“YOU BECAME VICE-CHANCELLOR BECAUSE YOU WERE THE BEST” — GOV. SOLUDO REAFFIRMS MERIT BEHIND PROF. OMENUGHA’S APPOINTMENT

Anambra State Governor and Visitor to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has reaffirmed that the appointment of Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, as the University’s fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor was based solely on merit, competence, and academic excellence. The Governor made the declaration while addressing dignitaries at the Thanksgiving Mass marking Prof. Omenugha’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor and the 70th birthday celebration of her husband, Noble Dr. Michael Cosmos Omenugha, held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Nnobi, on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Dispelling speculations that the appointment was influenced by favouritism or political considerations, Governor Soludo stated unequivocally that Prof. Omenugha emerged through a transparent and merit-driven selection process. In his words, “You became the Vice-Chancellor because you were the best to be appointed Vice-Chancellor.” He stressed that his administration has remained committed to rewarding excellence, insisting that Nigeria’s quest for sustainable development can only be achieved when merit is consistently placed above every other consideration. “One thing I always talked about is that we only go for the best,” the Governor remarked.

Explaining the rigorous process that informed his decision, Governor Soludo disclosed that after receiving the list of recommended candidates for the position, he personally examined their academic profiles. According to him, he visited Google Scholar to evaluate the research productivity and scholarly impact of the candidates. He revealed that the first recommended candidate had recorded only 37 academic citations, while Prof. Omenugha, who was then serving as Acting Vice-Chancellor, had amassed over 840 citations, demonstrating a significantly stronger research footprint and academic influence.

The Governor noted that such an outstanding academic record made the choice unmistakably clear, emphasizing that it would have been difficult to overlook a scholar with such remarkable contributions to knowledge and global research visibility. He commended Prof. Omenugha for her impressive academic credentials, describing her as a distinguished scholar whose achievements continue to bring honour not only to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University but also to Anambra State. Reiterating his confidence in her leadership, he declared, “We went for the best, and you are the best.”

Governor Soludo’s remarks drew applause from the congregation and dignitaries in attendance, serving as a powerful affirmation of the University’s commitment to excellence under Prof. Omenugha’s leadership. His statement also reinforced the ideals of meritocracy, integrity, and academic distinction, values that continue to define the administration’s vision for the advancement of higher education in Anambra State and align with COOU’s philosophy of Values, Viability, and Visibility.

©️COOUNewS, 2026