By Our Correspondent
The Parents Forum of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University has elected an interim leadership to steer its affairs, with Sir Chris Chikwelu( Ichele Agulu)emerging as chairman.
The leadership emerged during the forum’s meeting held on Tuesday at the ETF Auditorium, Igbariam Campus of the university, where parents and management officials gathered to discuss issues concerning the institution and the welfare of students.
Other members of the interim committee are Dr Chinasa Iloabueke (Vice Chairman), Prof. A.C. Nweke, Mrs Kate Ojukwu, N. Dr Mrs Ifeoma Nwafor, Engr. Obiora Manafa, Dr Ilechukwu and Mr Chinoso Adde.
The committee is expected to provide leadership for the forum and serve as an official channel of communication between parents and the university management.
The interim executives were inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kate Azuka Omenugha, who described the forum as an important platform for strengthening collaboration between parents and the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence in the forum’s ability to provide effective leadership and contribute to the continued growth of the university, reiterating the administration’s commitment to delivering on its developmental agenda.
The Parents Forum is one of the initiatives introduced by the university administration under Omenugha’s leadership to promote closer engagement with parents, whom the management regards as critical partners in the training and development of students.
Speaking at the meeting, university officials underscored the importance of parental involvement in addressing challenges facing students and supporting the institution’s drive for academic excellence.
The gathering also provided an opportunity for the university management to address concerns arising from what it described as rumours and false narratives relating to insecurity and other issues affecting the institution.
Management officials used the forum to clarify the university’s position on the matters and brief parents on progress made in various areas of the institution’s operations, including achievements recorded in recent years.
At the end of the meeting, participants adopted a communiqué recommending that the COOU Parents Forum become a permanent feature of the university’s calendar rather than a one-off engagement.
The newly inaugurated leadership was charged with working closely with the university authorities to strengthen communication, foster mutual understanding and advance the objectives of the forum.
