By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has emphasized that education is the cornerstone of state development and advancement in all areas. In recognition of this, he has established a landmark project at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) aimed at enhancing academic performance. He also provided free education for every child in the state, from kindergarten through secondary school, and funds for the administration of all schools in the state.
Governor Soludo made these remarks at the 25th Anniversary ceremony of COOU, held at the ETF Auditorium at the Igbariam Campus.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, highlighted the importance of a solid educational foundation for every child, saying, “If we do not have students who are well taught and moulded in our environment, we may not have the icons we are celebrating today on this occasion. COOU has benefited from the state government, and we can say it is one of the cardinal principles that will elevate this institution to fulfil our collective dreams”.
He mentioned that streetlights have been installed on the campus and the upgrading of the internal roads at the Uli campus has commenced for better accessibility. “This school is doing a tremendous job in promoting educational tourism, not just in Nigeria but also internationally,” he added.
He also urged Anambra’s esteemed sons and daughters to support the government for its initiatives, which include a new state-of-the-art government house, the Solution Fun City, dualization of major roads, access to pipe-borne water, general hospitals, and the provision of security.
In her welcome address, the Acting Vice Chancellor of COOU, Prof. Kate Omenuagha, expressed gratitude to the State Governor for his support and for landmark projects like 24-hour free internet service, an electricity substation, and an upgraded main entrance gate.
She noted that before she became the acting VC, some programs lacked accreditation, but today, the Medical College, Nursing School, Medical Laboratory, Physiology, and others are all accredited. “This year, we had a total of 1,950 applicants for our Nursing School, but we only have space for 50 students. We are working to increase our capacity to 150 students, and to achieve this, we need significant infrastructure improvements.
“We face many challenges, but we are committed to making the institute one of the top 10 universities in the country. With your support and generous donations, we can reach the top,” she explained. Prof. Omenuagha also shared that the school has a five-year strategic vision called the “Three Vs,” which stand for Values, Viability, and Visibility, to attract students globally.
During his keynote address, Obi Asika, the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, urged COOU to actively engage with the local market and cultivate connections. “In many countries, enterprises fund universities. Our institution must lead the way by transforming into a development engine linked to markets and industries, driving policies to create economic opportunities.”
He announced a formal collaboration between COOU and Iba Ajie in Onitsha; a living monument hub and archive that houses over 10,000 documents and 100,000 images from 1966 to 1975, along with over 8,000 speeches that have been archived and digitized.
The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Uche Azikiwe, wife of the former Vice President of Nigeria, commended Acting VC, Prof. Omenuagha for her commitment to upgrading the university and encouraged her to continue her efforts. She acknowledged that the university is named after a significant figure, not just in Igbo land but across the entire country.
Prof. Azikiwe encouraged alumni to give back to their alma mater so that future students can benefit as well. “Let us come together to support COOU’s progress,” she urged.
The event featured award presentations, cultural dances, poetry recitations, and the cutting of the anniversary cake.
Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
