The Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU, Abia State, Professor Maduebibisi Offor Iwe, has appealed to the Federal Government to lift the ban on employment to allow universities to recruit more lecturers to fill vacancies that have existed for over six years.

The Vice-Chancellor made the call on Monday while conducting members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Abia State Council, on a visit to the university campus.

He pointed out that at MOUAU, the shortage of senior lecturers has become evident, as many have risen to the ranks of Professors and Associate Professors. He stressed the need to replace those who have been promoted or relocated abroad to ensure the university maintains a strong academic workforce.

He also expressed concern over the poor funding of the institution but explained that, despite financial challenges, several achievements have been recorded in his four years of leadership at the institution.

Prof. Iwe encouraged students of his institution to take advantage of the National Educational Loan Fund, NELFUND, to support their academic pursuits.