By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has hailed late Governor of the state, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, for initiating the idea of starting a university in the name of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) in the state.

He described him as a visionary leader that has not been adequately celebrated, saying that government will find adequate thing to immortalize Mbadinuju.

Soludo stated this at the 25th combined convocation ceremony of the university held at the University matriculation arena on Saturday, saying: "Mbadinuju is a great leader whose foresight led to the establishment of an institution that has since become a source of pride for the state.

“This 25th anniversary of the university we are celebrating today was the brainchild of a remarkable man.

“Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, the first civilian governor of Anambra State between 1999 and 2003, is the founder of this university. Yet, he has not been properly honoured for his contribution to the state. In his wisdom, he opened this university with the Uli campus.

“This is a vision brought to life by Mbadinuju’s dedication.

“May his soul rest in peace. I believe Anambra State has not done enough to celebrate him. We will find a meaningful way to immortalize the founder of this university, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju.”

The governor further revealed that the state is setting up a committee to tabulate the number of students. The tertiary institutions in the state with a view to starting students' bursary scheme soon.