By Stephen Okeke
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has defended
his decision to appoint Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha as the substantive
Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), saying she
earned the position on merit, experience and a proven record of leadership.
The governor spoke on Sunday during a thanksgiving Mass at
St. Paul Catholic Church, Nnobi, held to celebrate Prof. Omenugha's first
anniversary as the university's fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor and the 70th
birthday of her husband, Dr. Michael Omenugha, popularly known as Ichie Obama.
The event brought together government officials, political
leaders, academics, clergy, family members and friends, who gathered to
celebrate the milestones.
Explaining the reasons behind his choice, Soludo said
Omenugha stood out because of her achievements in public service, particularly
during her tenure as Anambra State Commissioner for Education. He described the
Professor of Mass Communication as a courageous and principled leader who
consistently placed the public interest above personal or political
considerations.
The governor recalled that under her leadership as education
commissioner, the state shut down more than 486 so-called "miracle
centres" used to aid examination malpractice in secondary schools. He said
the move reflected her commitment to discipline, integrity and raising
educational standards.
According to Soludo, those qualities convinced him that
Omenugha was the right person to lead COOU and help advance his
administration's long-term vision of building a smart, digital, liveable and
prosperous Anambra by 2070.
He also revealed that he faced intense lobbying from
influential figures who wanted another professor from the university appointed
to the role. However, he said he rejected the pressure because the interests of
the institution and the state came first.
"I refused to succumb to pressure because the interest
of the university and the state was paramount," the governor said, adding
that merit remains the guiding principle for appointments under his
administration.
Soludo's remarks come as the appointment remains the subject
of a legal challenge before the National Industrial Court. One of the
unsuccessful candidates, Prof. Chike Osegbue, argues that he finished first in
the selection process while Prof. Omenugha ranked fifth. The court is expected
to determine the dispute, while the governor maintains that his decision was
based on competence rather than influence.
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