MISS ADIEMEKA CHISOM RACHEAL SET TO BECOME COOU VICE-CHANCELLOR FOR A DAY AS PROF. KATE AZUKA OMENUGHA DECORATES HER WINNER OF LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE

The Young African Girls Conference (YAGC), in collaboration with the Management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), on Saturday, October 24, 2026, declared Miss Adiemeka Chisom Racheal the winner of the “Becoming a Vice-Chancellor for a Day Challenge.”

Aimed at promoting the Girl Child and inspiring young women to aspire to leadership positions without limitations, the initiative seeks to instil in girls the confidence to believe in themselves, challenge restrictive perceptions and recognise that no position is beyond their reach, irrespective of their gender.

Recall that a few weeks ago, the University announced the challenge, inviting female students across all undergraduate levels to submit applications for the opportunity, sponsored by YAGC in collaboration with COOU. The initiative reflects a deliberate effort to encourage young women to cultivate self-confidence, embrace their leadership potential and aspire to positions of responsibility in every sphere of society.

Following the announcement, a four-member panel was constituted to conduct a rigorous assessment of the applications submitted by interested students. The exercise eventually produced two outstanding contenders: Miss Obianom Chidi Angel, a 300-level student of the Department of Pharmacy, and Miss Adiemeka Chisom Racheal, a 300-level student of Medicine and Surgery.

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, following a final assessment by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, and Prof. Njideka Ebisi, Miss Adiemeka Chisom Racheal emerged as the winner of the challenge, while Miss Obianom Chidi Angel secured the position of first runner-up.

Consequently, on a date to be announced by the University, Miss Adiemeka Chisom Racheal will assume the role of COOU Vice-Chancellor for a Day in an exercise designed to offer her first-hand exposure to university administration, executive leadership and institutional governance.

The exercise will feature several activities intended to give the student an immersive experience of the responsibilities associated with the office of the Vice-Chancellor. These include:

1. Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha will vacate her office for the day, allowing Miss Adiemeka Chisom Racheal to occupy the position of Vice-Chancellor for the duration of the exercise.

2. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor will accompany and work alongside the student throughout the day, providing guidance to the demands of university leadership.

3. She will receive courtesy visits from two Deans, two Heads of Department and representatives of the Students’ Union Government.

4. She will embark on an inspection tour of ongoing projects across the University, accompanied by her entourage.

5. A significant media presence will document the exercise and heavily publicise her assumption of the Vice-Chancellor's role for the day.

6. She will participate in an interview as the Vice Chancellor with the University's radio station.

7. She will engage with members of the press and respond to questions on her experience and the significance of the initiative.

8. She will have full physical access to and occupy the Vice-Chancellor's office for the day.

9. A sumptuous lunch will be organised in her honour as part of the day's activities.

10. Her parents will be received during a special courtesy visit on the same day.

In addition to these activities, Miss Adiemeka Chisom Racheal will receive gifts, including a refrigerator and a backpack, among other items associated with her victory in the challenge.

It is worthy of note that Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha's decision to vacate her office for a female student as part of an initiative specifically designed to promote the Girl Child represents a significant expression of institutional support for female leadership and ambition.

Congratulations to Miss Adiemeka Chisom Racheal on her well-deserved victory. May this opportunity inspire her and other young women to pursue their ambitions with confidence and an unshakeable belief in their capacity to lead.

© COOUNEWS, 2026.