Governor Soludo appoints Odinkalu as Pro-Chancellor, Ojukwu University
By Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has inaugurated the former Chairman of Nigeria Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, as the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), in Igbariam, Anambra State.
According to the Governor who also inaugurated other members of the council, he said “government views the institution as the apex of tertiary institutions in the state.”
He charged them with building an educational system that was fit for purpose, projecting into where the state wanted to be.
“The primary challenge you have is to work hard to reinvigorate and regenerate the university for the times we live and the times yet to come.
“Are we preparing our children to be able to dominate the future? The university needs to carve its own unique identity, its brand.
“Fiscal sustainability is part of the challenges but you have to compete and dominate with the little resource base at your disposal.”
Other members of the council include; Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Dr Christopher Ndubuisi, Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume, and AIG Chris Ezike (Rtd).
The Senate Representatives to the Council include Prof. K.K. Nwozo, Prof. Angela Nwamuo, Prof. C.C Chukwueloka, Prof. Obi Emeka, and Prof. Anselem Nweke, while the Congregation Representatives to the Council are Prof. M.N Chendo and Mrs. Eucharia.
While stressing that he feels passionate about the university, Governor Soludo expressed optimism that the university will become the shining light and the leader in university education in Nigeria, pledging to support the council in any possible way as he has absolute confidence in them.
Earlier, while presenting members of the council to the Governor, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh stressed that Governor Soludo is passionate about education which is why he is making massive investments in the sector.
The Chairman of the council, Professor Chidi Odinkalu appreciated the Governor for extending to them the privilege to serve.
Prof. Odinkalu said that the name of the institution resonates and inspires enterprise, humility, enlightenment, courage, and leadership which they will take seriously.
According to him: “The COOU law of 2014 has some very inspiring lines that we intend to work with.
“A part of the law talks about investing in research in African cultural heritage, promoting the social heritage of the state, and stimulating and sustaining interest in agriculture.”
The Professor of Law, on behalf of the Council, assured of working with the Vice Chancellor, management, and staff of the institution to address basic facilities, build a beautiful green environment, and infuse sustainable dignity as a project in the university.
He further paid tribute to the Odumegwu Ojukwu dynasty whom the school is named, describing it as a family that has inspired enterprise humility, enlightenment, courage, and leadership as virtues that have to be taken seriously.
Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Commissioner for Special Duties, Barr. Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, among others, were also present at the event.
Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, performed the function at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Awka, the state capital.
