YOUPAD Confers Thomas Sankara African Leadership Award on COOU Vice-Chancellor

The Youth Partnership for Africa and Development (YOUPAD) has conferred the prestigious Thomas Sankara African Leadership Award on the Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, in recognition of her selfless, visionary, and transformative leadership.

The award was presented on Thursday during a courtesy visit by a continental delegation of the youth organisation to the University.

Presenting the award, the President of YOUPAD, alongside the organisation’s West African Vice President and other international officers, described Prof. Omenugha as a patriotic African leader distinguished by zero tolerance for corruption, favoritism, and mediocrity. They commended her inclusive leadership style, infrastructural renewal efforts, staff welfare initiatives, research development drive, and the expansion of global partnerships under her administration.

According to the delegation, the Thomas Sankara African Leadership Award is reserved for individuals whose lives and work exemplify service to humanity, moral courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to Africa’s renaissance.

They noted that Prof. Omenugha’s contributions to education, governance, and youth development have positioned COOU as a model institution defined by visibility, viability, and value creation within the African academic space.

In her response, Prof. Omenugha expressed profound appreciation to YOUPAD for the honour, describing it as a collective recognition of the dedication and sacrifices of the University’s management team, staff, and students. She reaffirmed her belief in leadership anchored on relationships, ethical governance, and service to humanity.

The Vice-Chancellor further emphasized her vision of building a university that produces globally competitive graduates while remaining firmly rooted in African identity, values, and ideals. She also charged African youths to embrace responsibility, integrity, and collaboration as critical drivers of the continent’s development.

Prof. Omenugha assured YOUPAD of COOU’s readiness to support youth-focused initiatives that promote leadership, entrepreneurship, and continental unity. The event concluded with goodwill messages and a shared commitment to advancing Africa’s growth and transformation.