On Wednesday, 27th August 2025, the Abuja Chapter of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) Alumni Association hosted the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr, to a dinner reception at the City View Restaurant, Abuja. The gathering was inspired by news of the Vice Chancellor’s visit to the Federal Capital, providing the Alumni a rare opportunity for direct engagement with the University’s foremost ambassador, fondly called “Mama COOU.”
The event drew a large turnout of proud COOU graduates residing in Abuja, who described the Vice Chancellor as the “Chief Marketer” of the University. Their joy was palpable as they welcomed her with optimism and renewed commitment to the institution.
In his remarks, the President of the Abuja Chapter, Engr. Emezuom Ugochukwu fondly described as a Unifier praised Prof. Omenugha’s antecedents and capacity to reposition COOU for global relevance. He noted that within just 19 months in office, her relentless drive and visibility had transformed the perception of the University. “With Prof. Omenugha as Vice Chancellor, we no longer need to explain our University. Her visibility has put COOU on the map. If she is out there, it means the University is out there. We are proud to say we come from COOU,” he said.
Engr. Ugochukwu further emphasized that the Alumni are particularly inspired by her 3Vs Agenda—Values, Viability, and Visibility—with visibility already yielding tremendous results. “We can only imagine how much greater the University will stand by the time she completes her tenure,” he added.
The Alumni in attendance echoed similar sentiments, commending the Vice Chancellor for her student-first philosophy. They highlighted her bold declaration: “If you exploit my student, I will rise up and defend them.” They noted that her leadership style has rekindled their pride in their alma mater, assuring her of the Abuja Chapter’s readiness to support her vision and align with her drive to reposition COOU as a globally competitive institution.
Responding, Prof. Omenugha delivered a heartfelt 29-minute of the heart address, where she proudly described the Alumni as the pride of the University, stressing that “a University is as rich as its Alumni.” She reminded them that the collective mission remains to elevate COOU into the ranks of the world’s top 500 Universities, anchored on the 3Vs agenda.
Acknowledging the nostalgia and enthusiasm of the Alumni, the Vice Chancellor confessed that her passion is the driving force behind her administration. “Listening to you, I can feel the renewed belief in COOU. This gives me hope, and I assure you that we will make things better. For me, leadership is an agenda with a deadline—every step we take must move this University forward,” she affirmed.
She also clarified that her Abuja visit was not for celebration but for strategic engagements to seek partnerships, collaborations, and linkages that would accelerate the University’s growth. She expressed satisfaction that the mission had already yielded fruitful results. Prof. Omenugha further offered an apology on behalf of the University for any past lapses that may have affected Alumni, reassuring them of a new era of accountability and excellence under her leadership.
The evening was marked with highlights, including pledges of donations to the University and offers of employment opportunities for COOU students by members of the Alumni community.
The message from Abuja's hosting was resounding: With Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha at the helm, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University is breathing fresh life, embarking on a transformative journey that inspires hope, pride, and confidence in its future.
©COOUNewS, 2025
