On Tuesday, 2nd September, 2025, the Department of Religion and Human Relations, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), led by the Head of Department, Rev. Sr. Dr. Emilia Aboekwe, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr, and the University Management. The highlight of the visit was the announcement of Godlight Foundation scholarships to students of the University.
After introducing the delegation, Prof. Jude Emeka Madu gave an insight into the mission of Godlight Foundation, describing it as a global initiative dedicated to transforming lives and building communities. He explained that the Foundation’s entry into Nigeria was made possible through the efforts of Rev. Sr. Dr. Aboekwe after her participation in an international conference in Spain, where she forged meaningful ties with the organization. In alignment with the Vice Chancellor’s vision of Values, Viability, and Visibility, the Foundation chose to begin its work in Nigeria at COOU, finding a natural home in the Department of Religion and Human Relations whose core values resonate with theirs.
Prof. Madu further informed the Vice Chancellor of the Foundation’s latest gesture which is the award of full scholarships to five students in the University, with training support up to PhD level. He explained that three of the slots have been dedicated in honor of Prof. Omenugha, the 5th substantive Vice Chancellor of COOU, as a congratulatory tribute from the Founder and President of Godlight Foundation, Dr. Bart Barthelemy and Dr. Karen Williams Barthelemy.
In her response, Prof. Omenugha expressed profound gratitude to Godlight Foundation for their generosity and to the Department of Religion and Human Relations for their vision. She described the initiative as an evidence to the power of partnerships that place humanity first. According to her, “I studied Religion and for me, religion, at its core, teaches us to value and respect the dignity of every human being. At a time when the world is faced with conflict, insecurity, displacement, and deepening divisions, the study of Religion and Human Relations is not just important but urgent. It equips us with the tools to understand human diversity, to promote peace, and to build inclusive societies.”
While accepting the three scholarship slots dedicated to her, Prof. Omenugha magnanimously returned one to the Department as her personal contribution to encourage more students to study Religion and Human Relations. She emphasized that the discipline plays a unique role in preparing young people with values, empathy, and skills to manage human differences constructively.
The Vice Chancellor also commended the Department and Godlight Foundation for the successful international conference they jointly organized earlier this year, describing it as an inspiring platform that emphasized the relevance of faith, values, and human relations in today’s world. She reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening collaborations that uplift humanity and place COOU at the center of global academic and social impact.
With the Godlight Foundation scholarships now in place, the Department of Religion and Human Relations continues to open fresh opportunities for students, making it an exciting time to study at COOU. Indeed, what a time to study Religion and Human Relations, what a time to study at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University!
©COOUNewS, 2025.
