COOU SAFETY UNIT SEEKS FIRE SERVICE PARTNERSHIP, SECURES PROPOSED STUDENT FIRE MARSHALS.

The Head of the Students Accident, Emergency and Safety Unit, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam Campus, Dr. Afamnede Godfrey Oguechuo, has sought a strategic partnership with the Anambra State Fire Service to strengthen fire safety and emergency response within the University community.

Dr. Afamnede made the proposal during a meeting with the Commander of the Anambra State Fire Service, Engr. Chiketa Chukwudi Emmanuel, where he emphasized the need for the University to be accorded special attention in the Fire Service's emergency response network.

He noted that students remain particularly vulnerable during fire outbreaks due to limited knowledge of appropriate emergency procedures, stressing the need for a direct communication link between the University and the Fire Service to facilitate prompt response to emergencies.

Responding, Engr. Chiketa welcomed the proposal and disclosed that the Fire Service already maintains a similar arrangement with Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), including a standby fire service van within the University community and its environs.

Dr. Afamnede expressed interest in replicating the arrangement at COOU, noting that the University's Student Safety Marshals could serve as a first point of contact after undergoing appropriate training.

The Fire Service Commander further offered to engage the University's Student Safety Marshals in intensive fire safety and emergency response training, potentially leading to their certification as Fire Marshals.

Dr. Afamnede appreciated the Commander for the proposed collaboration and invited him to the forthcoming luncheon with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, in commemoration of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, themed “Remembering Lives, Promoting Safety,” scheduled for 17th November 2026.

The Commander accepted the invitation and indicated that, subject to the completion of the proposed training, the Student Fire Service Marshals could be inaugurated during the event.

© COOUNewS, 2026.