Anambra Invests in Academic Excellence With Postgraduate Sponsorship Scheme

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has announced that the Anambra State Government will provide full academic sponsorship for 37 first-class graduates of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU).

This came as the Governor announced the renaming of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) Uli campus after former Governor of the state, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju.

He extolled the virtues of Mbadinuju, who was the first visitor and pioneer founder of the university.

Speaking during the institution’s 2024/2025 Convocation Ceremony at the Igbariam campus at the weekend, Soludo confirmed that the scholarship covers both Master’s and PhD programmes at any Nigerian public university. The Governor also announced four million naira gift for the overall best graduating student.

These initiatives, he said, are a cornerstone of the administration’s strategy to bolster the state’s intellectual capital and reward academic excellence.

The Governor challenged the graduands to look beyond their academic achievements and embrace their roles as “beacons of hope.”

While invoking the spirited and lyrical plea of the late legendary Ozzidi singer Sunny Okosun’s “Which Way Nigeria,” Governor Soludo 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,” Governor Soludo stated. “You must strive to be worthy representatives of this institution by contributing to the building of a better Nigeria,” he said.

He also used the occasion to pay glowing tribute to former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju, the first visitor and pioneer founder of the university, further announcing that the Uli campus of the university will now be named after the late Chinwoke Mbadinuju.

Addressing internal administrative matters, the Governor signalled 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.

The substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Kate Omenugha, who echoed the theme of progress, noted that the 16th convocation was a historic milestone. She emphasised that holding the ceremony signifies a successful restoration of the tradition of yearly convocations.

For the first time in the university’s 25-year history, the event hosted two foreign ambassadors.

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.