COOU VC Strengthens Private Sector Partnerships for Infrastructure, Welfare, and Global Relevance

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, the Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra State, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr, embarked on a strategic visit to Abuja in pursuit of deeper private sector collaboration to advance the University’s infrastructure, welfare, and global competitiveness.

Guided by her philosophy that “a Chief Executive does not make progress by sitting still, but by moving around to seek opportunities,” Prof. Omenugha reinforced her commitment to repositioning COOU as a leading institution of higher learning.

Highlighting her vision, Prof. Omenugha stressed that education cannot be left solely in the hands of government, insisting that private sector participation is vital for university growth and sustainability. Her Abuja engagements were therefore targeted at attracting investors aligned with her mission to transform COOU into a globally relevant citadel of learning.

One of the major highlights of the visit was a courtesy call to the residence of renowned industrialist and security expert, Sir Chikwe Udensi, in Asokoro. During the visit, Chief Uche Okoli (Egbe-Igwe Ojoto), a close associate of Sir Udensi and a successful industrialist, pledged to build an international-standard hostel for first-year students. He also committed to investing significantly in a Faculty, a gesture he described as a contribution to “our own University” in Anambra State.

Chief Okoli commended Prof. Omenugha’s visionary leadership, describing her energy and inclusiveness as a driving force that could make COOU “the Oxford of the Southeast.” He further pledged to rally other Anambra sons and daughters in the diaspora to invest in the University.

“I have studied Universities’ budgets and I am convinced that no public institution can thrive without private sector input. What you are doing with the 3Vs—Values, Viability, and Visibility—is the right path, and it is the reason many of us are ready to come in. The vision is clear,” he stated.

In her remarks, Prof. Omenugha expressed heartfelt gratitude to her host, Sir Chikwe Udensi, and to Chief Uche Okoli for their generosity and support. She restated her administration’s commitment to student welfare, staff motivation, and the production of globally competitive graduates. She also acknowledged the contributions of notable benefactors including High Chief Dr. Christopher Ndubuisi (Ikenga Umuawulu), Lady Ada Chukwudozie, HRM Igwe Alex Onyido, and Dr. Chidozie Mbanefo, among others, whose investments have already begun to reshape the institution.

Reiterating her transformative agenda, Prof. Omenugha affirmed that COOU’s 3Vs—Values, Viability, and Visibility—are not mere slogans but the foundation for building a university that commands both national and international relevance. “The sky,” she concluded, “is only our starting point.”

Prof. Omenugha extended an open invitation to more private sector investors to partner with COOU in building a legacy of excellence, innovation, and impact—one that will stand as the pride of Anambra, Nigeria, and the global academic community.