The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has announced the appointment of Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, as the Chancellor of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra State.
This is as the Governor appointed Professor Peter Azikiwe Onwualu as the current Vice Chancellor of the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, as the Chairman and Pro-chancellor of the institution.
According to the statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Soludo, Mr Christian Aburime, “The appointment of Bishop Kukah as the chancellor is expected to provide leveraging of his global network to foster international partnerships, inspire ethical leadership in the University, and signal a commitment to producing well-rounded graduates’
“Professor Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, a professor of Agricultural Engineering, is the current VC of African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, and also a former DG/CEO of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council.”
“As a distinguished engineer and award-winning administrator who has contributed extensively to the development of Agricultural and Materials Engineering in Nigeria, Professor Onwualu brings to his new role as Chairman/Pro-Chancellor a vast wealth of experience and expertise that cuts across fields.
“His exceptional leadership qualities have seen him hold critical positions related to diverse reputable institutions, including Visiting Professor at the National Universities Commission and Co-Centre Leader, World Bank-funded Pan African Materials Institute, among others. Besides, Professor Onwualu has authored over 200 publications and 10 patents, received awards from over 70 organisations, and is a fellow of 12 scientific and professional bodies”
The Governor, who is the Visitor to the Anambra State-owned university, also appointed other members of the Governing Council, which includes Chief Christopher Ndubuisi, HRH Igwe Chidiume, Prof Joseph Ogbuagu and AIG (rtd) Chris Ezike.
According to Aburime in the statement, “The new Governing Council members are expected to bring their combined wealth of diverse valued experiences to bear on the vision and governance of the university for greater academic excellence”, he said.
