“I WOULDN’T BE VICE-CHANCELLOR IF NOT FOR YOU” — PROF. OMENUGHA PAYS GLOWING TRIBUTE TO GOV. SOLUDO

The Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, has expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Anambra State and Visitor to the University, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, for entrusting her with the responsibility of leading the institution as its fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor. She made the heartfelt remarks during the Thanksgiving Mass held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Nnobi, in celebration of her appointment as Vice-Chancellor and the 70th birthday of her husband, Noble Dr. Michael Cosmos Omenugha.

Addressing the congregation and distinguished guests, Prof. Omenugha reflected on her journey to the University’s highest office, acknowledging that the confidence reposed in her by Governor Soludo made her appointment possible. In an emotional tribute, she declared, “I wouldn’t be the Vice-Chancellor if not for you,” expressing deep gratitude to the Governor for finding her worthy to serve and for placing merit, competence and integrity at the heart of the appointment process.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that Governor Soludo’s unwavering commitment to excellence and meritocracy has continued to inspire confidence across public institutions in Anambra State. She described her appointment as both a privilege and a solemn responsibility, assuring the Governor that she remains committed to justifying the confidence placed in her through purposeful leadership, innovation and the pursuit of academic excellence.

Prof. Omenugha further appreciated the Governor for his steadfast support for education and for creating an enabling environment that allows universities in the state to thrive. She reaffirmed her administration’s determination to continue repositioning COOU through transformative initiatives anchored on her 3Vs mantra—Values, Viability and Visibility—towards building what she proudly describes as “the Now University and the University of the Future.”

Her remarks drew warm applause from the congregation and dignitaries in attendance, underscoring the mutual respect and shared vision between the University’s leadership and the Anambra State Government. The moment served as a fitting acknowledgement of the role of visionary leadership and merit-based governance in advancing higher education, while reinforcing Prof. Omenugha’s commitment to leaving a lasting legacy of excellence, innovation and institutional transformation at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

COOUNewS, 2026