PROF. KATE AZUKA OMENUGHA FLAGS OFF CONVOCATION ACTIVITIES WITH PRESS CONFERENCE

The much anticipated Convocation Week at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University has officially commenced with a press conference delivered by the Vice Chancellor, Kate Azuka Omenugha, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Vice Chancellor’s Conference Room.

The briefing marked the formal launch of what the institution has aptly described as a Diplomatic Convocation, setting the tone for a week of intellectually engaging and globally oriented activities. Addressing members of the press, the Vice Chancellor outlined the comprehensive schedule of events beginning with the Founder’s Day/4th Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Memorial Lecture slated for Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The lecture will be delivered by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Mr. Gautier Mignot, while the Convocation Lecture on Friday, April 24, will be handled by the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Mr. Michal Cygan, on the theme “Building Bridges for Sustainable Development.”

Prof. Kate Omenugha emphasized that the array of activities scheduled for the week is a clear reflection of the university’s enduring ideals, its evolving identity, and its strategic vision for the future. She noted that the choice of speakers and themes is deliberate, aligning with the institution’s commitment to fostering international collaboration, and sustainable development.

Highlighting the university’s developmental strides, the Vice Chancellor reiterated the centrality of her administration’s “3Vs”Values, Viability, and Visibility as the driving force behind the institution’s transformation. She stressed the need to uphold academic integrity, protect students from exploitation, and instill strong ethical values that will shape them into responsible leaders.

Calling on stakeholders, particularly the people of Anambra State, Prof. Kate Omenugha urged greater investment in the growth of the state-owned university. She pointed to pressing infrastructural challenges, citing the Department of Nursing Sciences where over one thousand applicants sought admission in the 2025/2026 academic session, but only about 130 could be accommodated due to limited facilities.

In a passionate appeal, the Vice Chancellor also encouraged women across Anambra State and beyond to embrace self-belief and leadership, affirming that excellence and achievement are not gender-bound. She acknowledged the contributions of Her Excellency Dr. Nonye Soludo in advancing the cause of women in the state.

Prof. Kate Omenugha further commended the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for his unwavering support toward the institution. She highlighted key infrastructural interventions, including the renovation of the Uli Gate, construction of a 4.2km access road, reconstruction of the Igbariam substation, and the installation of Solution WiFi, all of which have significantly enhanced the university’s operational capacity.

Responding to questions from journalists on issues ranging from global ranking to staff discipline, digital learning, and climate sustainability, The Vice Chancellor disclosed that the university is strategically positioned to rank among the top 10 in Nigeria and within the top 1,000 globally within the next five years. She noted that this ambition is particularly significant given that the institution was previously unranked before her administration began in 2023.

On academic expansion, she revealed that plans are already underway for the establishment of the university’s first Business School, alongside the strengthening of specialized centers such as the Centre for Enterprise and Business, which has begun attracting private sector support for infrastructural development.

Addressing environmental sustainability, Prof. Omenugha affirmed the university’s commitment to climate conscious initiatives. She referenced the tree planting campaign launched in 2024, noting that its long-term impact will become increasingly evident over time. She also announced the introduction of a Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration who doubles as Deputy Vice Chancellor for Climate and Environmental Sustainability, an indication of the institution’s proactive stance in addressing environmental concerns.

Above all, The Vice Chancellor called on members of the university community to embody true leadership, cultivate emotional intelligence, and remain steadfast in their collective commitment to advancing the institution.

As Convocation Week unfolds, the university community and the general public are encouraged to stay engaged and participate actively in the series of events that promise to showcase excellence, legacy, and global relevance.

Stay tuned for further updates.

©️ COOUNews, 2026.