ASUU NATIONAL LEADERSHIP PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO COOU VICE-CHANCELLOR, COMMENDS COMMITMENT TO STAFF, STUDENTS’ WELFARE

The National Leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Igbariam Campus. The visit served as a platform to strengthen the cordial relationship between the Union and the University Management, while discussing matters relating to staff welfare and the continued growth of the institution. Present at the meeting were the DVC (Administration and Environmental Sustainability), Prof. Anselem Nweke, and the DVC (Academics), Prof. Obiora Ejiofor.

Welcoming the delegation, the Chairperson of ASUU-COOU, Comr. Ibekilo Bruno, introduced members of the National Executive led by senior officials of the Union. Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Comrade Ike Odimegwu, the Convener, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for her purposeful leadership and firm commitment to the development of the University. He explained that the visit was aimed at fostering stronger collaboration with Management while drawing attention to issues affecting the Union, particularly staff welfare and other matters of mutual concern.

In his remarks, Comr. Jangfa Timothy Zhimwang applauded Prof. Omenugha for her intentional leadership and genuine concern for both staff and students. He recalled reading the Vice-Chancellor’s inscription, “Do not exploit my students because if you do, I will rise and defend them,” while approaching the Conference Room, describing it as a powerful reflection of a leader who truly carries the burden of her students. According to him, such a declaration reassures students that the University’s leadership remains accessible and committed to protecting them from exploitation and abuse.

While commending her student-centred approach, he appealed to the Vice-Chancellor to sustain her advocacy for improved staff welfare, expressing the Union’s confidence in her leadership. Similarly, Comrade Maria Chinecherem Uzonwanne praised Prof. Omenugha for her support of the Union, describing her as “a mother with the heart of a mother” whose compassion, sincerity and vision continue to inspire confidence that greater progress and improved welfare await staff of the University.

Responding, Prof. Omenugha thanked the ASUU National delegation for the visit and for the cordial relationship existing between the Union and the University Management. She reassured members that staff welfare remains one of the cardinal priorities of her administration, emphasizing that Management has continued to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that staff concerns receive the attention they deserve.

The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Peter A. Onwualu, has been working tirelessly alongside the University’s Management to ensure that issues relating to staff welfare are brought to the attention of the Visitor to the University, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR. She expressed confidence that in no distant time, staff would have every reason to smile, noting that the Governor remains deeply committed to the growth and development of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

The Vice-Chancellor further reaffirmed her administration’s resolve to sustain an atmosphere of dialogue, mutual respect and collaboration with all staff unions, stressing that the collective progress of the University depends on unity of purpose. She assured the delegation that Management would continue to pursue policies that promote academic excellence, staff motivation and institutional advancement in line with the University’s 3Vs mantra of Values, Viability and Visibility.

The courtesy visit ended with the presentation of goodwill, renewed assurances of cooperation, and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.

©️COOUNewS, 2026