FG/ASUU AGREEMENT: OMENUGHA ASSURES COOU NON-TEACHING STAFF OF INCLUSION IN IMPLEMENTATION

The Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, has assured the university’s non-teaching staff that they are included in the implementation of the Federal Government/Academic Staff Union of Universities (FG/ASUU) agreement, following Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s approval for its implementation from 2027.

Prof. Omenugha gave the assurance on Tuesday, 13th October 2026, when leaders of the Non-Teaching Staff Unions in the University paid her a courtesy visit to seek clarification on how the implementation would affect their members. Addressing their concerns, the Vice-Chancellor urged the union leaders and their members to remain calm, assuring them that Governor Soludo has the welfare and interests of staff of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University at heart. The assurance was corroborated by the Acting Bursar of the University, Dr. Nath Udezo.

Prof. Omenugha encouraged the University community to appreciate the Governor for the decision, describing it as a significant development for the institution and its workforce. Speaking more broadly on her administration’s priorities, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Omenugha reaffirmed that staff welfare remains central to her leadership, stressing that her responsibility to the University would be incomplete without tangible improvements in the well-being of its workforce.

She also identified the fencing of the University’s campuses and the expansion of green areas as key priorities, underscoring the need to strengthen campus security, improve the physical environment and sustain the University’s commitment to a cleaner and greener campus. Furthermore, Prof. Omenugha expressed her desire to see every member of staff become ICT-compliant, noting that the University’s digital transformation requires a workforce equipped with the skills to function effectively in an increasingly technology-driven academic environment.

In their remarks, the union leaders pledged their continued support for the Vice-Chancellor’s administration, commending her leadership and commitment to the University’s development. They also expressed appreciation for her openness and willingness to address their concerns.

However, in her characteristic manner, Prof. Omenugha redirected their appreciation to Governor Soludo, urging them to acknowledge the Governor’s role in approving the implementation and supporting the welfare of the University’s workforce.

Those present during the courtesy visit were:

1. Comrade John Nwankwo — Chairman, Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), COOU.

2. Comrade Maureen Ifeako — Chairperson, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), COOU.

3. Comrade Elosiuba Ugochukwu Maxwell — Secretary, NASU, COOU.

4. Comrade Obiudu Stella — Treasurer, SSANU, COOU.

5. Comrade Uche Okpalaike — Secretary, SSANU, COOU.