Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has announced that the Anambra State Government will provide full academic sponsorship for 37 first-class graduates of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU).
Speaking during the institution’s 2024/2025 Convocation Ceremony at the Igbariam campus, the Governor confirmed that the scholarship covers both Master’s and PhD programmes at any Nigerian public university. The Governor also announced a N4million gift for the overall best graduating student.
These initiatives are cornerstone of the administration’s strategy to bolster the state’s intellectual capital and reward academic excellence.
Governor Soludo challenged the graduands to look beyond their academic achievements and embrace their roles as “beacons of hope.” Invoking the lyrical plea of the late legendary singer Sunny Okosun’s “Which Way Nigeria,” the Governor urged the class of 2025 to lead the charge in changing the national narrative.
“There is a pressing need for this generation to play an active role in steering the country back toward economic stability,” Governor Soludo stated. “You must strive to be worthy representatives of this institution by contributing to the building of a better Nigeria.”
The Governor also used the occasion to pay glowing tribute to former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju, the first visitor and pioneer founder of the university. He further added that the Uli Campus of the university will now be named after the late Chinwoke Mbadinuju.
Addressing internal administrative matters, the Governor further signaled his commitment to staff welfare. He disclosed plans to enter formal discussions with the university’s management and governing council to establish a clearly defined financial agreement and a sustainable support framework for faculty and staff.
The ceremony also marked the formal introduction of Bishop Matthew Kukah as the newly appointed Chancellor of the University.
In his inaugural address, Bishop Kukah expressed gratitude to the state government for the appointment and commended the ongoing advancements within the institution. He encouraged the alumni to maintain a lifelong connection with their alma mater through resource mobilization and development initiatives.
Echoing the theme of progress, the substantive Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Professor Kate Omenugha, noted that the 16th convocation was a historic milestone.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized that holding the ceremony yesterday signified a successful restoration of the tradition of yearly convocations.
For the first time in the university’s 25-year history, the event hosted two foreign ambassadors.
The event concluded with a clear mandate from the state leadership: the pursuit of academic excellence must be matched by a dedication to national transformation.