Emmanuel lkpeama.
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has announced full academic sponsorship for 37 first-class graduates of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University for postgraduate studies.
The Governor made the announcement during the institution’s 2024/2025 Convocation Ceremony held at the Igbariam campus, stating that the scholarship package would cover both Master’s and PhD programmes in any Nigerian public university.
He also presented a N4 million reward to the overall best graduating student.
The gesture, according to the Governor, is part of his administration’s commitment to promoting academic excellence and strengthening Anambra State’s intellectual capacity.
Addressing the graduating students, Soludo urged them to go beyond academic success and become agents of national transformation.
Referencing the popular song Which Way Nigeria by Sunny Okosun, he challenged the graduands to help reshape the future of the country.
He said the younger generation must take active responsibility in steering Nigeria towards economic recovery and national progress, while also making their alma mater proud through meaningful contributions to society.
Governor Soludo also paid tribute to late former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju, describing him as the pioneer founder and first visitor of the university.
He announced that the institution’s Uli Campus would now be named after the late statesman.
On staff welfare, the Governor disclosed plans to begin formal discussions with the university management and governing council to create a sustainable financial support framework for academic and non-academic staff.
The ceremony also featured the formal introduction of Matthew Kukah as the new Chancellor of the university.
In his inaugural remarks, Bishop Kukah thanked the state government for the appointment and praised the progress being recorded by the institution.
He also encouraged alumni to remain committed to the growth of their alma mater through support and development initiatives.
Vice Chancellor Kate Omenugha described the 16th convocation ceremony as a historic milestone, noting that its successful hosting signaled the return of regular yearly convocations.
Investigator news reports that for the first time in the university’s 25-year history, the convocation ceremony also hosted two foreign ambassadors.
The event ended with a strong message from the state government that academic excellence must go hand in hand with dedication to national development.