MOUAU Women’s Summit Advocates Mentorship, Collaboration

Women have been encouraged to foster stronger support systems, mentorship, and strategic partnerships among themselves as a means of unlocking their full potential and driving sustainable societal development.

This charge was given by the Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, alongside other distinguished women leaders during the 2026 MOUAU International Women’s Summit held at the Senator Anyim Pius Anyim Auditorium of the University recently.

Speaking on the summit theme, “Women as Catalysts for Institutional Growth, Community Development, Innovation and Sustainable Development,” Prof. Akanwa emphasized the invaluable contributions of women across various sectors, including education, research, governance, entrepreneurship, agriculture, traditional leadership, and family life.

According to her, women play transformative roles that extend beyond their homes and workplaces, significantly influencing the growth of communities, institutions, and nations. She noted that the summit provided a vital platform for advancing conversations on women’s empowerment and leadership.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the Centre for Gender, Youth and Child Development (CGYCD) for organizing the summit, describing the initiative as timely and impactful. She urged women to strengthen collaboration, support one another, and mentor younger generations to ensure greater participation and success of women in leadership and development.

In her welcome address, the Director of the Centre, Prof. Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka, explained that the summit was designed to bring together women from academia, government, traditional institutions, host communities, and various professional backgrounds to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore practical solutions to challenges affecting women and society.

Chairperson of the event and Senior Assistant Manager at Zenith Bank Plc, Mrs. Becky Ngozi Onyekwue, underscored the pivotal role of women in promoting innovation, institutional advancement, and sustainable development. She stressed the need to empower women through education, mentorship, economic opportunities, and leadership training to maximize their contributions to society.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Irene Ijeh, a Professor of Biochemistry at MOUAU, while the immediate past Registrar of the University, Dr. Jacinta Ogwo-Agu, also addressed participants, urging women to balance their professional responsibilities with family commitments and uphold high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in their careers.

The summit featured engaging panel discussions and interactive sessions that provided participants with opportunities to deliberate on issues relating to women’s empowerment, leadership, innovation, and community development. The sessions also promoted networking and partnerships aimed at fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development.