SOLUDO INAUGURATES COOU’S 8TH GOVERNING COUNCIL, CHARGES MEMBERS TO DRIVE EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION

Anambra State Governor and Visitor to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has inaugurated the institution’s 8th Governing Council, ushering in a new phase of strategic leadership aimed at consolidating the university’s growing reputation as a hub of academic excellence, innovation, and research-driven development.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Light House, Awka, brought together key stakeholders in the education sector and underscored the Soludo administration’s commitment to strengthening higher education in Anambra State. The Governor charged members of the newly constituted Council to provide purposeful leadership, deepen institutional reforms, and work collaboratively with the university management to position COOU among Nigeria’s leading public universities.

Leading the Council as Chairman and Pro-Chancellor is renowned academic and administrator, Prof. Peter A. Onwualu. He is joined by distinguished external members including Igwe Dr. Chris Oranu Chidume, Prof. O.J. Ogbuagu, Chief Christopher Ndubuisi, and AIG Chris Ezike (Rtd). Also serving on the Council are key university officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration and Environmental Sustainability), Prof. Anselem Nweke; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Obiora Ejiofor; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development and Uli Campus Affairs), Prof. Sylvia Okonkwo; and Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Lawrence Ikeakor.

The Council equally comprises elected Senate representatives: Prof. Matthias O. Ananti, Prof. Ogonna Ifebi, Prof. Nkeiruka Orji, Prof. MaryJude Igbodika, and Dr. Chukwunonso Ekesiobi, all of whom bring a wealth of academic and administrative experience to the governing body. Their collective expertise is expected to strengthen policy formulation, institutional governance, and the pursuit of global best practices within the university system.

In his address, Governor Soludo emphasized the critical role of the Governing Council in ensuring stability, accountability, and sustainable growth within the institution. He urged members to support the Vice-Chancellor and management team in advancing reforms that align with the developmental aspirations of Anambra State and the demands of a rapidly evolving global academic environment. Responding on behalf of the Council, Prof. Onwualu pledged the commitment of members to uphold the university’s core values and leverage their diverse experiences to advance COOU’s vision.

The inauguration marks yet another significant milestone in the university’s journey toward greater visibility, viability, and excellence as the Now University and of the Future.

©️COOUNewS, 2026