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From Obinna Odogwu, Awka
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has renamed the Uli campus of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University after former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju.
Soludo announced the development at the 16th Convocation ceremony of the university, held at its Igbariam campus, at the weekend.
The governor also used the occasion to pay glowing tribute to the former governor who was the first visitor and founder of the university.
Soludo, during the institution’s 2024/2025 convocation ceremony, also announced that the state government would provide full academic sponsorship for 37 first-class graduates of the university.
He said that the scholarship covers both Master’s and PhD programmes at any Nigerian public university. He also announced a N4 million gift for the overall best graduating student. He said that the initiative was the cornerstone of his administration’s strategy to bolster the state’s intellectual capital and reward academic excellence.
The governor challenged the graduates to look beyond their academic achievements and embrace their roles as “beacons of hope.”
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Invoking the lyrical plea of the late legendary singer, Sunny Okosun, “Which Way Nigeria,” the governor urged the class of 2025 to lead the charge in changing the national narrative.
“There is a pressing need for this generation to play an active role in steering the country back toward economic stability”, Soludo stated, adding: “You must strive to be worthy representatives of this institution by contributing to the building of a better Nigeria.”
Addressing internal administrative matters, the governor further signaled his commitment to staff welfare. He disclosed plans to enter formal discussions with the university’s management and governing council to establish a clearly defined financial agreement and a sustainable support framework for faculty and staff.
The ceremony also marked the formal introduction of Bishop Matthew Kukah as the newly appointed Chancellor of the university.
In his inaugural address, Bishop Kukah expressed gratitude to the state government for the appointment and commended the ongoing advancements within the institution. He encouraged the alumni to maintain a lifelong connection with their alma mater through resource mobilisation and development initiatives.
Echoing the theme of progress, the substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Kate Omenugha, noted that the 16th convocation was a historic milestone. He emphasised that holding the ceremony at this time signified a successful restoration of the tradition of yearly convocations.
The event concluded with a clear mandate from the state leadership: the pursuit of academic excellence must be matched by a dedication to national transformation.
