The Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, originally the Federal University of Agriculture, is a federal university in Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria established as a specialized University by a Federal Government of Nigeria Decree No 48 of November 1992. It began formal activities in May 1993 with the appointment of the first Council and Vice-Chancellor Professor Placid C. Njoku on 27 May 1993, while other key officials of the University were appointed later. The first set of students were admitted into the institution during the 1993/94 academic year with a student population of 82. The nickname "Umudykes" or U'dykers refers to students, alumni, and sports teams of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture. The Vice Chancellor is Prof. Ikenna Onyido The institution is located in the Agricultural Training and Research city of Umudike, about 10 kilometers from Umuahia (capital of Abia State). The major link road to the University is the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Federal Road, a direct route to the State capitals of Abia Akwa-Ibom and Cross River States. Being close to Umuahia, the University is linked through a major North-South Express Road to most part of the country.