Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has dissolved the Governing Council of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, appointing a new leadership team to oversee the institution’s affairs. The council, which was originally constituted in June 2024, included notable figures such as Bianca Ojukwu, who served as a member, and Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, who held the position of Pro-Chancellor.
Also affected by the dissolution are Ifeoma Ekwueme, Christopher Ndubuisi, and Igwe Oranu Chidume. However, in a partial retention, Igwe Chidume has been reappointed to the newly formed council. The restructuring marks a significant administrative shift in the governance of the university.
In the new arrangement, Prof. Peter Azikiwe Onwualu has been appointed as the Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of the institution. Onwualu, an accomplished agricultural engineering expert, currently serves as Vice-Chancellor of the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, and has previously led the Raw Materials Research and Development Council as Director-General.
According to a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the newly appointed chairman brings extensive experience in academic leadership, research, and engineering development. His career includes roles as a visiting professor at the National Universities Commission and participation in several international research initiatives supported by the World Bank.
Other members of the reconstituted Governing Council include Chief Christopher Ndubuisi, HRH Igwe Chidiume Oranu, Prof. Josephat O. Ogbuagu, and retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Sir Chris Ezike. The newly inaugurated council is expected to provide strategic direction for the university and strengthen its academic and institutional development.
