The Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Omenugha, has pledged to reposition the institution among the top 10 universities in Nigeria and within the top 1,000 globally by the end of her tenure.Prof. Omenugha made this known during a press conference held at the university’s Igbariam campus ahead of its 16th Convocation Ceremony.She explained that her administration’s vision is anchored on three strategic pillars—values, viability, and visibility—aimed at improving the institution’s overall performance and global competitiveness.According to her, efforts under the values framework include reorientation initiatives such as innovation in the university anthem, while viability strategies involve partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding with institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as collaborations with government bodies. She added that digitalisation efforts are being intensified to enhance the university’s visibility beyond Anambra State.
The Vice Chancellor also outlined key projects of her administration, including plans to establish a university kitchen to boost internally generated revenue, set up a business school to promote entrepreneurship, and upgrade the campus radio station into a competitive broadcast platform. She further disclosed plans to strengthen postgraduate studies, enforce staff discipline, and improve staff welfare through performance-based incentives.On environmental standards, Prof. Omenugha warned that students found littering the campus environment would face suspension, stressing the institution’s commitment to sustainability.
She noted an increase in student enrolment, with Nursing, Computer Science, and Mass Communication among the most sought-after courses, while encouraging prospective students to consider less-subscribed disciplines such as Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Crop Science for self-reliance opportunities.Prof. Omenugha commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for infrastructural interventions in the university, including ongoing road rehabilitation, water projects, and upgrades at the Uli and Igbariam campuses.
She also acknowledged contributions from the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Law Ikeako, and the Governor’s wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo, for their roles in advancing education and skills development.The Vice Chancellor announced that activities for the 16th Convocation would include a Founder’s Day celebration, a memorial lecture in honour of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, student engagement programmes, a convocation lecture, and the grand finale scheduled for April 25.She described the event as the university’s first-ever diplomatic convocation, featuring international participation, including ambassadors from Europe.
