COOU Marks Heritage/ Founders Day As Part Of Activities To Mark Its Silver Jubilee Celebration
-Institutes Ojukwu Legacy Awards,Other Revered Awards Recognitions ….
By Michael Ezenwata
The Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University has celebrated its Founders day with award Recognitions and the institution of the Ojukwu Legacy Awards to its founding fathers and other key stakeholders of the university at the Igbariam Campus of the great citadel of learning.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo who graced the occasion through his Culture, Entertainment and Tourism Commissioner Comrade Don Onyenji acknowledged the growth of the University and the efforts of the acting Vice Chancellor Prof.Kate Omenugha in repositioning it to greater heights.
The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the present administration towards assisting the university in its pursuit for academic excellence and encouraged the citizenry to support its development blueprint to further move the state to enviable heights.
He listed his achievements in all sectors of the economy including in the areas of security, entertainment and education where his free education policy and other landmark achievements are visible.
In a speech, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University Prof.Kate Omenugha described her key mission statement enshrined in Values-Viability and Visibility as the driving force behind the success story of the University.
Prof. Omenugha announced its steady growth pioneered by its founder and former Governor of Anambra state late Dr.Chinwoke Mbadinuju, the first Vice Chancellor of the instution Prof.emeritus Cornelius Ezekwe who handed over the Baton to Prof.emeritus Paul Orajaka and others before the Baton got to her.
She commended the efforts of the governing council of the University,Staff,the Alumni of the University for their contributions to the growth of the University,and urged key stakeholders,friends and well wishers of the University to assist it in its development drive towards excellence.
The Minister Of State for Foreign Affairs Iyom Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu in a speech, felicitated with the University on its 25years anniversary.
Under the current Vice Chancellor’s watch,Iyom Odumegwu Ojukwu commended the institution for being the first in the climate change advocacy in Nigeria and further challenged the members of the Alumni of the University to always be worthy ambassadors of the University wherever they find themselves.
The Minister used the forum to commend Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his excellent performance in governance in critical sectors of the economy which attracted President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to Anambra state to commission some projects done under his administration.
The Chairperson of the occasion Professor emeritus Uche Azikiwe in a remark, appreciated the efforts of the acting Vice Chancellor of the University Prof.Omenugha in changing the face of the institution and urged affluent individuals in the society to contribute their quota in making the University great as a befitting posthumous legacy for Dim Ojukwu which it was named after.
In a keynote lecture,the Director General Council Of Arts and Culture Obi Asika congratulated the University for achieving 25 years milestone and sort for a fruitful collaboration between the Council Of Arts and Culture with the Southeast Development Commission to open up the digitalization of markets in the zone, maximize ICT Content Creation,and creating the opportunities for economic development through Music and Literature.
On his part, the pioneer Provost of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka Prof.Frank.Akpuaka expressed delight in the growth of the University especially in the Medical School which has been fully accredited by the National Universities Commission.
Contributing, the head of department of History and International Studies in the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam Campus Sir Chijioke A.C.Okoye commended the Prof.Kate Omenugha led administration of the University for instituting the Ojukwu Legacy Awards for leadership excellence,Courage and Perseverance which Ojukwu stood for.
Sir Chijioke commended its maiden beneficiaries namely Professor Cornelius Ezekwe,Sir Emma Bishop Okonkwo living and the deceased Dr.Chinwoke Mbadinuju and Right Honourable Bartholomew Onugbolu for their well deserved honour ,and urged the living among them to keep the flag flying.
He further commended the University for nominating the governor’s wife Dr.Nonye Soludo for the honorary doctorate degree which she is eminently qualified for.
Sir Chijioke urged public spirited individuals in the society to support the University to grow more to achieve its vision.
A Distinguished Alumni Awardee from the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Professor Ugochukwu Paul Orajaka in his acceptance remarks, thanked the University for honouring him and promised to defend the honour anywhere globally for the institution that gave him the ladder for greater exploits.
Prof.Orajaka the first graduate of the University in 2009 to become a professor and currently the youngest professor in the university hails from Akpo in Aguata LGA of Anambra state.
The Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management used the occasion to urge undergraduate students of the University to remain resolute in their academic pursuits knowing full well that hard work pays.
The academic expects that public spirited individuals in the society will assist the University financially and otherwise to grow in leaps and bounds.
Other distinguished personalities that received awards include Dr.Paschal Agbodike Member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency in the house of representatives (Icon of sustainable development) and the state Commissioner for Power and Water Resources Engr.Julius Chukwuemeka (Distinguished Alumni award).
Highpoints of the occasion were the tree planting exercise in the University, cutting of the anniversary cake, among other side attractions.