COOU RECORDS ANOTHER MILESTONE AS IT UNVEILS GLOBAL ALUMNI DATABASE

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) has taken another major step towards strengthening its relationship with its graduates with the successful unveiling of the COOU Global Alumni Database during an online engagement held on Thursday 9th July, 2026 with alumni across Nigeria and around the world.

The event, organised by the University's Alumni Relations Unit in collaboration with the COOU National Alumni Association, brought together members of the University Management, leaders of the COOU Alumni Association and alumni from different parts of the world to launch the new online platform designed to build a stronger and more connected global alumni community.

The event began with an address by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, _fnipr_, who highlighted the achievements of her administration under the University's 3Vs agenda of Values, Viability and Visibility. She noted that the administration has continued to introduce reforms aimed at improving academic standards, digital transformation, teaching and learning experience, research, infrastructure and public visibility.

Speaking on digital transformation, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the University was already converting over 55,000 student transcripts into digital format, making transcript processing faster and more efficient. She added that the administration is also improving the processing of certificates and other student records through modern technology. Professor Omenugha described the alumni as one of the University's most important stakeholders, noting that no university can achieve its full potential without the active support of its graduates. She explained that this informed the University's decision to strengthen alumni engagement through a comprehensive and up-to-date alumni database.

She clarified that although the University has records of students who matriculated and graduated, as well as records of previous convocation ceremonies, many of those records no longer reflect the present realities of its graduates. According to her, many alumni completed their studies several years ago and have since changed their telephone numbers, email addresses, social media accounts, residential addresses, occupations and even countries of residence. She added that some of the existing records are manual and incomplete, making it difficult for the University to maintain regular contact with its graduates.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that modern technology now provides an opportunity to update these records, reconnect with alumni wherever they may be and build stronger relationships with them. She explained that the database will also support proper alumni tracing, improve communication and enable the University to work more closely with its graduates in advancing the institution. She therefore encouraged all COOU alumni across the world to register on the platform and become active partners in the continued growth of their alma mater.

The practical demonstration of the new database platform was carried out by the University Alumni Relations Officer and Head of the Alumni Relations Unit, Dr Chukwunonso Ekesiobi. During the presentation, he demonstrated the major features of the platform, including online profile registration, alumni directory, job opportunities, mentorship, events, chat, student support, voting, resources and donation. He explained that the platform is more than a database, describing it as a meeting point where COOU graduates can reconnect, build professional relationships, support one another, mentor younger graduates and contribute to the development of the University. He added that the platform would also make it easier for the University to communicate with alumni, share opportunities, strengthen networking and improve alumni participation in University activities.

The event ended with a vote of thanks delivered by the National President of the COOU Alumni Association, Engr. Dr. Micheal Oguegbu. He appreciated COOU alumni worldwide for their achievements in their various endeavours and continued support for the University over the years. He called on all COOU graduates to register on the platform, noting that the database would help both the University and the Alumni Association serve alumni better. He also commended the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for introducing the initiative, describing it as an important milestone in advancing alumni relations in the University.

Among those in attendance were Professor Anselm Nweke, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration and Environmental Sustainability); Professor Obiora Ejiofo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics); Professor Sylvia Okonkwo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development and Uli Campus Affairs); Dr Nath Udezo (Ag. Bursar); Dr Uchenna Enweani (Ag. University Librarian); Engr. Professor John Paul Iloh (Director of ICT); Dr Harrison Madubueze (Public Relations Officer); Dr O.R.A. Okechukwu (Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor on Statutory Meetings and Immediate Past Alumni Relations Officer); Comrade Emeka Obi (National Secretary of the COOU Alumni Association); and Engr. Onyebuchi Onwuteaka (Chairman of the COOU Alumni Awka Homeland Branch), among other members of the University community and alumni present.

The event came to a close with the urge to all graduates of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, wherever they may be in the world, to register on the COOU Global Alumni Database and become part of a stronger alumni network that will support communication, mentorship, career development and the continued progress of the University.

Registration is free and can be completed at: https://www.cooualumni.com.ng/.