Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has inaugurated the eighth governing council of the Chukwemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, charging its members to undertake far-reaching reforms and reposition the state-owned institution for academic excellence and global competitiveness. The move signals a renewed push to lift the standing of one of the state's flagship universities.
The inauguration took place at the ANSEC chamber of the Light House in Awka, the state capital. Officials described the event as marking a new phase in the administration and strategic direction of the university, rather than a routine changing of the guard at the top of the institution.
The new council is chaired by a pro-chancellor, Professor Peter, a professor of agricultural engineering, who will lead the body through its tenure. He is supported by what the governor's team described as a group of distinguished professionals and academic leaders tasked with steering the university's affairs.
Membership of the council was drawn from across several fields. It brings together members of the academia, professionals from various sectors of the economy, security experts and traditional royal fathers, an attempt to combine scholarship with broader experience from the worlds of business, security and community leadership.
Governor Soludo described the appointment as a critical responsibility at a defining moment in the history of the state-owned university. He framed the council's work as central to the institution's future, urging the new members to see their roles as a serious duty rather than a ceremonial honour.
The governor reminded the council members of the importance of service with integrity, commitment and a clear focus on their mandate. He stressed that the whole state was watching their work, and that their success would ultimately be measured by the positive changes achieved during their tenure.
By tying the council's performance to concrete improvements at the university, Soludo set a clear benchmark for the new leadership. The charge places the burden on the council to translate the goals of reform, academic excellence and global competitiveness into visible results for students and staff of the institution.