MID-TERM MEDIA BRIEFING: JOURNALISTS APPLAUD COOU’S TRANSFORMATION AS VC SHOWCASES TWO YEARS OF IMPACTFUL LEADERSHIP

Journalists from various media organizations on Thursday July 2, 2026, participated in the Mid-Term Media Briefing of the Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, where they were taken through the remarkable strides and transformative projects executed under her administration as she marks the midpoint of her tenure as the University’s fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor.

As part of the exercise, members of the press were first taken on an extensive tour of the University to witness firsthand the infrastructural developments, environmental sustainability initiatives, and modernization projects that have continued to redefine the landscape of the institution.

Led by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Harrison Madubueze, the journalists visited several landmark projects including the University’s artificial lake, the iconic Golden Gate, the newly constructed entrance gate and walkways, the COOU Souvenir Shop, students’ hostels, the ongoing COOU Bakery project, and numerous environmental beautification projects across the campus.

The visitors expressed admiration at the remarkable transformation of the institution, particularly the cleanliness, serenity, and renewed aesthetic appeal of the campus environment.

Following the tour, the journalists converged at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room where Prof. Omenugha formally received the delegation and appreciated them for taking time to see the University’s progress firsthand. Present during the briefing were the DVC (Administration and Environmental Sustainability), Prof. Anselem Nweke; the DVC (Academics), Prof. Obiora Ejiofor; and the Ag. University Librarian, Dr. Uche Enweani.

Addressing the journalists, the Vice-Chancellor noted that her administration has remained deliberate and intentional in driving the transformation agenda of the University. She highlighted several policies and initiatives introduced to reposition the institution, with particular emphasis on the now-famous “Pick It” campaign, a cleanliness advocacy initiative aimed at instilling environmental consciousness among staff and students. Reaffirming her commitment to environmental sustainability, Prof. Omenugha declared her ambition to make COOU the cleanest university in Nigeria, noting that cleanliness, orderliness, and sustainability remain critical pillars of the University’s identity.

The Vice-Chancellor further urged media practitioners to continue upholding the ethics and principles of responsible journalism by ensuring accuracy, balance, and professionalism in their reportage. She encouraged journalists to seek clarification and verify facts before publication while also charging them to continue projecting the positive image and achievements of the institution to the wider public.

The interactive session featured questions from journalists, which the Vice-Chancellor responded to extensively, reiterating her administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous engagement with stakeholders. The briefing concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by group photographs to commemorate the occasion.

In a warm display of hospitality, the visiting journalists were treated to a sumptuous meal at the COOU Kitchen and were also served freshly baked COOU Bread, giving them yet another opportunity to experience firsthand some of the University’s growing innovations and enterprise-driven initiatives.

The Vice-Chancellor once again welcomed the media professionals to the Now University and of the Future, anchored on the enduring philosophy of the 3 V’s mantra of Values, Viability, and Visibility.

©️COOUNewS, 2026