COOU COLLEGE OF MEDICINE LAUDS PROF. KATE OMENUGHA, SEEKS SUPPORT ON KEY ISSUES

The Management and staff of the College of Medicine, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), on Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, at the Vice Chancellor’s Conference Room, Igbariam Campus. The visit was aimed at appreciating the Vice Chancellor’s continued support while also engaging her on key issues affecting the College.

Present at the meeting were the three Deputy Vice Chancellors: Prof. Anselm Nweke (DVC Administration and Environmental Sustainability), Prof. Obiora Ejiofor (DVC Academics), and Prof. Sylvia Okonkwo (DVC Uli Campus and Development Affairs), as well as the Ag. Bursar, Dr. Nath Udezo. The delegation from the College of Medicine was led by the Provost, Prof. Lawrence Ikeako, alongside Deans and Heads of Departments within the College.

In his address, the Provost, Prof. Ikeako, expressed deep appreciation to the Vice Chancellor for her immense commitment to the growth and development of the College of Medicine. He highlighted several challenges currently faced by the College, including issues relating to students’ logbooks, library facilities, and inadequate classrooms, and appealed for the Vice Chancellor’s intervention.

Also speaking, the HOD Anatomy, Dr. Stanley Elemuo, raised concerns over cases of students allegedly forging Remita payment receipts to deceive examiners. He urged the University Management to take decisive steps to curb the malpractice. Furthermore, Dr. Amaechi Nwachukwu of the Department of Surgery drew attention to matters concerning staff welfare and called for improved support structures.

Responding, the Vice Chancellor warmly welcomed the delegation and commended the Provost and staff of the College for their dedication and professionalism. She described Prof. Ikeako as “the most supportive, most active and most swagger Provost,” applauding his leadership style. Addressing the issues raised, Prof. Omenugha assured the College of Management’s commitment to resolving challenges relating to logbooks, classrooms, manuals and dues, urging staff to work harmoniously and support one another in achieving institutional goals.

On the issue of students forging Remita payments, the Vice Chancellor stated that firm disciplinary action must be taken to deter such illegal acts. She emphasized that one decisive action would serve as a deterrent to others, stressing that the University would not tolerate practices that normalize illegality. Concerning staff welfare, she reaffirmed that the wellbeing of COOU staff remains a top priority of her administration, expressing confidence in the continued support of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo toward the University.

Prof. Omenugha also highlighted some ongoing developmental strides under her leadership, particularly the “Safe Campus Initiative,” which has ensured the security of the university’s generator houses. She revealed that sixteen transformers have been secured and installed, leading to the restoration of stable electricity supply across the campuses.

Speaking on behalf of the students, the President of COOUMSA (College of Medicine Students’ Association), Comrd. Valerian Okoye, appreciated the Vice Chancellor for her transformational leadership, especially the rehabilitation of campus hostels, which he described as a major attraction on campus. He appealed for sustained support and assured her of the students’ loyalty and cooperation.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Chinyerem Nwachukwu, after which the Vice Chancellor was presented with a birthday gift in celebration of her recent birthday on 30th January. The event ended on a joyful note with the singing of birthday songs and a group photograph.

©️COOUNewS, 2026