On Friday, 29th August 2025, shortly after presiding over the 142nd Senate meeting, the Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr, paid a courtesy visit to the Engwu-Ukwu residence of renowned Anambra industrialist, Ozomkpu Chief Mac-Benito Ozigbo (Ebubemba Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri) who is the Chairman and CEO, Green Garden Estates Ltd. The visit emphasises her administration’s resolve to deepen partnerships with the private sector in order to accelerate the University’s growth and transformation.
Welcoming the Vice Chancellor and her team, Chief Benito congratulated Prof. Omenugha on her remarkable career trajectory, describing her as an academic of repute and a leader whose years as Commissioner for Education in Anambra State remain exemplary. He noted that her performance in office, both in acting and now substantive capacity as Vice Chancellor, has been nothing short of impeccable. Recalling his longstanding relationship with COOU, Chief Benito assured that under her leadership, he is more determined than ever to fulfil his earlier promise to endow a major project in the University. “I am confident in your capacity and vision. You are not one to walk the path of shame, and I am proud to associate with your administration,” he stated.
In her response, Prof. Omenugha expressed gratitude to Chief Benito for his goodwill and commitment, reminding him that her journey as Vice Chancellor began in December 2024 with a clear vision to reposition COOU as a University of Values, Viability, and Visibility. She emphasized that she has taken on the role of “Chief Marketer” of the University, carrying its message to stakeholders far and wide.
“When I assumed office, our University was not sufficiently visible; even within Anambra, many still regarded the state’s other public university as their own. That had to change. I knew we needed an emergency approach, so I took the bull by the horns. Today, I can confidently say COOU is reclaiming its pride of place as the Now University and the University of the Future,” she declared.
The Vice Chancellor further stressed that no University in the world thrives on government funding alone. She called on more private sector players, friends of the University, and alumni to invest in COOU’s growth. “Your support is not just a donation—it is an endowment that shapes lives, builds legacies, and secures the future of our University community,” she told Chief Benito, describing him as a true friend and star of the institution.
In his closing remarks, Chief Benito reiterated his readiness to support the Vice Chancellor’s vision through the construction of a building project for the University. “This is my way of practicing Aku Luo Uno—bringing development back home. Supporting our only state-owned University is the right thing to do, and I want to ensure your tenure becomes the most impactful in COOU’s history,” he said.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Prof. Sylvia Okonkwo commended Chief Benito for his generosity and reassured him of the University’s transparency and accountability under Prof. Omenugha’s leadership. She prayed for divine blessings upon his endeavors, adding that his support would leave an indelible mark on the University’s history.
©COOUNewS, 2025
