~Ag. Vice Chancellor Seeks Partnership
BY Felix-Joe Chibunkem
COOUNewS, 2024.
Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr, the Ag. Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State, and the university’s management team on Monday, 27th of May, 2024 paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Enugwu Ukwu, His Royal Majesty Igwe Sir Ralph O. Ekpeh, Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Igwe Umunri, at the Obu Umunri, Enugwu Ukwu, Anambra State.
During the visit, His Royal Majesty warmly welcomed Prof. Omenugha, recalling her previous contributions to the education system in Anambra State when she was the Commissioner for Education. He praised her for restoring order in the state’s education sector and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the university with bold, transformative steps, despite the challenges she might face. Igwe Sir Ralph encouraged Prof. Omenugha to maintain her strong resolve in improving the university, ensuring its continued success and stability.
He also emphasized on the legacy of the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, emphasizing that his global reputation for heroism and discipline should be reflected in the students and staff of the university named in his honor. Igwe Sir Ralph provided guidance on maintaining discipline among the university’s students and staff, expressing his hope for the institution’s growth and excellence and believing so much in the Ag. Vice Chancellor and her team.
Prof. Omenugha, addressing the cabinet members and His Royal Majesty, metaphorically described the Enugwu Ukwu community as an ‘elephant’ housing many influential individuals globally. She emphasized the university’s desire to partner with the community, recognizing their potential contributions to the institution’s future.
Aligning with Igwe Ralph’s vision for the university, Prof. Omenugha assured him of ongoing transformative initiatives. She called on the community to support the university, noting that education should not be the sole responsibility of the government. Drawing on her experiences with Lincoln University and Cambridge University, she highlighted the need for endowments to build necessary infrastructure and hostels to support these collaborations.
Prof. Omenugha detailed her efforts in establishing partnerships with institutions like Kentucky University, Universistat Zelongoski, Cambridge University, and Lincoln University. She emphasized the importance of nurturing students effectively to ensure they positively contribute to society. She articulated her drive for the university, based on three core principles: Values, Viability, and Visibility, and stressed the importance of shared values within the university community.
The visit concluded with Prof. Elis Idemobi thanking Igwe Sir Ralph and his cabinet members for their hospitality and affirming the university’s commitment to the tasks discussed. The fruitful visit marked a promising step towards the university’s future endeavors and collaborations.
