COOU Vice Chancellor Strengthens Ties with Anambra Industrialist, Secures Commitment for University Project

On Friday, 29th August 2025, following the 142nd Senate meeting, the Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr, paid a courtesy visit to the residence of renowned Anambra industrialist, Ozomkpu Chief Mac-Benito Ozigbo (Ebubemba Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri), Chairman and CEO of Green Garden Estates Ltd.

The visit underscored her administration’s commitment to fostering private sector partnerships to accelerate the University’s growth and transformation.

Chief Benito welcomed the Vice Chancellor and her team, congratulating her on her career achievements and leadership. He commended her tenure as Commissioner for Education in Anambra State and noted her exemplary performance as both acting and substantive Vice Chancellor. Recalling his longstanding relationship with COOU, Chief Benito reaffirmed his commitment to endow a major University project under her leadership. “I am confident in your capacity and vision. You are not one to walk the path of shame, and I am proud to associate with your administration,” he stated.

Prof. Omenugha expressed gratitude for Chief Benito’s goodwill and support. She highlighted that her tenure, which began in December 2024, is guided by the 3Vs—Values, Viability, and Visibility—and emphasized her role as the University’s “Chief Marketer,” promoting COOU to stakeholders far and wide. “When I assumed office, our University was not sufficiently visible; even within Anambra, many regarded the state’s other public university as their own. That had to change. Today, COOU is reclaiming its pride of place as the Now University and the University of the Future,” she declared.

The Vice Chancellor further called on private sector players, alumni, and friends of the University to invest in COOU’s development. “Your support is not just a donation—it is an endowment that shapes lives, builds legacies, and secures the future of our University community,” she told Chief Benito, describing him as a true friend and pillar of the institution.

Chief Benito, in his closing remarks, reiterated his readiness to support the University through the construction of a building project. “Supporting our only state-owned University is the right thing to do, and I want to ensure your tenure becomes the most impactful in COOU’s history,” he said.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Prof. Sylvia Okonkwo commended Chief Benito for his generosity and assured him of COOU’s transparency and accountability under Prof. Omenugha’s leadership. She prayed for divine blessings upon his endeavors and noted that his support would leave a lasting legacy for the University.