Emma Elekwa
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state has announced the renaming of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Uli campus after former Governor of the state, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju.
Soludo disclosed this during the institution’s 2024/2025 Convocation Ceremony at the Igbariam campus.
He paid glowing tribute to Mbadinuju, who was the first visitor and pioneer founder of the university.
He also announced provision of full academic sponsorship for 37 first-class graduates of the University as well as a N4million gift for the overall best graduating student.
The Governor confirmed that the scholarship covers both Master’s and PhD programmes at any Nigerian public university.
“These initiatives are cornerstone of my administration’s strategy to bolster the state’s intellectual capital and reward academic excellence,” he said.
Soludo challenged the graduands to look beyond their academic achievements and embrace their roles as “beacons of hope.”
Invoking the lyrical plea of the late legendary singer Sunny Okosun’s “Which Way Nigeria,” the Governor urged the class of 2025 to lead the charge in changing the national narrative.
“There is a pressing need for this generation to play an active role in steering the country back toward economic stability.
Worthy representatives
“You must strive to be worthy representatives of this institution by contributing to the building of a better Nigeria,” he added.
Addressing internal administrative matters, the Governor further signaled his commitment to staff welfare.
He disclosed plans to enter formal discussions with the university’s management and governing council to establish a clearly defined financial agreement and a sustainable support framework for faculty and staff.
In his inaugural address, Bishop Matthew Kukah who was formally installed as the Chancellor of the University expressed gratitude to the state government for the appointment and commended the ongoing advancements within the institution.
He encouraged the alumni to maintain a lifelong connection with their alma mater through resource mobilization and development initiatives.
Echoing the theme of progress, the substantive Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof Kate Omenugha, noted that the 16th convocation was a historic milestone.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized that holding the ceremony today signifies a successful restoration of the tradition of yearly convocations.
For the first time in the university’s 25-year history, the event hosted two foreign ambassadors.
The event concluded with a clear mandate from the state leadership: the pursuit of academic excellence must be matched by a dedication to national transformation.
