In line with her three Vs of Values, Visibility, and Viability, the Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University, Prof Kate Azuka Omenugha, has honoured some students, teaching staff, and non-teaching staff members of the university, as well as those supportive of the university’s progress in 2024.
This recognition which was a part of the university’s 2024 Carol of 9 lessons with the theme, “COOU Christmas: A Bouquet of Joy and Awards”, marked the gradual conclusion of academic activities at the university in 2024. The well-attended event held at the TETFUND Auditorium of the university featured a spirited homily by Ven. Prof J.KJ Onuora. In his sermon, he urged the university community to remain focused on the fact that Christmas is primarily about the birth of Jesus Christ and must be celebrated in this consciousness. According to Onuora, the essence of Christmas is the coming of Jesus to rescue mankind from sin and the devil. “Christ came to rescue us from the devil.” However, he observed that “Sin is prevalent because people have not applied the cleansing blood of Jesus.” Ven Onuora then moved further to inquire if people live, mindful of Jesus’ redemptive power.
“How has Jesus affected your life?”, he queried.
“As a lecturer, have you been affected in your work by Jesus? As a staff of the university, as a politician, have you been affected by Jesus?,” Ven Onuora inquired.
The audience was then moved from the sermon’s highpoint to rendition by choir groups and the music department of the university whose masterful delivery moved the audience to a standing ovation.
In her speech, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenugha, thanked the university community, the governor, and school management for their efforts and support which culminated in a successful year in 2024. According to Prof. Omenugha, the university is intentional about creating an environment of joy. “We want to build a university of joy. A university of happy people. We owe ourselves to create happiness; to be happy. Christmas without Christ is empty. Christ is joyful. I want to share my Christmas message with all of us gathered here. My message is a message of joy, love, resilience, and forgiveness. Our administration runs what we call the three Vs and we call ourselves the now university and the future.” The Vice Chancellor then highlighted the recipients of the awards and how they were chosen for the recognition. The teaching staff recognized, were selected from independent Google Scholar citations. But for the non-teaching staff, “we run a transparent system. We asked the unions to select deserving awardees who have tried to live up to our values at the university”, Prof. Omenugha said. The Organizational Review of lecturers at the university was also included as a way of selecting awardees who are committed to helping students learn and do better.
Students recognized include; Somto Umeh, of the Economics Department, for placing the university on the part of honour when he was recognized by CJoy Foundation International and the Ministry of Education. Also, Chinedu Nwafor of the Economics Department, Geraldine Nnoyerumife and 4 other students were all recognised.
Lecturers who were recognised include; Dr. Lawrence Uchenna Okoye, with 1, 247 Google citations. Dr. Earnest Ogheneswevi, Dr. Chukwunonso Ekesiobi, with 1, 200 Google Scholar citations. He is in the Faculty of Social Sciences. Dr. Ikechukwu Aloysius Nweke of the Faculty of Agriculture. Dr. Chinedu Olisa of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences. Dr. Adaobi Ibekwe, of the Nursing Department, with 455 mentions. Prof. Chukwuemeka Azikiwe. Dr. Angela of Environmental Sciences. Dr. Ikechukwu Asika of the English Department has 205 mentions.
Others are Prof. Chigbor Okongwu of the Faculty of Law. Overall, Prof. Jonathan Ifemeje—the university’s Director of the Research Management Office— had over 1,400 mentions and came third overall.
Dr. Titus Egbosiuba, with 1,596 citations, came in second, while Dr. Johnbosco claimed the first spot with 4,602 citations.
In other categories, “small heroes” were recognized, while stakeholders who supported the university were also recognized. In the unsung hero category, cleaners, and security staff members at the Uli and Igbariam campuses were recognized.
Those recognized in the stakeholder category are; Hon. Obi Nweke, House of Assembly member representing Anambra East LGA, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, Director of Anambra ICT Agency, Ossy Onuko, MD of Awka Capital Development Authority, Hon. John Nwokoye, a former member of Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Bernard Udemezue, House of Assembly member representing Anyamelum constituency, Hon. Ejike Okechukwu, House of Assembly member representing Anaocha II Constituency, Chief Paul Okafor, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, Anambra State Commissioner for Public Utilities, and Earnest Ezeajughi, Chief of Staff to the Governor.
The idea of these recognitions, according to the Vice Chancellor, is to ensure positive reinforcement.
Ebuka graduated with a second-class upper-division degree in Political Science from the University of Calabar in Nigeria. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master's Degree in Political Science with a specialization in Government and Development Studies from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Nigeria. His academic background and professional experience have equipped him with a deep understanding of political dynamics and governance issues.
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