COOU VC Assures Non-Teaching Staff of Inclusion in FG-ASUU Agreement Implementation

The Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, has assured non-teaching staff of their inclusion in the implementation of the Federal Government/Academic Staff Union of Universities (FG-ASUU) agreement, following Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s approval for its implementation from 2027.

Omenugha gave the assurance on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, when leaders of the university’s non-teaching staff unions paid her a courtesy visit to seek clarification on how the implementation would affect their members.

Addressing their concerns, the Vice-Chancellor urged the union leaders and their members to remain calm, assuring them that Governor Soludo prioritises the welfare and interests of staff of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. The Acting Bursar of the university, Dr. Nath Udezo, also corroborated the assurance.

Omenugha encouraged members of the university community to appreciate the governor for the decision, describing the approval as a significant development for the institution and its workforce.

Reaffirming her administration’s priorities, the Vice-Chancellor stated that staff welfare remains central to her leadership, noting that her responsibility to the university would be incomplete without tangible improvements in the well-being of its workforce.

She also identified the fencing of the university’s campuses and the expansion of green areas as key priorities. According to her, these initiatives are necessary to strengthen campus security, improve the physical environment and sustain the institution’s commitment to maintaining a cleaner and greener campus.

Additionally, Omenugha expressed her desire to see every member of staff become ICT-compliant, stressing that the university’s digital transformation requires a workforce equipped with the skills needed to operate effectively in an increasingly technology-driven academic environment.

In their remarks, the union leaders pledged their continued support for the Vice-Chancellor’s administration, commending her leadership and commitment to the university’s development. They also appreciated her openness and willingness to address their concerns.

However, Omenugha redirected their appreciation to Governor Soludo, urging them to acknowledge his role in approving the implementation of the agreement and supporting the welfare of the university’s workforce.

Those present during the courtesy visit were:

1. Comrade John Nwankwo — Chairman, Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), COOU.
2. Comrade Maureen Ifeako — Chairperson, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), COOU.
3. Comrade Elosiuba Ugochukwu Maxwell — Secretary, NASU, COOU.
4. Comrade Obiudu Stella — Treasurer, SSANU, COOU.
5. Comrade Uche Okpalaike — Secretary, SSANU, COOU.