By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has inaugurated the Governing Council of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU).

Members of the council include; Professor Chidi Odinkalu (Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Chief Christopher Ndubuisi, Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume and AIG Chris Ezike (Rtd).

The Senate Representatives to the Council include, Prof. K.K. Nwozo, Prof. Angela Nwamuo, Prof. C.C Chukwueloka, Prof. Obi Emeka and Prof. Anselem Nweke while the Congregation Representative to Council are Prof. M.N Chendo and Mrs. Eucharia.

Speaking during the event held Wednesday at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Awka, Soludo stressed that government views the institution as the apex of tertiary institutions in the state, even as he charged them to build an educational system that is fit for purpose, projecting into where the state want to be.

He said: "The primary challenge you have is to work hard to reinvigorate and regenerate the university for the times we live and the times yet to come.

"Are we preparing our children to be able to dominate the future? The university needs to carve its own unique identity, its own brand."

"Fiscal sustainability is part of the challenges but you have to compete and dominate with the little resource base at your disposal".

While expressing his passion for the university, the Governor said that he is looking forward to seeing the university become the shining light, if not the leader in university education in Nigeria.

He further expressed absolute confidence in the ability of the Council, promising to support it in whatever feasible way, subject to resource constraint.

In his response, the Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof Odinkalu, thanked the Governor for extending to them the privilege to serve.

According to him, "The COOU law of 2014 have some very inspiring lines that we intend to work with.

"A part of the law talks about investing in research in African cultural heritage, promoting the social heritage of the state and stimulate and sustain interest in agriculture.”

The VC further paid glowing tribute to the Odumegwu Ojukwu's dynasty whom the school is named after, describing it as a family that have inspired enterprise humility, enlightenment, courage and leadership as virtues that have to be taken seriously

He assured the governor of working with the Vice Chancellor, management and staff of the institution to address basic rest facilities, build a beautiful green environment and infuse sustainable dignity

Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Commissioner for Special Duties, Barr. Beverly Nkemdiche Ikpeazụ, Chief Protocol officer, Hon Chinedu Nwoye, SA entertainment, leisure and Tourism, Bob-Manuel Udokwu, among others, were also present at the event.