COOU Launches New Academic and Research Centres, Appoints Leadership for 2025/2026 Session

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, has formally established multiple new academic and research centres as part of a strategic initiative to enhance teaching, research, community engagement, and global visibility.

The announcement was made by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, in an internal memorandum dated December 30, 2025, following approvals from the University Management and Senate.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted that the newly created centres are designed as hubs of excellence to advance COOU’s 3Vs Agenda—Values, Viability, and Visibility—reinforcing the University’s ambition to be a forward-looking, globally competitive institution.

Leadership Appointments

Key appointments include:

• Centre for Gender Studies: Prof. Njideka Ebisi (Director), Dr. Scholastica Oge Okafor (Deputy Director)
• ANAN Centre: Dr. Ngozi Theresa Ofor (Acting Director), Dr. Juliet Chinyere (Deputy Director)
• COOU Anambra Indigenes Diaspora Bridge Centre: Prof. Bruno Ibekilo (Director), Dr. Mediatrix Idigo (Deputy Director)
• Centre for Igbo Language and Culture: Prof. Christiana Ngozi Ikegwuonu (Director), Ezeoba J.N. Okeke (Deputy Director)

In health, science, and innovation, centres and appointments include:

• Centre for Mental Health and Psychological Services: Prof. Ifeoma Eucharia Obi (Director), Dr. Chinwe Onyemaechi (Deputy Director)
• Centre for African and Black Studies: Dr. Basil Agoha (Director), Ume Judith Akunne (Deputy Director)
• Centre for Agricultural Innovation and Food Security: Prof. Ikechukwu Aloysius Nweke (Director), Dr. Eucharia Nwankwo (Deputy Director)
• Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science: Prof. Cecilia Okoli (Director), Engr. Dr. Joseph Ezeugo (Deputy Director)
• Centre for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering: Dr. Bright Uba (Acting Director), Dr. Obianju H. Obiefuna (Deputy Director)

In enterprise, environment, and security:

• Centre for Business and Enterprise Development: Prof. Anthonia Ngozi Onuorah (Director), Dr. Chioma Okeke (Deputy Director)
• Centre for Capital Market Studies: Dr. Bernard Alajekwu (Director), Dr. Afamefuna Nduka (Deputy Director)
• Centre for Cybersecurity and Information Assurance: Dr. Chinonso Joseph Okonkwo (Director), Dr. Nonye Ezeaka (Deputy Director)
• Additional centres include the Centre for Engineering Innovation and Design, Centre for Environmental Impact Analyses and Laboratory Services, and Centre for Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation.

Centres dedicated to culture, heritage, and sustainable development include:

• Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Preservation: Prof. Chinedu Chukwuzuluoke Igboeli (Director), Samuel Aroh (Deputy Director)
• Centre for Nigerian Culture and Language Studies: Dr. Cyril Okechukwu Ofoegbu (Director)
• Centre for Tourism and Cultural Studies: Prof. Emilia Mgbemena (Director)
• Centre for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology: Prof. Edwin Nwabufo Ikezeu (Director)
• Others include the Centre for Peace, Defence and Conflict Resolution, COOU Integrated Bioresource Centre, Centre for Heritage and Creativity, and Prof. Samuel Okoye Centre of Astronomy and Space Technology.

Call for Support and Excellence

Prof. Omenugha congratulated the newly appointed directors and deputy directors, urging them to exhibit strong leadership, maintain high standards, and advance the strategic goals of their respective centres. She also called on faculties, departments, and units across the university to support the centres’ effective launch and operations.

The establishment of these centres marks a major milestone in COOU’s institutional growth, reaffirming its commitment to innovation, research excellence, and societal impact.