Ahead of the 32nd Matriculation ceremony of the Rev. Fr. Mosees Orshio Adasu University Makurdi to (MOAUM), the Freelance Journalists Federation (FJF), an independent think tank with the mandate to promote objective journalism has commended the Governor Council of the University and its Acting Vice Chancellor for promoting excellence and quality human capital development.

In a press statement released to newsmen following the event, FJF Coordinator, Comrade Bayo Adebutu, praised the institution’s leadership for its renewed commitment to academic excellence and institutional transformation. He noted that the smooth conduct of the matriculation and other visible milestones achieved in such a short time are evidence of the University’s strategic repositioning in line with the founding fathers’ vision and Governor Hyacinth Alia’s educational reform agenda.

“Clearly, the lost glory of MOAUM is being restored. This is the result of the administrative prowess of the current management and the unwavering moral and strategic support of Governor Alia, who serves as the University’s Visitor,” Adebutu remarked.

The Federation further passed a vote of confidence on the Prof. Simon Ubwa-led team, lauding its steadfast dedication to actualizing the University’s objectives and aligning them with the broader mandate of the state government. “The public can already feel the impact of ongoing reforms. This is a management team that deserves to be applauded and encouraged to stay the course,” he added.

Highlighting the orderly and peaceful conduct of the matriculation exercise, FJF emphasized that such harmony within the campus environment is a positive indication of a safe and conducive atmosphere for learning, research, and innovation.

According to the Federation, Prof. Ubwa’s decades of committed service to the institution and his deep-rooted understanding of its ethos uniquely qualify him for the role of Acting Vice Chancellor. “His appointment is not only timely but symbolic of what genuine institutional loyalty and competence should represent. It is a reward for long-standing dedication to the growth of the University.”

Commending Governor Hyacinth Alia’s reform-minded leadership spanning across all sectors including education, the Federation noted that Prof. Ubwa’s appointment reflects the Governor’s discerning capacity to identify and empower the right individuals to drive meaningful change. “It is evident that Governor Alia is intentional in his pursuit of good governance; especially in the education sector.”

FJF also called for increased institutional autonomy and improved funding for the University to fully realize its academic goals. While appreciating the government’s interventions, the group urged the MOAUM, management to explore innovative strategies for optimizing internally generated revenue without compromising access to quality education.

“We are especially impressed that MOAUM currently maintains one of the most affordable tuition rates among state-owned universities nationwide,” the statement read. “This underscores the commitment of both the University and the state government to widening access to tertiary education in Benue State.”

In essence, the Federation applauded the Management for prioritizing research, student welfare, and stakeholder inclusiveness. It noted that such deliberate efforts have reignited public confidence in the institution’s capacity to deliver on its academic and developmental mandate.

“The Prof. Ubwa-led administration has restored a sense of purpose and optimism to the MOAUM community. We urge all stakeholders; within and beyond the University, to offer their unwavering support in consolidating these gains.”

The Federation concluded by applauding H.E Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia for stabilizing the University and ensuring the prompt payment of salaries, a feat they say is a “marvel to the federal University system as as well as some states which are currently on strike due to inability to pay salaries and other allowances. The fact that MOAU is not affected by these needless lapses and delays deserves commendation”