Godlight Foundation Partners COOU’s Department of Religion and Human Relations to Award Scholarships

The Department of Religion and Human Relations, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, fnipr, during which Godlight Foundation announced the award of scholarships to students of the University.

The delegation, led by the Head of Department, Rev. Sr. Dr. Emilia Aboekwe, presented the Foundation’s initiative to the University Management. Introducing the project, Prof. Jude Emeka Madu described Godlight Foundation as a global initiative committed to transforming lives and building communities. He explained that its entry into Nigeria was facilitated by Rev. Sr. Dr. Aboekwe after her participation in an international conference in Spain, where she established ties with the organization.

Prof. Madu announced that the Foundation will award full scholarships to five COOU students, covering training up to PhD level. Three of these slots were dedicated to the Vice Chancellor in recognition of her leadership, as a tribute from the Foundation’s President, Dr. Bart Barthelemy, and Co-founder, Dr. Karen Williams Barthelemy.

In her remarks, Prof. Omenugha expressed gratitude to Godlight Foundation and the Department for securing such an opportunity for students. She emphasized the relevance of Religion and Human Relations in addressing contemporary challenges of conflict, insecurity, and division, noting that the discipline equips young people with values and skills to foster peace and inclusivity.

While accepting the scholarship slots dedicated to her, Prof. Omenugha redirected one back to the Department as her personal contribution to encourage wider student participation in the field. She also commended the Department and the Foundation for their earlier collaboration in organizing an international conference that underscored the role of faith and values in society.

With this scholarship initiative, the Department of Religion and Human Relations strengthens its role in providing new opportunities for students and positioning COOU as a hub for academic and social impact.