Soludo Inaugurates COOU Governing Council, Charges Members to Advance Academic Excellence and Research
By Chizoba Njaka
At the Light House, Awka, on June 13, the Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, formally inaugurated the 8th Governing Council of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, urging the newly constituted body to elevate the institution’s academic standards, research output, and overall competitiveness.
Addressing members of the council during the inauguration ceremony, Gov. Soludo emphasized that the university must not only bear a distinguished name but also exemplify excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and service.
He charged the council, under the leadership of Chairman and Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Peter A. Onwualu, to pursue policies and initiatives that will strengthen academic quality, promote innovation, and position the institution among globally recognised centres of learning and research.
The governor expressed appreciation to the council’s external members, including Igwe Chris Oranu Chidume, Prof. O. J. Ogbuagu, Chief Christopher Ndubuisi, and AIG Chris Ezike (Rtd.), for accepting the responsibility of serving on the governing council.
Gov. Soludo further underscored the importance of a strong working relationship between the council and the university’s Vice-Chancellor, noting that such collaboration is essential for aligning the institution with international best practices and the developmental aspirations of Anambra State.
Reaffirming his expectations, the governor urged the council to place academic excellence at the forefront of its mandate and to work closely with the university administration in advancing the state’s vision for a globally competitive higher education system. He expressed confidence in the leadership of Prof. Onwualu and the capacity of the council to achieve its objectives.
Gov. Soludo maintained that the continued growth and transformation of COOU remain integral to the state’s broader development agenda, stressing that a strong and thriving university is critical to the realization of a livable, prosperous, and progressive Anambra State.