COOU VICE-CHANCELLOR HOLDS STRATEGIC DIALOGUE WITH JAC, REAFFIRMS DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND STAFF WELFARE

The Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, held a strategic engagement with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the University’s trade unions at the Nwazojie Law Auditorium, Igbariam Campus. The interactive meeting provided a platform for open dialogue between the University Management and members of the various staff unions on issues relating to staff development, institutional growth and the University’s ongoing digital transformation agenda.

In his opening remarks, the President of JAC, Comr. John Nwankwo Nkem, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for creating an avenue for frank and constructive engagement. He explained that the meeting was convened to seek clarification on the inclusion of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) competency examination as one of the requirements for the 2026 staff appraisal and promotion exercise. According to him, members of the unions were eager to better understand the rationale behind the policy and engage Management in meaningful dialogue.

Responding, Prof. Omenugha thanked the union leaders and members for their continued cooperation and commitment to the progress of the University. She described the engagement as “a town hall meeting and a family meeting,” stressing that it was designed to provide an opportunity for concerns, questions and differing opinions to be discussed openly in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. She reaffirmed her administration’s belief in consultation, transparency and inclusive decision-making as essential ingredients for institutional advancement.

Explaining the rationale behind the ICT examination, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the world has become a global digital village, making digital literacy an indispensable skill for every modern university workforce. She emphasized that the introduction of the ICT competency requirement was not intended as a punitive measure but as a deliberate strategy to equip staff with the digital skills required to enhance productivity, improve service delivery and position the University for global competitiveness.

She therefore urged members of staff to embrace computer literacy and align themselves with the University’s vision of becoming “the Now University and of the Future.” She also reassured staff that their welfare remained a top priority, revealing that the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Peter A. Onwualu, has continued to engage tirelessly with the Visitor to the University, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, on issues affecting staff welfare, expressing optimism that positive outcomes would soon be realized.

The meeting featured an extensive question-and-answer session during which members of JAC freely raised concerns and sought clarification on various issues affecting the University community. Prof. Omenugha patiently addressed each concern, providing detailed explanations and reaffirming Management’s commitment to maintaining open communication with staff.

The interactive session concluded on a positive note, with both Management and the unions reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening collaboration, promoting institutional excellence and advancing the University’s 3Vs mantra of Values, Viability and Visibility through dialogue, innovation and collective responsibility.

©️COOUNewS, 2026