By Christian ABURIME
The conferment of an honorary doctorate degree on the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, during the combined 11th to 15th convocation ceremonies of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), was more than a ceremonial highlight—it reflected the Soludo administration’s people-centered development model that integrates health, education, and community empowerment.
Held at the university’s Igbariam campus, the event marked a historic milestone in the life of the institution, as it celebrated 25 years of academic excellence. Dignitaries, faculty members, students, alumni, and state officials gathered to honour graduating students and reflect on the evolution of the university over the years.
In his address, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, used the occasion to reflect on the transformation of COOU since his assumption of office. “The university is far different from what it used to be since my last time here,” he noted, emphasizing that government alone cannot fast-track development. Instead, he advocated for strong partnerships with the private sector and local communities to drive innovation and growth.
Governor Soludo paid tribute to the founder of the university, the late Governor Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, noting that his legacy must not go unnoticed. “Late Dr. Mbadinuju is not celebrated enough here. We must find something significant to immortalize him,” the governor stressed. He also extended commendations to other past leaders and stakeholders who have contributed to the university’s development, affirming, “I celebrate all men of goodwill who love and believe in education as the bridge to the future.”
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenugha expressed pride in the university’s stable and uninterrupted academic calendar over the past several years. “We are proud to combine five years of academic success into this celebration,” she remarked. “This stable academic calendar is a legacy we intend to sustain as we move forward.” Prof. Omenugha also lauded Governor Soludo for his numerous contributions to the university community and welcomed continued partnerships to enhance educational opportunities. “We appreciate the governor for his unwavering commitment to our institution,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, the Pro-Chancellor of COOU, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu emphasized the university’s commitment to community engagement and progressive ideas. “We have celebrated our heritage this week, and we intend to forge a vibrant future for this university,” he said, describing the university community as a place where differing views can coexist in a spirit of mutual respect. “I encourage everyone to join in and actively participate in this journey,” he added.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh echoed these sentiments, applauding the governor’s prioritization of education as a foundational pillar for progress in Anambra State. “Governor Soludo’s government remains unwavering in its mission to elevate education in our state,” she affirmed.
The highlight of the day, however, was the conferment of an honorary doctorate degree in food science and nutrition to Mrs. Nonye Soludo, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to health and nutrition, particularly through her flagship initiative, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo. The programme, which promotes nutrition education, clean eating, and wellness advocacy across communities in the state, has become a grassroots movement, aligning perfectly with her husband’s development vision.
In her remarks, the Governor’s wife expressed deep appreciation for the honour bestowed on her by the university. “This honour belongs to every caregiver, every woman working daily to raise healthy families. I thank the university and our people for supporting our journey,” she said. Her award also signals the university’s recognition of wellness advocacy as a critical aspect of educational and human development.
The event drew an impressive crowd of dignitaries, including Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; House of Representatives member representing Ihiala, Dr. Paschal Agbodike; traditional rulers, and other high-ranking officials.
As COOU celebrates a quarter century of academic excellence, the Soludo administration’s multi-sectoral investment in human capital—spanning education, health, and youth development—continues to redefine governance in Anambra. Mrs. Soludo’s award, while honorary in form, carries the weight of real impact, offering a powerful statement that in Anambra State, development starts with the people.
