Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has officially appointed Professor Kate Omenugha as the permanent Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, following her six-month tenure in an acting capacity. The announcement, confirmed in a letter delivered by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, at the Government House in Awka on Wednesday, concludes a months-long selection process that began with public recruitment in early January.
Omenugha, a professor of Mass Communication and former Anambra Commissioner for Education, assumes leadership of the state-owned institution as it seeks to strengthen its academic and administrative frameworks. Her appointment aligns with Governor Soludo’s emphasis on education reform, a cornerstone of his administration’s development agenda. Christian Aburime, the governor’s press secretary, relayed Soludo’s confidence in Omenugha’s ability to steer the university toward “continued growth and development,” while urging faculty, students, and stakeholders to support her vision.
The selection process, managed by the university’s governing council, adhered to guidelines set by Nigeria’s National Universities Commission. Applications for the position opened on January 2, with candidates undergoing rigorous assessments over several weeks. Omenugha’s interim leadership since December 2023 provided insight into her management approach, which reportedly emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration and infrastructure upgrades.
Analysts note her prior role as education commissioner—a position she held from 2014 to 2022—positions her to address systemic challenges in higher education, including funding gaps and accreditation hurdles. During her tenure as commissioner, she spearheaded initiatives to digitize learning processes and expand vocational training programs across Anambra’s public schools. Supporters argue these experiences equip her to navigate the evolving demands of university governance, particularly in fostering partnerships with international institutions.
The university, named after Nigeria’s late revolutionary leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, has faced periodic strikes and funding shortfalls in recent years, mirroring broader challenges within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. Omenugha’s appointment signals an intent to stabilize operations while aligning academic curricula with global standards. In his remarks, Soludo reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing “unwavering support” to ensure the institution’s transformation into a regional hub for innovation.
As the first woman to hold the role permanently, Omenugha’s leadership is also seen as a milestone for gender representation in Nigerian academia, where women remain underrepresented in top administrative positions. Her appointment has drawn praise from education advocacy groups, who highlight her track record of advocating for inclusive policies. Challenges persist, however, including reconciling resource constraints with ambitions for expansion. Stakeholders will closely watch her strategies to attract research funding and improve graduate employability in a competitive job market.
