Soludo awards scholarships to 37 COOU first-class graduates, honours late Governor Mbadinuju
Education
By Tony Okafor, Awka
It was a day of celebration at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University as Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo announced full government sponsorship for 37 first-class graduates to pursue postgraduate studies.
Speaking at the university’s 2024/2025 convocation in Igbariam, the governor said the scholars will be funded through master’s and PhD programmes in any Nigerian public university.
The overall best graduating student also received a cash reward of N4 million.
Soludo said the gesture was part of his administration’s plan to reward brilliance and strengthen Anambra’s human capital.
He challenged the graduates to rise to Nigeria’s challenges, quoting Sunny Okosun’s classic “Which Way Nigeria?” and urging them to become beacons of hope and drivers of change.
“Nigeria needs you now more than ever. Go out there and make a difference,” he declared.
In an emotional tribute, the governor announced that the university’s Uli Campus will be renamed in honour of the late former governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju.
He also hinted at improved welfare for lecturers and staff, promising to engage the university leadership on a sustainable funding plan.
The event saw the formal unveiling of Bishop Matthew Kukah as the new Chancellor.
In his remarks, Kukah praised the institution’s growth and urged alumni to remain connected and give back.
Vice Chancellor Kate Omenugha described the convocation as historic, noting that it restored the culture of regular convocations.
For the first time in 25 years, the ceremony attracted two foreign ambassadors, lending it international significance.
