From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Anambra State governor, Prof. Charles Soludo has inaugurated the eighth Governing Council of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), tasking the newly appointed members with the rigorous mandate of institutional reform and the pursuit of academic excellence.
Gov Soludo in his address to the council members at the Light House in Awka, acknowledged the gravity of their appointment, emphasizing that their tenure arrives at a pivotal moment for 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.
Gov Soludo also addressed the issue of systemic challenges that necessitated the transition, noting that the preceding council had remained dormant for reasons he deemed “inexplicable.”
He expressed particular concern regarding the integrity of recent academic recruitment processes noting that he got the full report and.l I had to do his own due diligence.
Prof. Soludo however expressed full confidence in the new leadership to reverse these trends, stating, “With Prof.Peter Onwualu as your Chairman and Pro-Chancellor, your problems are solved. Just get going. Take the university to realize its manifest potential. With the calibre of men and women of such knowledge, expertise, and ‘fire in the belly,’ you will succeed.”
Prof. Onwualu while speaking on behalf of the members said, “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.”
The council is chaired by Prof. Peter A. Onwualu (Pro-Chancellor), supported by a team of distinguished professionals and academic leaders including, Igwe Dr. Chris Oranu Chidume, Prof. O. J. Ogbuagu, Chief Christopher Ndubuisi and AIG Chris Ezike (Rtd).
Others are, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha– Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A. C. Nweke– Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration & Environmental Sustainability), Prof. Obiora Ejiofor– Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) and Prof. Sylvia Okonkwo– Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development & Uli Campus Affairs).
Prof. Matthias O. Ananti, Prof. Ogonna Ifebi, Prof. Nkeiruka Orji, Prof. MaryJude Igbodika and Dr. Chukwunonso Ekesiobi, are members.
Gov Soludo inaugurates 8th governing council of COOU
