ALUES, VIABILITY AND VISIBILITY [3Vs]
By
Christopher Ohaesirim
On assumption of office on December 5, 2023, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha articulated the triad of the 3Vs—Values, Viability, and Visibility. She remained resolute and deliberately pursuing the principles espoused by those who defined leadership as the ability to comprehend the path, illuminate the path, and navigate the path! This encapsulated the operational methodology of the Omenugha administration from the onset of her tenure.
Dr. Angela Akanwa is a member of the university’s Faculty of Environmental Sciences who was recently acknowledged for her scholarly contributions, which were disseminated through Elsevier’s One Earth Project a few weeks prior. She is currently on a Two-year tenure with the United Nations (UN) – Nigeria Technical Aid Corps (TAC) in Rwanda orchestrated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Federal Government of Nigeria.
Recently, She had an Exclusive chats with the COOUNewS. Below are excerpts from the chat!
Happy reading…!!!
Q: May we meet you, please?
Ans: “I am Dr. Angela Akanwa, serving as a Senior Lecturer and Researcher with the Department of Environmental Management, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Town Planning from Enugu State University of Science and Technology. Subsequently, I pursued a Master’s degree in Environmental Management at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and completed my Ph.D. at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I am a registered Town Planner, an Environmental Scientist, and a Consultant. My areas of expertise encompass Sand mining, Sustainability and governance, Climate change, Disaster risk management, Health risks, and studies concerning special populations, among others”.
Q: We understand that you are currently on Nigeria TAC in the Republic of Rwanda. Tell us what it is all about.
Ans: “At present, I am in the Republic of Rwanda, facilitated by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps, commonly referred to as TAC. This organization operates under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja to advance Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and socio-political aspirations”.
Q: We don’t know if you knew of this before now and please, share your thoughts on how this came about.
Ans: “This pportunity came to me as a surprise and literally serendipitous to say the least. I was not fully cognizant of the operational dynamics of UN-Technical Aide Corps (TAC) because I had not participated previously. This is a blessing from God made possible by the benevolence and support of my Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr. An amazing Mother with unbelievable passion for the growth and development of COOU in all ramifications”.
“In January, 2025, I was called by the Dean of my Faculty, Prof. A.U. Okonkwo, that the Acting Vice Chancellor needed my curriculum vitae. After her call, I received a phone call from the Vice Chancellor herself, which was a great privilege. She mentioned an opportunity that matched my qualifications, and although she did not provide details, I promptly sent my CV.”
“I was later contacted about my selection for a significant opportunity from the Nigerian government. I was surprised, especially as I had never met the Vice Chancellor before. I expressed my gratitude during a brief follow-up conversation with her.”
“What stood out to me was her lack of personal bias; she remained impartial and focused on qualifications rather than personal familiarity, which is often rare in such situations.”
“This quality is indeed commendable, and I appreciate her actions, as such integrity is rarely seen. She had the option to consider many other candidates, including numerous acquaintances, relatives, and associates. However, her focus remained firmly on merit rather than personal ties and connections.”
“Professor Omenugha exemplifies strong character and integrity, prioritizing excellence over mediocrity. Her commitment to national development and upholding high standards for our University is evident in her actions. I fully support her efforts and pray for her continued success.”
“I wish to use this medium to appreciate the University Management under her leadership. The recently concluded 25th Anniversary and Combined Convocation ceremonies of the University is another pointer to her dreams and aspirations about the University. I was thrilled watching the ongoing exploits to mark our 25th Anniversary. That’s an unmatchable capacity”
“May God continue to give her the Grace to continue to push. I will continue to pray for her and assure her that I will use every knowledge gained here in Rwanda for the advancement of humanity upon my return back home”.
COOUNewS Exclusive Report, 2025!
