By Ovat Abeng
The Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegewu Ojukwu University COOU Igbariam, Anambra State, Prof Kate Azuka Omenugha, has appealed to Anambra Journalists to prioritize fact-checking, balance, and accuracy in their reportage.
Omenugha made the appeal while briefing journalists at the Varsity VC’s conference hall on Thursday, July 3th, 2026 in reaction to a publication indicating that the University is currently facing scrutiny from three major law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies—the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigeria Police Force—over separate allegations linked to the institution’s administration under her able watch.
They allegations claimed that several projects, including a staff biometric capturing exercise, solar street-light installations at the College of Medicine, Amaku, Awka, and renovation works at the university’s gatehouse in Igbariam, were awarded to or executed by persons allegedly connected to Vice-Chancellor’s family.
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The VC while describing the allegations as unverifiable and false, urged journalists, especially, in Anambra State to always balance their reports before making it a public consumption.
She also described the sponsors of the publication as enemies of the University and the government of Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
According to her, I am not saying Journalists should not report any information worth published in their disposal, but that should be done ethically, especially, in allegation cases.
“A well trained press person should maintain objectivity, accuracy and balancing while discharging he/her reportage responsibility to avoid emotionally driven narratives that has become a serious threat to the profession.
“The originators of the publication who were sacked by the Varsity management for various corrupt practices are doing so to defend their shames, failure and to discredit my uncommon achievements of two years in office as the first female VIce Chancellor of this great University.
“I am aware that they are in court to challenged the sacked which is normal, but before then, they were giving 30-days to appear before the University Council for in-house discussion, if they feel unhappy about the action but they failed to do so.
Now, you Journalists are criticising me for sacking corrupt lecturers instead of encouraging my effort towards a better society through good projections and balance reportage.
“They can’t distract me because I came fully prepared to make a positive change with my 3Vs (Viability, Visibility Value) agenda for the varsity.
They are fighting to removed me as the Vice Chancellor of the University because of my constant campaign against students molestation, intimidation and harassment, but the God I serve would put them to shame.
“I can’t decent low to their level because I am a brand. I can’t give dignity to lies. I would not response to platter liars.
“I was appointed by governor Soludo on a rescue mission.
“My major priority now is to make Chukwuemeka Odumegewu Ojukwu University among the third best Universities in Nigeria and between 1-10 best in the World and not to engaged in unproductive issues.
“What I have achieved in two years as VC under review, no Vice Chancellor have achieved it in 25-years of the University’s existence, and I will achieve more in line with governor Soludo’s vision of making Anambra a livable and prosperous State in Nigeria.
So, I urged you journalists now that you are properly informed to do the needful by telling the public the truth about the development, Omenugha advocated.
The briefing also featured media tour to all the completed and ongoing projects within the University.
