The Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) has appointed Associate Professor, Dr Philips Nto, as the Director of Agribusiness Incubation Centre effective January 1, 2024.
Nto, who was the immediate past Provost of Abia State College of Education (Technical) Arochukwu (ACETA), is being assigned the responsibility of providing information on investment opportunities that would improve agribusiness planning and implementation.
With his new appointment, he now becomes a member of the university’s senate and management.
MOUAU Registrar, Dr Nkeiruka Mbanasor, in an appointment letter to Nto, urged him to adhere to the highest academic standard and make the centre one of the best, stating that the credibility of the university’s academic programme depends on the directorates,
In his letter, Nto would be responsible for the centre’s coordination, administration and day-to-day running, as well as promote value addition across the agricultural value chain.
He is also expected to liaise with Ministries of Agriculture and related fields to enhance agribusiness teaching, learning and practice to serve as a practical knowledge hub where the best practical skills, processes and products could be acquired.
Before his first appointment from MOUAU and being re-appointed for a second term, Nto served as the Provost of ACETA for two terms and he was the Abia State Finance Commissioner.
Speaking, Nto said: “I appreciate the Vice Chancellor, Prof Maduebibisi Iwe for finding me worthy of my new position. Having served the university in various capacities in the past, I will apply the same zeal, energy, expertise, commitment and resources to ensure the Centre emerges the best.”
