The Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU), Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, has announced that it will offer scholarships to students willing to study Agricultural Science programmes throughout their years of study.

This initiative is aimed at boosting food security in the country.

According to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyinka Fuwape, the Agricultural Science programme at MCIU is unique, as it operates on a work-study structure, ensuring that students gain hands-on, practical experience alongside theoretical learning.

Through this approach, students will actively participate in fieldwork, agricultural projects, and internships that expose them to modern farming techniques and innovative agricultural practices.

Confirming the announcement at the conclusion of the 10th Convocation of the university, where graduates of the 2024/2025 session received certificates and prizes, and selected individuals were awarded honorary doctorate degrees, the MCIU Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Anthony Kila, remarked that “the announcement is a delightful and praiseworthy initiative that gives hope to the needy and the talented, and an example of how universities can be a source of solutions in a country that abounds with needs and talent.”

The convocation, held on Saturday, 6 September 2025, was attended by the Delta State Governor, traditional rulers, business leaders, academics from various institutions, as well as leaders of thought and elder statesmen, such as Elder Solomon Asemota.

Aside from the overall best graduating student of the set, Stephanie Adebor, who received a prize for her effort, some eminent individuals including business mogul and serving senator, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim; Trinidad and Tobago-born David Raggay; as well as Mark Giwa-Amu, an architect, were also awarded honorary doctorate degrees of the university at the event.

Also commenting on the scholarship for the Agricultural Science programme, MCIU Registrar, Dr. Thomas Kolo, stated that “this initiative reflects the unwavering commitment of the university’s Chancellor and Co-founder, Dr. Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, to fostering sustainable agricultural development and creating opportunities for aspiring students passionate about agriculture.”

In his remarks, the MCIU Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Anthony Kila, noted that the scholarship for the Agricultural Science programme was both an opportunity and a challenge, and he called on the private and public sectors, as well as individuals, to support the programme in any way they could.