COOU Repositions Academic Leadership as Vice-Chancellor Onboards Heads of Departments and Directors for the Now and Future University

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) on Monday, 2nd February 2026, held its 2026 Onboarding Session for Heads of Departments and Directors as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen academic leadership and align departmental administration with the University’s vision for sustainable growth and global relevance.

The session, which brought together Heads of Departments and Directors from across the University, focused on redefining the responsibilities of departmental leadership within the context of the University’s commitment to Values, Viability, and Visibility—the 3Vs guiding the current administration.

In her opening address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr, outlined the strategic direction of the University, emphasizing that Heads of Departments occupy a critical position in translating institutional vision into practical academic outcomes. She noted that departments remain the core units through which teaching quality, research productivity, administrative efficiency, and student experience are measured, stressing that effective leadership at that level is central to building the Now University and of the Future.

The first presentation was delivered by Prof. O. B. C. Nwankwo, Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning, COOU, who examined the academic responsibilities of the Head of Department. He highlighted the HoD’s role in curriculum coordination, academic supervision, mentoring of staff, and the maintenance of standards, describing the position as one that demands intellectual leadership, accountability, and collaborative engagement.

Rev. O. R. A. Okechukwu, Special Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor on Administration and Statutory Meetings and former Registrar of the University, followed with a presentation on university administrative leadership, focusing on processes and ethics. He provided insights into statutory responsibilities, institutional procedures, and ethical conduct, underscoring the importance of due process, transparency, and adherence to established regulations in departmental administration.

Speaking on effective academic planning, the Director of the Academic Planning Directorate, Prof. Nneka Nnorom, addressed the need for departments to adopt strategic, data-driven approaches that align with accreditation requirements, national benchmarks, and emerging global trends in higher education. She emphasized proactive planning as a key factor in sustaining programme relevance and institutional competitiveness.

The session also addressed the University’s transition toward a digital academic environment, with the Director of the ICT Directorate, Prof. JohnPaul Iloh, presenting on the role of departments as critical stakeholders in the digitalisation process. He stressed the integration of digital tools into teaching, research, administration, and communication as essential for enhancing efficiency and expanding the University’s academic visibility.

The final presentation was delivered by the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Osita Chiaghanam, who spoke on building competitive and sustainable postgraduate programmes in COOU. He outlined strategies for strengthening postgraduate training, improving supervision standards, and positioning the University as a hub for advanced research and scholarship.

The onboarding session concluded with closing remarks that reaffirmed the collective responsibility of Heads of Departments and Directors in driving institutional effectiveness and advancing the University’s strategic objectives through disciplined leadership and informed decision-making.

©️COOUNewS, 2026.