Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has inaugurated the Eighth Governing Council of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), charging its members to embark on comprehensive institutional reforms aimed at repositioning the university for academic excellence, transparency, and national relevance.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the Light House in Awka, marked a significant step in the administration’s commitment to strengthening higher education and restoring confidence in governance structures within state-owned institutions.
Addressing the newly appointed council members, Governor Soludo described their assignment as a demanding but critical responsibility that comes at a defining moment in the university’s history.
“You have a lot of heavy lifting to do,” the Governor stated. “I am confident that with the new leadership of the Council, you will provide nothing short of excellence. Work with the greatest level of integrity, conscientiousness, and passion. Consider what is best for the university and the generations unborn; we are all birds of passage. What is important is, while you serve, what changed for the better? That is your guiding principle.”
The Governor emphasized that the future of the institution depends on visionary leadership, accountability, and a commitment to global best practices in university administration.
In a candid assessment of the challenges confronting the institution, Soludo expressed concern over the inactivity of the previous governing council, which he noted had remained largely dormant for reasons he described as “inexplicable.” He also raised questions about the credibility of some recent recruitment exercises within the university, revealing that his administration had undertaken an independent review of reports concerning the institution.
According to him, restoring confidence in governance and ensuring merit-based administration would be among the key priorities of the new council.
Governor Soludo, however, expressed strong confidence in the capacity of the newly constituted governing body to reverse the trend and drive meaningful transformation within the university.
“With Professor Peter Onwualu as your Chairman and Pro-Chancellor, your problems are solved. Just get going. Take the university to realize its manifest potential. With the calibre of men and women of such knowledge, expertise, and fire in the belly, you will succeed,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the council, the newly appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Professor Peter A. Onwualu, assured the Governor and the people of Anambra State of the council’s determination to reposition the institution as one of Nigeria’s leading universities.
“This will be a different Council,” Professor Onwualu declared. “We intend to make COOU one of the top three state universities in the country. The problem of weak institutions is a Nigerian problem, but we will make COOU a very strong university. We covet the Governor’s support to make this happen.”
He noted that the council would focus on strengthening institutional governance, improving academic standards, promoting research and innovation, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering partnerships capable of accelerating the university’s growth and competitiveness.
Education stakeholders have described the inauguration as a fresh beginning for the university, expressing optimism that the new leadership will address longstanding challenges and unlock the institution’s vast potential.
The Eighth Governing Council is chaired by Professor Peter A. Onwualu, who serves as Pro-Chancellor, and comprises a distinguished team of academics, professionals, and public servants. Members include Igwe Dr. Chris Oranu Chidume, Professor O. J. Ogbuagu, Chief Christopher Ndubuisi, and retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Chris Ezike.
Other members are Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, Vice-Chancellor of the university; Professor A. C. Nweke, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration and Environmental Sustainability); Professor Obiora Ejiofor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics); and Professor Sylvia Okonkwo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development and Uli Campus Affairs).
Observers believe that the success of the new council will be measured not only by its ability to resolve existing administrative and governance concerns but also by its capacity to transform Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University into a centre of academic excellence capable of competing with the best institutions in Nigeria and beyond.
With Governor Soludo’s administration placing renewed emphasis on educational development and institutional accountability, expectations are high that the newly inaugurated council will chart a new course for COOU and leave a lasting legacy for future generations of students and scholars.
