EU Ambassador to Nigeria Arrives Anambra Ahead of COOU Founder’s Day/4th Ojukwu Memorial Lecture .

The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, has arrived in Anambra State ahead of the Founder’s Day and 4th Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Memorial Lecture of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), scheduled for April 22, 2026.

The Ambassador, who will serve as Guest Lecturer for the high-profile event, was received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, alongside Principal Officers of the University. As part of his pre-event engagements, Mr. Mignot visited the Awka Art Museum before proceeding to the Government House, Awka—popularly known as the Light House—for a courtesy call on the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo.

During the visit, the Vice Chancellor formally introduced the Ambassador to the Governor, noting that this year’s Founder’s Day and Convocation activities are strategically themed around diplomacy and global engagement. She emphasized the University’s commitment to positioning itself on the global stage, in alignment with the state government’s vision for educational advancement. Prof. Omenugha reaffirmed that COOU’s growth trajectory is anchored on its core pillars of Values, Viability, and Visibility, expressing confidence in Mr. Mignot’s capacity to deliver on the lecture theme: “Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future: Beyond Rhetorics.”

In his remarks, Mr. Gautier Mignot commended the University for its forward-thinking approach and the relevance of the lecture theme in today’s global context. He highlighted the European Union’s strong commitment to climate action, sustainability, and international collaboration, noting that institutions like COOU play a critical role in driving innovative solutions and shaping future leaders. He expressed his honour to be part of the intellectual discourse and reaffirmed the EU’s interest in strengthening partnerships with Nigerian institutions in areas of education, research, and sustainable development.

Responding, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo warmly welcomed the EU Ambassador to Anambra State and congratulated the University on hosting the Founder’s Day and Memorial Lecture. He reiterated that Anambra is on a progressive path of transformation, with education as a central pillar, and acknowledged COOU’s growing role in supporting the state’s development agenda.

©COOUNewS, 2026