Soludo Defends Prof. Omenugha’s Appointment as COOU Vice-Chancellor, Says “You Became Vice-Chancellor Because You Were the Best”

Anambra State Governor and Visitor to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has reaffirmed that the appointment of Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, as the institution’s fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor was based on merit, competence, and academic excellence.

Governor Soludo made the statement during a Thanksgiving Mass held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Nnobi, to celebrate Prof. Omenugha’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor and the 70th birthday anniversary of her husband, Noble Dr. Michael Cosmos Omenugha.

Addressing dignitaries at the event, the Governor dismissed suggestions that the appointment was influenced by favouritism or political considerations, stating that Prof. Omenugha emerged through a transparent and merit-based selection process.

“You became the Vice-Chancellor because you were the best to be appointed Vice-Chancellor,” Soludo said, stressing that his administration remains committed to promoting excellence and ensuring that merit takes priority in public appointments.

The Governor explained that he personally reviewed the academic records of shortlisted candidates before making his decision. He disclosed that he assessed their research profiles through Google Scholar to determine their scholarly impact.

According to him, the first recommended candidate had recorded 37 academic citations, while Prof. Omenugha, who was serving as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the time, had accumulated more than 840 citations, reflecting a stronger research record and academic influence.

Governor Soludo said Prof. Omenugha’s achievements made her selection clear, describing her as an accomplished scholar whose contributions continue to bring recognition to COOU and Anambra State.

He praised the Vice-Chancellor’s academic credentials and leadership capacity, reiterating his confidence in her ability to reposition the University.

“We went for the best, and you are the best,” the Governor added.

The Governor’s remarks received applause from attendees and dignitaries, reinforcing the administration’s emphasis on meritocracy, integrity, and academic excellence in advancing higher education in Anambra State.

The development also aligns with COOU’s leadership vision of Values, Viability, and Visibility under Prof. Omenugha’s administration.