By Nnamdi Akpa
The newly appointed Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Professor Agwu Ekwe on Tuesday said that his vision will be to transform Federal College of Agriculture Ishiagu into a nationally and globally competitive, multi-functional college capable of meeting Nigeria’s academic and agricultural development needs.
Professor Ekwe stated this during his welcome address to staffs and students at the college in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State pledged to restore the institution’s lost accreditation and reposition it for academic excellence.
The Provost added that his administration would significantly boost the institution’s internally generated revenue within the next four years assuring staff of improved financial stability, expressing optimism that the college would become self-sustaining in the near future.
“I hope to develop, in collaboration with the private sector, an investment plan that will enable the college to establish an endowment fund within the first two years of my administration,” he said.
Agwu further disclosed plans to adopt prudent financial guidelines, including setting aside a fixed percentage of internally generated revenue to ensure sustainability. He also emphasized the importance of increasing funding through institutional research grants.
To enhance financial transparency, the Provost revealed that his administration would centralize revenue collection in order to curb leakages and reduce waste.
He stressed his commitment to making the college a leader in cutting-edge research and development, as well as producing skilled manpower for the socio-economic advancement of Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large.
“I will sustain and intensify academic development through proper accreditation by relevant regulatory bodies,” he added.
Professor Agwu’s assurances come amid expectations from stakeholders for renewed growth and improved standards at the institution.