SUG ELECTION: WE HAVE BROKEN THE JINX OF SIX YEARS WITHOUT A DULY ELECTED STUDENTS’ UNION GOVERNMENT — PROF. OMENUGHA

The Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, has described the successful conduct of the university’s Students’ Union Government (SUG) election as a historic achievement, declaring that her administration has finally broken the jinx of over six years without a duly elected student leadership. She made this known while addressing students, staff, and election observers at the Situation Room during the SUG election held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the successful conduct of the election demonstrates that with determination, vision, and commitment, no challenge is insurmountable. “Today we have broken the jinx of six years plus without a duly elected SUG election,” she stated, adding that the milestone reflects the university’s resolve to strengthen democratic participation and student representation. Prof. Omenugha emphasized that the achievement stands as a proof to the fact that nothing is impossible when stakeholders work together towards a common goal.

The election attracted widespread attention from student leaders across the country, including observers from both the national and Anambra State chapters of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), as well as the Students’ Union President of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). Impressed by the transparent and seamless conduct of the exercise, the visiting student leaders openly commended the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership and vision, raising three resounding “Gbosa” in her honour and one emphatic “Ehyaa” in solidarity with her commitment to advancing the university.

Prof. Omenugha further disclosed that when concerns surrounding insecurity arose following the scheduling of the election, her administration swiftly adopted a technology-driven solution to safeguard the process. She explained that the university opted for an online voting system, enabling students to participate in the election from the comfort of their homes without fear, intimidation, or logistical barriers. The initiative, she noted, ensured inclusiveness while guaranteeing transparency and credibility throughout the electoral exercise.

The successful e-voting exercise not only restored democratic governance within the student community but also reinforced COOU’s ongoing transition from analogue to digital operations. Widely regarded as a landmark achievement, the election reflects the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to innovation, transparency, and student engagement, while advancing the institution’s 3Vs mantra of Values, Visibility, and Viability. With the emergence of a duly elected SUG leadership, stakeholders have described the development as the dawn of a new era in student unionism at the Now University and of the Future.

©️COOUNewS, 2026 S