Ojukwu varsity senate urges Soludo to appoint substantive VC
Some staff of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University under the aegis of Concerned Members of the Senate, has called on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to appoint a substantive Vice-Chancellor(VC) for the institution.
The professors made the call in a letter entitled ‘Appeal For Restoration of Sanity in COOU’, and made available to media.
They said the tenure for the last substantive VC ended on Dec. 4 2023.
The Dons said Prof. Kate Omenugha, the current Acting VC was appointed effective Dec. 5 2023 and had spent almost 18 months in that capacity.
They called for her removal or resignation as she was contesting for the substantive position.
They alleged that Omenugha had overstayed the statutory acting VC tenure.
They also said she had continued to misuse the office and flout university regulations in an attempt to perpetuate herself in office.
They respectfully appealed to His Excellency to intervene, citing relevant laws and the need for fairness and a level playing field for all candidates.
“The Governor should do so by causing Prof. Omenugha’s term as Acting VC to cease immediately, given her interest in the VCship position.
“He should appoint a Professor from COOU Senate who is ineligible to contest for the office of VC or vested interest as Acting VC.
“These steps are essential to restore sanity, uphold due process, and ensure the integrity of the selection process,” they said.
COOU Senate members expressed concern that in December 2024, Omenugha violated university procedures during a senate meeting she chaired, manipulating it to her advantage as a vice-chancellor candidate.
They also noted she restricted a Search Committee election, limiting choices to loyal Council members instead of allowing a fair vote.
“A small group unilaterally chose a Senate representative for the committee, and despite objections, Omenugha submitted the name of her preferred, unelected nominee.
“Allowing a VC candidate to remain as Acting Vice-Chancellor compromises fairness, especially given allegations of repeated rule violations and disregard for procedure,” They said.
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