By Obiageli Nwankwo
The Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, has attributed her nomination for the prestigious COOU Faculty of Arts Platinum Icon Award to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s sustained investments in education, describing the honour as a reflection of the state government’s commitment to transforming the sector.
Prof. Chuma-Udeh was unanimously nominated by the Faculty of Arts, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) Igbariam, in recognition of her outstanding leadership, administrative excellence and contributions to human capital development. The award will be presented at the Faculty’s 6th International Conference scheduled to hold from February 3 to February 6, 2026.
The conference, themed, “Arts/Humanities, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Biotechnological and Human Enhancement in Nation Building,” is expected to bring together scholars and stakeholders from within and outside the country to discuss the role of the humanities in national development.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Chijioke Okoye, said the nomination was informed by her remarkable leadership during her tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Arts at COOU, her silent philanthropic efforts, and her consistent commitment to human capital development, which align with the university’s core values of Value, Viability and Visibility.
Reacting to the nomination, Prof. Chuma-Udeh expressed gratitude and humility, noting that the recognition reflects the collective efforts of the Anambra State Government under Governor Soludo to reposition education through sustained funding, teacher empowerment and inclusive policies. She added that the reforms have yielded visible results, including the state’s strong performance at the 2026 National Teachers Summit.
She further described the nomination as an encouragement to intensify efforts toward building a skilled, ethical and innovative generation capable of contributing meaningfully to nation-building.
Prof. Chuma-Udeh, a renowned academic, author, poet and advocate for women and children, holds advanced degrees in English and Educational Administration and has served in several leadership capacities at COOU, including Dean of the Faculty of Arts. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to education and literature.
Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
