By Ebuka Onyekwelu, Ph.D
Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, the Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, on Friday, launched UniOjukwu 106.1 FM. The radio station located in the Department of Mass Communications within the Igbariam campus of the university was described as a “training ground” by the Vice Chancellor, who commissioned the radio station. During the event, Professor Omenugha, who also marked her 61st birthday, was joined by her husband, Chief Dr. Michael Omenugha, and members of the university management team.
Speaking just before the radio station was formally opened for use, Professor Omenugha said that the radio station aligns with one of her passions, which is communications, but beyond that, she was convinced that the university community needed a radio station. “When I got into the university, I noticed that we didn’t have a radio station. So, I made up my mind that we will get one because I know the value of a radio station in a university community,” the Vice Chancellor narrated. She also recalled how, at the time, she was the Head of Department of Mass Communications at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and she secured the support of the then Vice Chancellor of the university to build the now popular Unizik FM, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University campus radio.
Professor Omenugha, who thanked the governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo, for modeling the vision the university is running under her leadership, also thanked the governor for kick-starting the payment of minimum wage to members of the staff of the university. The Vice Chancellor also appreciated the Head of Department of Mass Communications, Dr. Gideon Nwafor, describing him as a go-getter.
Charging the students to make the most out of the radio station, Professor Kate Omenugha said that nothing was too much to achieve once the mind has been set to do it. This attitude, she revealed, has been the inspiration behind her drive for excellence in the university, anchored on the three Vs of Value, Viability, and Visibility. According to the Vice Chancellor, “since assuming office, my guiding principle is to build institutions that will outlive everyone.” Reiterating that the radio station serves as a training ground, the Vice Chancellor stated that it will become a hub for media training and one of the best campus radio stations in Nigeria. “Let this station stand as a reminder of what is possible when vision meets commitment,” she said.
The highlight of the event was the address delivered by the Vice Chancellor on the radio in a live broadcast, which was followed by a live interview in the studio, to the delight of both students and staff members of the university.
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