COOU, Polish Embassy Partner to Explore Cultural Exchange Opportunities for Staff and Students

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) has taken another bold step in strengthening its global ties, as the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Embassy of Poland in Nigeria.

The visit was aimed at opening new frontiers for academic collaboration, research development, and cultural exchange between COOU and Polish institutions. Prof. Omenugha, while addressing officials of the embassy, emphasized the university’s determination to position itself as a world-class institution by building lasting partnerships that extend beyond Nigeria. She noted that such collaborations would not only expose students to international learning opportunities but also enrich the professional development of academic and non-academic staff.

“We want to see a COOU that is not just known within Nigeria, but one that resonates globally. Our students and staff deserve access to broader platforms for growth, knowledge, and cultural integration, and we see Poland as a key partner in this vision,” Prof. Omenugha said during the meeting.

The Polish Embassy officials expressed readiness to work with COOU in identifying areas of mutual interest, including exchange programmes, joint research initiatives, and cultural immersion opportunities. They also acknowledged the value of deepening Nigeria–Poland relations through education as a vehicle for long-term collaboration and understanding.

The visit, according to Dr. Harrison Madubueze, Public Relations Officer of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, reflects the institution’s proactive drive towards internationalization. He explained that cultural and academic exchange programmes would create room for cross-cultural learning, broaden students’ worldview, and enhance institutional visibility on the global stage.

Dr. Madubueze added that Prof. Omenugha’s leadership has continued to emphasize innovation, partnerships, and international cooperation, with the ultimate goal of raising a new generation of graduates equipped with skills and exposure needed for competitiveness in the 21st century.

The engagement between COOU and the Polish Embassy is expected to form the foundation for formal agreements that would facilitate mobility programmes, academic collaborations, and mutual support in research and innovation. It also demonstrates COOU’s commitment to expanding the horizon of its academic community through strategic global alliances.