Soludo, Mbadinuju, Okonkwo, Others to Bag Honorary Degrees During COOU Silver Jubilee Anniversary

By Praise Chinecherem

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam is set to hold its combined convocation and silver jubilee ceremonies starting from 20th–24th May, 2025

Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Kate Omenugha, said this during a pre silver jubilee media conference at the institution’s Igbariam Campus.

She noted that it is awarding Honourary Doctorate Degrees, honoris causa to distinguished personalities, Anambra Governor’s Wife, Nonye Soludo, Igwe Alex Onyido of Ogidi,Chief Emma Bishop Okonkwo.

Others include Engr Chidozie Mbanefo, Dr Ada Chukwudozie and Chief Christopher Ndubuisi for their contributions to their communities, society and supports to the university.

According to her, Former Governor of the state, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Former Speaker,Barth Onugbolu, and the first Vice Chancellor of the university will be honoured under Ojukwu Legacy Award.

The Vice Chancellor further disclosed that other aspects of the celebration would include Charity walk, Interdenominational service, Founders and Heritage Day, Exhibitions, Convocation lecture and the Grand finale on 24th, May, 2025.

She explained that when they reflected on how the institution started and the great transformation it had undergone, they had every reason to come together, appreciate God and honour those who had been supportive in various ways to the growth of the school.

“We are celebrating excellence, togetherness, we are celebrating pride in the name Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the hero of our time.

“And that is why we are working very hard to ensure that this university truly represents that spirit of Patriotism, resilience, oratory and power that he was known for”

” So We sincerely want to use this opportunity to thank everyone that has contributed to the growth of this university. I count myself a lucky person to be on the saddle and celebrating the Silver Jubilee”

She added that the university had made tremendous progress in the quality of academic, numeric and infrastructural growth

The Vice Chancellor said from a student population of 500 at inception in 2000, the population had now increased to 23,500 students.

She also said the institution had grown to 14 faculties and 54 departments, which were all fully accredited by the National Universities Commission.

” So we are excited that we have come up and we have choice courses, what we call our flagships. All the courses we run are accredited by the NUC”

” We now have 1582 staff, 667 teaching staff and 918 non teaching with 200 Professors.So, we have grown in leaps and bounds.