Soludo Commends COOU VC Omenugha for Shutting Down 486 Illegal Miracle Centres

Anambra State Governor and Visitor to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has commended the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, for her bold education reforms, particularly her role in shutting down 486 illegal “miracle centres” during her tenure as Commissioner for Education in the state.

Governor Soludo made the commendation during a Thanksgiving Mass held in honour of Prof. Omenugha’s appointment as the fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor of COOU and the 70th birthday celebration of her husband, Noble Dr. Michael Cosmos Omenugha, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Nnobi.

The Governor described the closure of the illegal examination centres as one of the most significant education reforms in Anambra State, noting that the centres contributed to examination malpractice and undermined the credibility of the education system.

He praised Prof. Omenugha for demonstrating exceptional courage in confronting the challenge despite the pressure and opposition that accompanied the decision.

According to Governor Soludo, the immediate impact of the reform was a temporary decline in the state’s academic performance as artificially inflated examination results disappeared. However, he said the policy eventually produced positive outcomes as students returned to hard work, discipline, and academic integrity.

He disclosed that Anambra’s educational performance has since improved significantly, rising organically to about 90 percent, which he attributed to the foundation established through Prof. Omenugha’s reforms.

Commending her commitment to maintaining educational standards, the Governor said her actions restored credibility to the state’s education sector and strengthened Anambra’s reputation for academic excellence.

Addressing Prof. Omenugha during the event, Governor Soludo said, “You did it,” acknowledging her determination to uphold quality, accountability, and merit in education.

He described her record as evidence of visionary leadership driven by courage, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.

Prof. Omenugha’s reforms as Commissioner for Education and her current leadership as Vice-Chancellor of COOU continue to reflect a philosophy centred on merit, accountability, and innovation, which aligns with the University’s Values, Viability, and Visibility (3Vs) agenda.