In line with the 3Vs of Values, Viability, and Visibility, and in keeping with the vision of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) as the Now University and of the Future, the administration under the dynamic leadership of Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha continues to drive reforms across every sphere of the institution. These reforms are designed to uphold merit, integrity, and innovation — values that define the University’s evolving academic culture.
One key area of reform has been in the promotion process for academic staff, particularly those aspiring to attain the rank of Reader and Professor. Now at COOU, attaining the Professorial Cadre goes beyond paper qualifications as it demands a personal academic defense before an expert panel. This approach reflects the University’s commitment to nurturing professors who embody scholarship, character, and credibility.
Today, that vision came to life as Dr. Uju Mugbo, from the Department of Entrepreneurship was the first to appear before the interview panel after her papers were duly assessed for promotion to the rank of Professor. Dr. Mugbo, whose research interests focus on Entrepreneurial Development and Women in Entrepreneurship, has over the years contributed significantly to advancing entrepreneurship education and empowering women to thrive as change agents in business and society.
The interview, chaired by Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, featured Prof. Ogah of the Department of Business Administration, Enugu State University, as the external interviewer. Speaking before the session, Prof. Omenugha emphasized that the process is not a mere formality but a vital step in affirming academic excellence and credibility. “To be a professor in COOU,” she said, “one must not only have produced scholarship but must be able to profess it with clarity, confidence, and conviction. This process is not to witch-hunt anyone, but to ensure that when one is announced as a Professor of this great University, such a person will stand tall, proud, and competent anywhere in the world.”
For Prof. Omenugha, the goal is clear — to raise Professors who can truly profess, who uphold Values, demonstrate Viability in their scholarship, and enhance the Visibility of COOU on the global stage.
As the University community awaits the outcome of the interview, we celebrate Dr. Uju Mugbo for her hard work, resilience, and scholarly dedication. May the result of this process be favourable and further inspire others to pursue excellence with integrity as COOU continues to shape the future of higher education in Nigeria and beyond.
©COOUNewS, 2025
