On Tuesday, 2nd September, 2025, the Vice Chancellor and the University Management welcomed two of the University's alumni who have made the institution proud by receiving National Honours from the President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The two honoured alumni are Akwuobi Ebuka Stephen (TR/228/0657) and Iweanyi Chelsea Amaka (KD/23A/2192). Their recognition is an evidence to the fact that the values instilled at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University transcend the classroom and find expression in service to humanity. It is worthy to note that only Corps members with exceptional and distinguished service during their NYSC year are bestowed with such prestigious national recognition.
During his service year in Marraraba, Dongo, Taraba State, Akwuobi Ebuka Stephen, who graduated from COOU in 2021 with a degree in Physiology, stood out remarkably. He initiated and completed a block of three classrooms and an office for the orphanage where he served. Beyond that, he organized skill acquisition workshops on liquid soap and disinfectant production for over 200 students. His service projects not only impacted lives but also demonstrated the true essence of leadership and community development. This meritorious service earned him national honour from the President.
Similarly, Iweanyi Chelsea Amaka, a 2022 graduate of Political Science, exemplified vision and compassion during her service in Lere, Kaduna State. On discovering an abandoned and dilapidated healthcare centre in Yarakasuwa community, she mobilized her social capital to restore it into functionality. Through her resilience and commitment, the healthcare facility once again became a beacon of hope for the community. Her noble effort was equally recognized and commended at the highest level of the nation.
With this, the duo spent days in Abuja where they were specially hosted and decorated by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr, heartily congratulated the awardees for bringing honour to themselves, their families, and above all, to the University. She emphasized that their service epitomizes the 3V’s of her administration – Values, Viability, and Visibility. According to her, “the values we inculcate in our students go beyond academic knowledge to include service, integrity, and leadership. You have shown the viability of your training by impacting your communities, and today you have given this University greater visibility on the national stage.”
The Vice Chancellor noted that their recognition validates her continuous call for students and alumni to leverage social capital in building lives, communities, and nations. She assured them of the University’s pride in their accomplishments and encouraged other students to emulate their examples, stating that COOU will continue to champion excellence that speaks to national and global relevance.
©COOUNewS, 2025
