“PROF. OMENUGHA COURAGEOUSLY SHUT DOWN 486 MIRACLE CENTRES” — GOV. SOLUDO COMMENDS COOU VICE-CHANCELLOR’S EDUCATION REFORMS

Anambra State Governor and Visitor to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has paid glowing tribute to the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, for her courageous and far-reaching reforms in the education sector, particularly her decisive role in shutting down 486 illegal “miracle centres” during her tenure as Commissioner for Education in Anambra State. The Governor made the commendation while speaking at the Thanksgiving Mass held in honour of Prof. Omenugha’s appointment as the fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor of COOU and the 70th birthday celebration of her husband, Noble Dr. Michael Cosmos Omenugha, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Nnobi.

Recalling one of the defining moments of Prof. Omenugha’s public service, Governor Soludo described the closure of the miracle centres as one of the boldest educational reforms in the history of Anambra State. He noted that the centres had become notorious for promoting examination malpractice and awarding unmerited grades, thereby eroding the integrity of the state’s education system. According to him, Prof. Omenugha demonstrated uncommon courage by confronting the menace head-on despite the enormous pressure and resistance that accompanied the exercise.

The Governor explained that the immediate aftermath of the reform saw a temporary decline in the state’s academic performance, as the artificial pass rates generated through examination malpractice disappeared. However, he noted that the sacrifice soon yielded remarkable results as students embraced hard work, diligence and academic integrity. He revealed that Anambra’s educational performance has since rebounded impressively, rising organically to about 90 percent, a feat he attributed to the solid foundation laid by Prof. Omenugha’s reforms.

Applauding the Vice-Chancellor’s unwavering commitment to excellence, Governor Soludo remarked that her actions restored credibility to the state’s education system and reaffirmed Anambra’s reputation as a centre of academic excellence. Turning to Prof. Omenugha before the congregation, the Governor declared emphatically, “You did it,” in recognition of her determination to uphold standards and place merit above compromise. He described her achievements as a testament to visionary leadership driven by integrity, courage and an uncompromising pursuit of quality.

COOUNewS, 2026