Picture: The COOU VC, Prof Kate Omenugha
By Mimi Chiadikaobi
Students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam Campus, have praised the institution’s management under Vice Chancellor Prof. Kate Omenugha for transforming the university’s learning environment, while calling for improved security and more hostel accommodation.
Some students who spoke with journalists commended the uninterrupted academic calendar, modern library, upgraded laboratories, cleaner campus environment and the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism.
A 300-level Accountancy student, Chiamaka Onyezue, said the stable academic calendar has enabled students to graduate on schedule and obtain their results without unnecessary delays.
She, however, appealed for stronger security around off-campus hostels where many students reside.
Another student, Gerald Okafor, urged the university to introduce affordable shuttle services, noting that inadequate hostel accommodation forces many students to commute daily at high cost.
A Political Science student, Frankly Olisemeka, also called for more hostels and lecture halls, saying students living off-campus are exposed to security risks, including kidnapping and accidents.
Responding, Vice Chancellor Prof. Kate Omenugha said the university is addressing the challenges by attracting private investors to build hostels and strengthening collaboration with parents, host communities and security agencies through a stakeholders’ forum.
She disclosed that several privately funded hostels with capacities ranging from 700 to 1,000 beds have already been developed, while more projects are underway.
Omenugha reaffirmed her commitment to providing a safe, conducive learning environment, adding that landscaping projects, a leisure park, university kitchen and tree-planting initiatives are also ongoing to improve students’ welfare.
The Vice Chancellor commended the Anambra State Government under Gov. Charles Soludo for infrastructure upgrades at the university’s Uli and Igbariam campuses and expressed confidence that ongoing efforts would significantly improve security and accommodation before the end of her tenure.
Tags: COOU, Kate Omenugha, Anambra, University News, Campus Security, Higher Education, Charles Soludo
