Chinedum Elekwachi
Anambra state Governor Chukwuma Soludo has praised management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam for finding his wife, Nonye Soludo worthy for conferment of an honorary Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa).
The governor stated this during the university’s 25th convocation ceremony at Igbariam.
On the occasion, COOU honoured Governor Soludo’s wife and others with Doctorate Degree in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the institution and humanity.
The Governor said he had queried the choice of his wife for the honour until the institution gave him satisfactory answers.
“Part of what they convinced me with is the massive impact she’s made through her NGO which she’s been doing before becoming First Lady.
“This she has domesticated in the state with her pet project, “Healthy living with Nonye Soludo.”
“More importantly is the exercise aspect which I know most of you have been dragged into.
She uses me to carry out the experiment in the house and keeps dragging me to exercise.
Governor said his wife with the motor, “exercise dirty and eat clean” always insists he sweats anytime she’s around.
“Same is applicable with that of food. She keeps selecting the food I’ll eat to keep living healthy. The same she does with our children.
“Welcome to my club Ndị Anambra because I can see the campaign is getting everywhere across the state. With this doctorate, you’re now empowering her to explode.
Soludo struck by pap discovery
Governor Soludo confessed that the pap his wife discovered after the state’s disturbing rating in child malnutrition struck him most.
He said the statistics worried his wife hence her resolve to do something about it.
“She conferred with her nutritionist and produced special recipe of pap.
“Few weeks ago, she told me they’ve experimented with about 12,000 kids and that more than 50% of them turned from red to green.
“Maybe she’ll document that feat for her PhD and not just that of honorary.”
The Governor further lauded founding fathers of the institution, particularly former Governor Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju who established the institution.
He praised Mbadinuju’s foresight in founding the institution, which has become a source of pride for the state, but regretted he had not received adequate recognition.
“This 25th anniversary of the university we are celebrating today was the brainchild of a remarkable man. I believe Anambra has not done enough to celebrate him.
“We will find a meaningful way to immortalize Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju the founder of this university,” he assured.
Commitment to globally competitive education
Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh restated her ministry’s willingness to ensure education in the state remained globally competitive, inclusive and innovation driven.
“Our investments in digital learning, teacher development and infrastructural renewal across all levels of education are bearing remarkable fruits,” she said.
While charging the graduands to be catalyst for positive change, Chuma-Udeh advised them to always remember they were part of a community who believed in their potential to uplift humanity.
“You are the embodiment of our collective aspirations. Your years of hardwork, perseverance and intellectual growth within these walls have prepared you to lead and innovative in a dynamic world,” she stated.
Earlier, Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenugha described the occasion as unique, having broken the jinx of five years gap.
She expressed joy that the institution which started with only 500 students could now boast of over 23,000 students.
Omenugha had earlier led a high-powered delegation from COOU to personally deliver the official award request letter to the Anambra First Lady in a closed-door ceremony.
