The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, has renamed the Uli campus of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) in honour of the late former governor, Chinwoke Mbadinuju.
In addition, the governor announced that the state government will provide full academic sponsorship for 37 first-class graduate of COOU.
Paying tribute to the late Mbadinuju, Soludo described him as the university’s first Visitor and founding figure, commending his vision in establishing the institution. He noted that the renaming of the Uli campus was a symbolic recognition of Mbadinuju’s contributions to educational development in the state.
The scholarship to the best graduating student will cover both Master’s and PhD programmes at any Nigerian public university.
Soludo made these announcements during the institution’s 2024/2025 convocation ceremony held at the Igbariam campus.
He also approved a ₦4 million cash award for the overall best graduating student.
The governor stated that the scholarship scheme and financial rewards form a cornerstone of his administration’s strategy to strengthen the state’s intellectual capital and incentivize academic excellence.
Addressing the graduating class, Soludo urged them to look beyond their academic achievements and embrace their roles as “beacons of hope.”
Referencing the song Which Way Nigeria by Sunny Okosun, he challenged the graduates to take responsibility for reshaping the country’s future.
“There is a pressing need for this generation to play an active role in steering the country back toward economic stability,”
“You must strive to be worthy representatives of this institution by contributing to the building of a better Nigeria.” governor said.
On internal administrative matters, Soludo reaffirmed his commitment to staff welfare.
He disclosed plans to engage in formal discussions with the university’s management and governing council to establish a clearly defined financial framework and a sustainable support system for faculty and staff.
The ceremony also featured the formal introduction of 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 ongoing developments within the institution.
He encouraged alumni to maintain strong ties with their alma mater through resource mobilization and institutional support initiatives.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kate Omenugha, described the 16th convocation ceremony as a historic milestone.
She noted that its successful organization marked the restoration of the university’s tradition of holding annual convocations.
Notably, for the first time in the university’s 25-year history, the event hosted two foreign ambassadors, underscoring its growing international recognition.
The ceremony concluded with a clear message from the state leadership: the pursuit of academic excellence must go hand in hand with a commitment to national development and transformation.
