By Ovat Abeng
The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), has advocated for the establishment of Surveying department at the Chukwuemeka Odumegewu Ojukwu University COOU Igbariam Anambra State.
The Institution made the request when they paid a courtesy visit to the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Igbariam Campus, where both parties explored areas of collaboration aimed at advancing academic excellence and professional development.
The visit also served as an opportunity for the professional body to congratulate Prof. Omenugha on her appointment as the University’s fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor.
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Present during the visit were the University’s principal officers, including the DVC (Administration and Environmental Sustainability), Prof. Anselem Nweke; the DVC (Academics), Prof. Obiora Ejiofor; the DVC (Uli Campus and Development Affairs), Prof. Sylvia Okonkwo; and the Ag. University Librarian, Dr. Uche Enweani.
Leading the delegation, the Anambra State Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Surv. Chief Gabby Okeke, introduced members of the delegation and commended the Vice-Chancellor for her warm reception and visionary leadership.
He noted that the Institution was eager to partner with the University and passionately appealed for the establishment of a Department of Surveying in COOU, expressing confidence in the Vice-Chancellor’s ability to turn the vision into reality.
The delegation also presented gifts to the Vice-Chancellor as a mark of appreciation and goodwill.
Responding, Prof. Omenugha appreciated the delegation for the thoughtful visit and congratulatory gesture. She acknowledged the commitment of the University’s management team, particularly commending the contributions of the University’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Harrison Madubueze, and other principal officers, whom she described as a formidable team driving the institution’s transformation. Reaffirming her administration’s guiding philosophy of Values, Viability, and Visibility (3Vs), she welcomed the delegation to the Now University and of the Future.
Addressing the proposal for a Department of Surveying, the Vice-Chancellor encouraged the professional body to prepare a comprehensive proposal to facilitate the necessary institutional processes. She emphasized that such a proposal would provide the foundation for engaging the University’s Senate and other relevant authorities toward the establishment of the department. Prof. Omenugha assured the delegation of the University’s readiness to embrace meaningful partnerships capable of expanding its academic offerings and strengthening professional education in line with national development priorities.
The visit concluded on a warm and optimistic note with both parties expressing their commitment to sustained collaboration for the advancement of higher education in Anambra State. A group photograph marked the end of the courtesy visit, symbolizing the beginning of what promises to be a productive partnership between Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors in pursuit of academic innovation, institutional growth, and professional excellence.
