The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo, has charged the newly inaugurated members of the Governing Council of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) to deliver nothing short of excellence in the discharge of their duties.
Soludo gave the charge during the official inauguration of the Eighth Governing Council of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University on Thursday at the Government House, Awka.
According to a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, Soludo tasked the newly appointed council members with the rigorous responsibility of driving institutional reforms and advancing academic excellence in the university.
Addressing the council members, the Governor underscored the enormity of the task before them and expressed confidence in their ability to reposition the institution.
“You have a lot of heavy lifting to do,” “I am confident that with the new leadership of the Council, you will provide nothing short of excellence. Work with the greatest level of integrity, conscientiousness, and passion. Consider what is best for the university and the generations unborn; we are all birds of passage. What is important is, while you serve, what changed for the better? That is your guiding principle.”he said.
Governor Soludo acknowledged the significance of their appointment, noting that their tenure comes at a critical period in the university’s development.
According to him, the systemic challenges confronting the institution necessitated the transition and the constitution of a new council.
He observed that the preceding council had remained largely inactive for reasons he described as “inexplicable,” a situation that adversely affected the institution’s governance and progress.
The Governor also expressed concern over the integrity of recent academic recruitment processes within the university.
“I got the full report. I had to do my own due diligence,” he stated.
Soludo further expressed confidence in the capacity of the new council leadership to reverse the trend and place the university on the path of sustainable growth and excellence.
“With Professor Peter Onwualu as your Chairman and Pro-Chancellor, your problems are solved. Just get going. Take the university to realise its manifest potential. With the calibre of men and women of such knowledge, expertise, and fire in the belly, you will succeed,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated council, Professor Peter Onwualu reaffirmed the body’s commitment to transforming the institution into one of Nigeria’s leading state-owned universities.
“This will be a different Council,” “We intend to make COOU one of the top three state universities in the country. The problem of weak institutions is a Nigerian problem, but we will make COOU a very strong university. We covet the Governor’s support to make this happen.”he said.
The Governing Council is chaired by Professor Peter A. Onwualu, who serves as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council. Other members include Igwe Dr. Chris Oranu Chidume, Professor O. J. Ogbuagu, Chief Christopher Ndubuisi, and Assistant Inspector-General of Police (Rtd.), Chris Ezike.
Also serving on the council are the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration and Environmental Sustainability), Professor A. C. Nweke; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Obiora Ejiofor; and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development and Uli Campus Affairs), Professor Sylvia Okonkwo.
Other members are Professor Matthias O. Ananti, Professor Ogonna Ifebi, Professor Nkeiruka Orji, Professor MaryJude Igbodika, and Dr. Chukwunonso Ekesiobi.
The inauguration marks a new chapter in the governance of the university, with expectations high that the newly constituted council will strengthen institutional capacity, restore confidence in its administrative processes, and position COOU for greater academic distinction and global competitiveness.
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