues raised. He emphasized that all documented challenges would be prioritized and captured in the College’s subsequent financial plans and work programmes to ensure sustainable solutions.
The Provost also charged Heads of Departments and Units to remain proactive, innovative, and diligent in driving their mandates. “The College management has its role to play, but the greater responsibility for transformation lies with us — the staff at the frontline of teaching, research, and service,” he said. “If we combine institutional support with individual commitment, FCA Ishiagu will rise to become a reference point in agricultural training and innovation.”
Today’s tour marks the beginning of a series of structured engagements aimed at deepening participation, boosting morale, and aligning every unit with the College’s renewed vision for excellence. Staff across the departments welcomed the visit, noting that direct leadership engagement inspires confidence and accountability.
The second phase focused on ten departments and units, with particular attention to the College Clinic and the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT).
At the College Clinic, Chief Medical Director Dr. Chinedu Ossi briefed the team on challenges ranging from equipment gaps to service delivery. Prof. Agwu assured staff that restoring the Clinic to full functionality remains a top priority, stating that quality healthcare for staff and students is non-negotiable.
At the SLT Department, Head of Department Mr. Ebubechukwu identified unresolved accreditation issues as the main factor limiting student enrolment. The Provost pledged to engage relevant regulatory bodies.
The College Veterinary Doctor, Dr. Dauda Elisha, also shared insights from his tenure overseeing the livestock unit, offering perspectives to guide future interventions in agricultural training and production.
The third phase covered the School of Engineering, Computer Science Department, Animal Health Department, General Studies (GNS), and the College’s livestock units, including cattle, sheep, goats, and piggery.
In the School of Engineering, the Provost and management inspected offices, workshops, the fabrication and tractor sections, student project areas, and the woodwork unit. Heads of departments presented operational needs and challenges. Prof. Agwu expressed concern over the poor maintenance culture affecting machines and equipment, noting that many could be repaired and put to productive use as a source of IGR.
Dr. (Mrs.) Ukeje, HoD Computer Science, briefed the Provost on the department’s growth from inception to date. Prof. Agwu acknowledged her report and pledged to intervene as soon as funds became available.
Dr. Benjamin Anyim, HOD General Studies, raised concerns over the vandalism of electrical components in his department, which he said had disrupted academic activities and affected staff productivity. The Provost assured him of prompt intervention.
Provost’s Commitment
At the end, Prof. Agwu, noted that while the College has significant physical structures on ground, poor student enrolment and weak maintenance culture remain pressing challenges.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to listening, responding, and delivering, subject to the availability of funds. “We have taken note of all issues raised. With focus, and collective effort, we will address them systematically to restore functionality, improve learning conditions, and strengthen the College’s capacity for practical training and IGR generation,” he said.
The campus tour continues….
