By Dr. Ebuka Onyekwelu
The Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, COOU, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, today clocked two years in office as the University’s Vice Chancellor. Professor Omenugha, who was first appointed as Acting Vice Chancellor by the governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo, in December 2023, resumed on 5th December 2023, but was confirmed as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the University on 5th August 2025. Upon resumption in acting capacity in December of the year 2023, Professor Kate Omenugha unveiled what she called the 3 Vs of her administration’s focus, which are: values, viability, and visibility. Two years on, what has become of those aspirations?
Under her leadership, certain fundamental reforms such as the climate action undertaken to control the menace of wind on the University buildings, while maintaining a healthy and clean environment befitting of a university, have become mainstreamed in the university campuses. Within these two years, the students’ hostels in Igbariam and Uli have experienced a significant facelift. In addition, Madam Vice Chancellor is building a new culture at the university where students and teachers enjoy a conducive environment in teaching and learning. The fact is that the university has gone through a period of noticeable improvement under its current leadership.
During an earlier conversation, I asked the Vice Chancellor, “What is driving you”? In response, Professor Kate Omenugha said that she does not want to disappoint people who have faith in her ability to deliver. “Well”, Prof. Omenugha said, “I don’t want to disappoint so many people who believe in me. I don’t want to disappoint those who have so much trust in me, including Mr. Governor.” In other words, Professor Omenugha is afraid to fail in her role. If we are to interpret this further, it also means that Professor Kate Omenugha is motivated by a strong personal desire not to disappoint herself. Such a personal commitment to success in leadership is key to delivering results. Little things might seem ordinary, but they count and provide the wind beneath some big things. Omenugha has transformed herself into the marketer in chief of COOU. She wears COOU and speaks COOU. In a recent interview, she said that one of the first things she did after her appointment was to immediately learn the COOU anthem. Little things like this count and matter a great deal. The administrative bloc of the University is now sparkling clean. These developments reinforce a new pattern of positive behavior that builds a new culture of ownership in an organization.
It is now two years, and the first substantive female Vice Chancellor of a Southeast Nigeria-based university is still soldiering on with her 3 Vs. Only recently, the university attracted the European Union Desired Accounting Education Research Grant to the tune of 400 thousand Euros. This is one out of many such grants so far attracted to the university under its current management.
Yet, expectations remain high. The question now is whether Professor Kate Omenugha will explore more grounds or maintain the status quo, which already looks good for a two-year record. This challenge is already on.
Image: Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, (L) and her predecessor, Professor Greg Nwakoby (R)
Credit: Ebuka Onyekwelu, December 5, 2023.
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