By Felix-Joe Chibunkem
©COOUNewS, 2024
On Tuesday, 5th November, 2024, International delegates for the upcoming Interdisciplinary Conference at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Anambra State, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Onyeka Gilbert Ibezim. Leading the delegation was COOU’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Omenugha shared with the Deputy Governor that COOU is poised to host its 9th International Interdisciplinary Conference, beginning November 6. She highlighted the diverse representation, with delegates from seven universities across Kenya, Uganda, Poland, Sierra Leone, and Slovakia, underscoring the importance of extending a formal greeting to Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the “General Overseer” of Anambra State, as a welcome to the Light of the Nation.
Prof. Omenugha also expressed her gratitude to the Governor for entrusting her with the mission to elevate COOU’s reputation. She emphasized her administration’s guiding principles of “Values, Viability, and Visibility,” which have placed COOU on the global academic map, enhancing its visibility and reputation within the educational community.
Following her remarks, Professor Eli Katunguka, Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University in Uganda, thanked Dr. Ibezim for his warm hospitality and commented on the remarkable experience the delegation has enjoyed since arriving, including the rich flavors of Anambra’s local cuisine. He praised Anambra State’s warmth and hospitality.
Professor Deogratuis Jaganyi, Vice Chancellor of Mount Kenya University, Kenya, spoke on the importance of the consortium and the conference in strengthening research collaboration among universities. He expressed confidence that Prof. Omenugha will soon assume the role of the consortium’s President, advancing the mission of research and knowledge-sharing, which he stressed as foundational to the very essence of a university.
In his response, Deputy Governor Dr. Ibezim commended Prof. Omenugha, describing her as a visionary leader committed to progress. He acknowledged the transformative impact she had on Anambra’s education system as the former Commissioner for Education, affirming his confidence that she will continue to realize the Governor’s vision at COOU. Dr. Ibezim assured the delegates that they were welcome in Anambra State, the “Light of the Nation,” and encouraged them to enjoy a rewarding stay as they engage in meaningful discussions on global development and security, in line with the conference theme.
