COOU Launches Economic Think-Tank and Business School Committees to Drive Institutional Growth

The Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, inaugurated two strategic committees—the Economic Think-Tank Committee and the Business School Committee—at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, as part of efforts to accelerate institutional development and visibility.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha described the committees as pivotal to the university’s growth, emphasizing that COOU must move beyond past standings in development indices and institutional rankings. She highlighted the need for strong leadership, continuous reflection, and dedicated effort to achieve the university’s 3Vs—Values, Viability, and Visibility.

The Business School Committee was tasked with identifying a suitable location, developing a blueprint for the school, and ensuring the project’s successful implementation. Meanwhile, members of the Economic Think-Tank Committee were charged with generating focused ideas to guide the university’s economic and developmental objectives.

Prof. Omenugha noted that while COOU is blessed with creative minds, the challenge has always been translating ideas into tangible outcomes. She expressed confidence that these committees would provide the strategic direction required to move the university forward.

Co-Chair of the committees, Prof. Elis Idemobi, assured the Vice-Chancellor of the committees’ commitment to delivering on their mandate, stressing their track record of diligence and success.

Economic Think-Tank Committee Membership:

• Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, Vice-Chancellor — Chair
• Prof. Ellis Idemobi — Co-Chair
• Prof. Moses Chendo — Member
• Prof. Kingsley K. Nwazor — Member
• Prof. Ngozi Joe-Ikechebelu — Member
• Prof. Walter Nwafor — Member
• Prof. Emeka Obi — Member
• Prof. Orita Chiaghanam — Member
• Prof. Rose Onyekwulu — Member
• Prof. Ethel Mary Dim — Member
• Rev. Fr. Dr. Emmanuel Uchenna Dim — Member
• Rev. Dr. Sunday Achebe — Member
• Dr. Chukwunonso Ekesiobi (SA to VC on Strategy & Policy) — Secretary

Business School Committee Membership:

• Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, Vice-Chancellor — Chair
• Prof. Ellis Idemobi — Co-Chair
• Prof. Vincent Ezeabasili — Co-Chair
• Prof. Casmir Ani — Co-Chair
• Prof. Sylvia Okonkwo (Deputy VC, Development & Uli Campus Affairs) — Member
• Prof. Osita Chiaghanam (Dean, Postgraduate School) — Member
• Prof. Ogonna Nwangene (Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences) — Member
• Prof. Ogonna Ifebi (Head, Dept. of Economics) — Member
• Mr. Chris Obi (Registrar) — Member
• Dr. Nath Udezo (Ag. Bursar) — Member
• Prof. Johnny Okongwu (Legal Adviser) — Member
• Dr. Onyinye Ucheagwu-Okoye — Member
• Dr. Harrison Madubueze (University PRO) — Member

The inauguration underscores COOU’s renewed commitment to strategic planning, institutional excellence, and transformative development.