Soludo Inaugurates New Governing Council for Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Demands Sweeping Reforms

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has inaugurated the eighth Governing Council of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), charging members of the newly constituted body to undertake far-reaching reforms aimed at restoring institutional integrity, strengthening governance and elevating the university's academic standing.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Light House in Awka, where the governor described the assignment before the council as both demanding and historic, stressing that the future direction of the state-owned university would depend largely on the decisions taken by its new leadership.

Addressing the council members, Soludo said they were assuming office at a critical moment in the institution's history and urged them to place the long-term interests of the university above personal considerations.

"You have a lot of heavy lifting to do," the governor said.

"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 also raised concerns about governance challenges that had affected the institution in recent years, noting that the previous governing council had remained largely inactive for reasons he described as difficult to justify.

He further expressed reservations about aspects of recent academic recruitment exercises and indicated that the state government had undertaken independent reviews of developments within the university.

According to him, the institution requires a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability and academic excellence if it is to compete effectively with leading universities across the country.

Soludo, however, expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated council possesses the experience, competence and leadership capacity needed to reposition the institution.

He particularly commended the appointment of renowned academic and engineer, Professor Peter Onwualu, as Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council.

"With Professor Peter Onwualu as your Chairman and Pro-Chancellor, your problems are solved. Just get going. Take the university to realise its manifest potential," the governor stated.

"With the calibre of men and women of such knowledge, expertise and fire in the belly, you will succeed."

Responding on behalf of the council, Professor Onwualu pledged that the new body would usher in a new era of institutional transformation and stronger governance.

"This will be a different Council," he said.

"We intend to make Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University 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."

He also appealed for sustained support from the state government, saying meaningful reforms would require collaboration between the university leadership and government authorities.

The newly inaugurated council comprises academics, professionals and public figures drawn from various sectors.

Aside from Professor Onwualu as Chairman and Pro-Chancellor, other members include Igwe Dr. Chris Oranu Chidume, Professor O.J. Ogbuagu, Chief Christopher Ndubuisi and retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Chris Ezike.

Also serving on the council are the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration and Environmental Sustainability), Professor A.C. Nweke; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Obiora Ejiofor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development and Uli Campus Affairs), Professor Sylvia Okonkwo.

Other members include Professor Matthias Ananti, Professor Ogonna Ifebi, Professor Nkeiruka Orji, Professor MaryJude Igbodika and Dr. Chukwunonso Ekesiobi.

The inauguration signals the beginning of a new chapter for Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University as the institution seeks to address governance challenges, strengthen academic standards and enhance its competitiveness within Nigeria's higher education system.