By Ovat Abeng
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has revealed how the Anambra State Government under his watch finally settled for Kate Azuka Omenugha, a Professor of Mass Communication as the 5th substantive Vice Chancellor of the Chukwuemeka Odumegewu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam.
He said he settled for Omenugha because she is the best for the job, her long time experience in education sector and for fighting against examination malpractice including shutting down of over 486 WAEC miracle centers across Secretary Schools in the state during her era as Commissioner for Education.
A development he described her as one of the distinguished Anamberians who are working tirelessly in line with his vision of making Anambra a smart, digital, livable and prosperous State in Nigeria by 2070.
READ ALSO: Cross River Govt trains 221 for Social Intervention, Investment Program
According to the governor who was speaking during a Thanksgiving Mass held at the St Paul Catholic Church Nnobi, on Sunday, July 19th, 2026 as part of activities marking the VC’s anniversary of emerging Vice Chancellor of Ojukwu Varsity/Her husband’s Dr Michael Omenugha (Ichie Obama)’s 70th birthday celebration, the initial plan allegedly hatched by some “powerful individuals,” was to convince me to appoint someone who is still within Newspaper Professorial circle to the coveted position which I bluntly refused..
Recall that Prof Omenugha’s appointment letter was presented to her by then, the Secretary to Anambra State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, at a ceremony held at the Light House, Awka.
The appointment letter was contained in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime.
The statement noted that Professor Omenugha’s confirmation followed her exemplary performance during her tenure as Acting Vice Chancellor, “a period characterised by positive institutional changes and visionary leadership that has positioned COOU for greater academic excellence and innovation”.
“The appointment came after a rigorous interview process, demonstrating the Governor’s commitment to merit-based appointments and ensuring the university continues to thrive under experienced and capable leadership.”
Omenugha had since 2023 been the Acting Vice Chancellor of COOU, after she was appointed by Soludo. The delay in having a substantive Vice Chancellor was as a result of non-constitution of a complete Governing Council in the institution.
Following the reconstitution of the Governing Council of the university, chaired then, by Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, the search for a substantive vice chancellor of the university commenced and later lead to the emergence of Omenugha.
Speaking further, the governor also described the anniversary not merely as a ceremonial obligation, but as “a significant milestone in the continued evolution of the great institution,” noting that it reflects a collective commitment to strengthening the governance structure, traditions, and global standing of Ojukwu Varsity.
The governor emphasised the symbolic and moral weight of the office, stating that “the office of the Vice Chancellor occupies a unique and revered place in our university. It symbolises continuity, dignity, and the enduring values upon which the institution is built.” Beyond ceremony, he noted, the VC serves as the ambassador of the university within the wider society.
He urged the VC to continue to uphold the dignity and tradition of the University, to promote unity among its staff and also to serve as a worthy ambassador of the institution both within and outside Nigeria.
In her welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Omenugha, expressed profound gratitude to the Governor, the Governing Council, and the entire Ojukwu Varsity community for the confidence reposed in her
She pledged to continue to work collaboratively with the state government and the University Management to strengthen the 3v’s of her administration, traditions and aspirations that define the great citadel of learning in Anambra State, South east region, Nigeria, Africa and the World at large.
In his goodwill message, one of the celebrants son and a former Senior Special Adviser to Soludo on Youth Empowerment, Dr Nelson Obinna Omenugha, while specially appreciating the governor for appointing her mother and for providing a conducive environment for the dual celebration, promised to continue to offer all around support for the celebrating parents.
The long-week celebration that featured football competition in honour of Dr Michael Omenugha (Ichie Obama) also brought together an array of eminent personalities from government, academia, civil society organizations, traditional institutions and the South East Chairman of Manufacturer Association of Nigeria (MAN), Lady Ada Chukwudozie.
