On Sunday, August 24th, 2025, the Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra State, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr, embarked on a strategic visit to Abuja as part of her relentless drive to secure private sector collaboration for the advancement of the University. Guided by her philosophy that “a Chief Executive does not make progress by sitting still, but by moving around to seek opportunities,” Prof. Omenugha once again demonstrated her commitment to repositioning COOU as a globally competitive institution.
For Prof. Omenugha, education cannot be left solely in the hands of government. She has consistently emphasized the crucial role of the private and public sectors in driving University growth and ensuring sustainability. Her Abuja visit was therefore a continuation of her mission to attract investors who share her vision of transforming COOU into a leading citadel of learning.
One of the high points of her Abuja engagements was a courtesy call to the residence of Sir Chikwe Udensi, a renowned industrialist and Security expert at Asokoro. Moved by the Vice Chancellor’s efforts to reposition the University and her inclusive leadership style, Chief Udensi's friend and an industralist; Chief Uche Okoli (Egbe-Igwe Ojoto) promised to invest in an international standard hostel to accommodate first-year students. He also committed to making a significant investment in a Faculty.
In his remarks, the industrialist described COOU as “our own University,” given its location in Anambra State, and praised the Vice Chancellor for her visionary leadership. He noted that her inclusiveness and energy will ultimately make COOU the Oxford of the Southeast. Beyond infrastructure, he promised to mobilize other successful Anambra sons and daughters in the diaspora to invest in the University, saying that:
_“I have studied Universities budget and I am convinced that no public institution can thrive without private sector input. What you are doing with the 3Vs—Values, Viability, and Visibility—is the right path, and it is the reason many of us are ready to come in. The vision is clear.”_
In her response, Prof. Omenugha expressed deep gratitude to her host, Sir Chikwe Udensi, as well as to Chief Uche Okoli, and outlined the passion that fuels her administration’s student-centered agenda. She reiterated that her focus is on student welfare, staff motivation, and building a University that produces graduates who are globally exportable, both at home and abroad. She also acknowledged the contributions of other benefactors in the likes of High Chief Dr. Christopher Ndubuisi (Ikenga Umuawulu), Lady Ada Chukwudozie, HRM Igwe Alex Onyido, Dr. Chidozie Mbanefo, and many others whose generosity has already begun reshaping the University.
Reaffirming her belief in the power of collaboration, Prof. Omenugha emphasized that COOU’s 3Vs—Values, Viability, and Visibility—are not just slogans but the foundation of a transformative agenda that positions COOU as the Now University and the University of the Future. With Values that shape character, Viability that ensures relevance, and Visibility that commands global recognition, she insisted that the University is ready to take its place among the best.
“The sky,” she concluded, “is only our starting point.”
Prof. Omenugha therefore extended an open call to more investors, urging them to join hands with COOU in building a legacy of excellence, innovation, and impact that will stand as the pride of Anambra, Nigeria, and beyond.
©COOUNewS, 2025
