By Charles Igbo
Less than two years after he appointed Professor Chidi Odinkalu and Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu to the Governing Council of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam,
Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, Anambra State Governor, has sacked them along with others. Only one member, a Traditional Ruler was reappointed.
Professor Odinkalu, is an accomplished Barrister-at-Law, activist and a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission while Ambassador Ojukwu is, currently Minister of State, Foreign Affairs. The University is named after her late husband, Dim Ikemba Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. Until his removal, Odinkalu was the University’s Pro-Chancellor.
They were appointed in June 2024.
Other members of the sacked Council were Dr. Ifeoma Ekwueme, wife of a former Vice President, late Dr Alex Ekwueme, Christopher Ndubuisi, and Igwe Oranu Chidume (who was, however, reappointed)
Prof. Peter Azikiwe Onwualu, a Professor of Agricultural Engineering, has been appointed as the new Chairman/Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council of the University.
Onwualu is the current Vice Chancellor of the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja. He was, also, a former DG/CEO of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Soludo said that Onwualu is a “distinguished engineer and award-winning administrator who has contributed extensively to the development of Agricultural and Materials Engineering in Nigeria.”
He added that “Professor Onwualu brings to his new role as Chairman/Pro-Chancellor a vast wealth of experience and expertise that cuts across fields.
“His exceptional leadership qualities have seen him hold critical positions related to diverse reputable institutions which include as Visiting Professor at the National Universities Commission and Co-Centre Leader, World Bank-funded Pan African Materials Institute, among others.
“Besides, Professor Onwualu has authored over 200 publications and 10 patents, received awards from over 70 organisations, and is a fellow of 12 scientific and professional bodies.
Other members of the new Council are: Chief Christopher Ndubuisi, HRH Igwe Chidiume Oranu (reappointed), Professor Josephat O. Ogbuagu, and AIG (retd) Sir Chris Ezike.
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