COOU Launches “Project COOU500” to Join Global Top 500 Universities

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) has officially unveiled an ambitious strategic plan tagged “Project COOU500: The Global Rise Initiative”, aimed at positioning the institution among the Top 500 Universities in the world.

The announcement was made by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, on August 6, 2025, marking what she described as a “significant step in the bold journey” to elevate COOU’s global visibility and academic reputation.

Professor Omenugha, who assumed office in December 2023, highlighted that one of her administration’s key priorities has been Visibility — a deliberate effort to project the university on the global stage. She noted that she personally adopted the role of “Chief Marketer” of the institution, promoting its achievements and potential across platforms.

A turning point in this effort came through collaboration with Mr. Victor Okeugo, Regional Engagement Lead for Times Higher Education (THE) in West, Central, and East Africa. Following initial contact via LinkedIn, Okeugo visited COOU to engage the Management and key committees on strategies for attaining global rankings.

Describing the engagement as “eye-opening,” Professor Omenugha said it provided clarity on how universities can compete globally through intentional branding, proper data documentation, bibliometric visibility, and building institutional reputation.

“True growth begins when we’re humble enough to unlearn, relearn, and learn,” she said. “Victor helped us see COOU through a new lens, challenging us to rethink how we present and package our great institution, not just to Nigeria, but to the world.”

She emphasized that the drive to enter the global Top 500 will not happen overnight but is achievable through consistency, strategy, and a collective commitment from the university community.

“We don’t need one million people to change COOU. We need a few consistent and sincere minds, ready to act. That’s how transformation begins,” Professor Omenugha stated.

She further called on staff, students, and alumni to become “evangelists of COOU’s visibility,” stressing that reputation is the new currency of higher education.

With “Project COOU500” now launched, COOU is set to implement deliberate measures aimed at achieving global recognition, strengthening academic research, and positioning itself as a leading institution on the world stage.