Bianca Ojukwu loses appointment
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has sacked the Governing Council of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, which he appointed in June 2024, replacing them with a new team.
Those who were sacked are Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, a former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) who served as the Pro-Chancellor of the university; and Mrs Bianca Ojukwu, the current Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and widow of the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. She served as a council member.
Other members removed from the council are Ifeoma Ekwueme, Christopher Ndubuisi, and Igwe Oranu Chidume.
In the new arrangement, Soludo retained Igwe Chidume in the council but appointed Prof. Peter Azikiwe Onwualu as the new Chairman and Pro-Chancellor. Onwualu is an agricultural engineering expert and currently serves as Vice-Chancellor of the African University of Science and Technology in Abuja. He has also worked as Director-General and Chief Executive of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council in the past.
According to information from the governor’s office through his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Onwualu has long experience in academic leadership and engineering development in Nigeria. He has held several academic roles, including visiting professor at the National Universities Commission and leadership positions in international research programmes supported by the World Bank.
The statement also noted that Onwualu has written many academic works, holds patents, and belongs to several professional bodies. He has also received recognition from many organisations over the years.
Other members appointed into the new 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 new council is expected to guide the university’s administration and support its development goals as it continues its academic activities.
