Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has defended his decision to appoint Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha as the fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. Speaking at a thanksgiving Mass in Nnobi, Soludo maintained that Omenugha was selected solely for her merit, leadership skills, and extensive experience.
The governor highlighted Omenugha’s history as a Commissioner for Education, specifically praising her decision to shutter nearly 500 substandard schools accused of facilitating exam malpractice. According to Soludo, this display of integrity aligns with his government’s long-term goal of fostering a prosperous and digital state. Despite external pressure to choose a different candidate from within the university’s academic staff, the governor insisted he prioritized institutional interests over political influence.
This appointment faces ongoing scrutiny, as it is currently being challenged in the National Industrial Court. Prof. Chike Osegbue, a fellow applicant, filed the lawsuit alleging he finished first in the selection rankings while Omenugha placed fifth.
