In a move signalling confidence in continuity and academic excellence, Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has confirmed the appointment of Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU).

The confirmation, which was formally delivered at a ceremony held on Wednesday, 7th August 2025, at the Light House in Awka, marks a significant milestone for the university and the education sector in Anambra State.

Professor Omenugha, who has been serving in an acting capacity, received her appointment letter from Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Secretary to the State Government, in a symbolic handover attended by state officials and university stakeholders.

According to Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the confirmation followed a thorough and merit-based selection process, underlining the administration’s commitment to credible appointments across critical institutions in the state.

“Professor Omenugha’s confirmation follows her exemplary performance during her tenure as Acting Vice Chancellor, a period characterized by positive institutional changes and visionary leadership that have positioned COOU for greater academic excellence and innovation,” Aburime stated.

Soludo Endorses Merit, Institutional Stability

Governor Soludo, while commenting on the development, reaffirmed the state’s unwavering dedication to educational excellence and strategic institutional governance. He noted that the decision to appoint Professor Omenugha was based on a combination of merit, vision, and proven capacity to drive transformation in higher education.

“Our administration believes in strengthening the foundations of our institutions through sound leadership. Professor Omenugha has proven herself beyond doubt—her commitment, innovations, and leadership ethos speak for themselves,” Soludo said.

He added, “We are confident that under her guidance, COOU will continue to soar, setting benchmarks for academic achievement and student-focused development.”

Broad Stakeholder Support for Omenugha’s Leadership

Stakeholders across Anambra’s education landscape have praised the governor’s decision, describing the appointment as a strategic step toward consolidating the university’s progress. Many highlighted Professor Omenugha’s administrative acumen, people-centered leadership, and alignment with the broader vision of educational transformation in the state.

In her tenure as Acting Vice Chancellor, Omenugha championed initiatives that improved staff morale, strengthened academic programs, and improved community engagement—earning her widespread support among faculty and students alike.

Her appointment has been seen as a victory for institutional continuity and gender inclusion in academic leadership.

A Trailblazing Academic with Vision

Professor Kate Omenugha brings decades of experience in academia, policy, and administration. A respected scholar and administrator, she has served in various capacities within the university system, known for promoting excellence, transparency, and inclusive governance.

She is expected to build on ongoing reforms, including staff development, research expansion, digital learning tools, and infrastructural improvements.

With her confirmation, COOU stakeholders anticipate a new era of growth, innovation, and stability.

In a landmark step toward reshaping Nigeria’s educational landscape, Sterling Bank has announced the first 30 beneficiaries of its ₦2 billion Beyond Education Scholarship, a transformative initiative aimed at developing a future-ready workforce for critical sectors of the economy.

Launched in June 2025, the scholarship scheme is part of Sterling Bank’s most ambitious education intervention yet—designed not just to fund university education, but to create real-world opportunities for young Nigerians in industries that drive national development.

Under the program, 600 outstanding students will receive full undergraduate tuition at two partner institutions: Miva Open University, Nigeria’s first licensed online private university, and Hillside University of Science & Technology (HUST), a STEM-focused campus based in Ekiti State.

Bridging Education with Employability

“This is more than a scholarship. It’s a national development strategy,” said Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive for Consumer and Business Banking at Sterling Bank.

“We’re closing the gap between education and employability. Our mission is to prepare young people for the future of work in sectors that matter most to Nigeria’s progress.”

Beyond Education is aligned with Sterling’s HEART strategy, an investment framework that targets development in Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation—industries considered critical to Nigeria’s long-term economic resilience.

Unlike conventional scholarship schemes, Sterling’s approach is strategic, inclusive, and sustainability-driven, reflecting a deep commitment to human capital development.

Meet the Inaugural Scholarship Recipients

The first 30 scholars were chosen through a community-driven voting process, where Sterling Bank account holders participated in nominating and voting for deserving candidates. All selected individuals were rigorously screened to ensure they met academic entry requirements at either of the two partner universities.

The beneficiaries are:

Abdulahi Afolabi, Damilare Tijani, Abdulwahab Eniafe, Abubakar Isah, Tahir Enesi Ibrahim, Julius Agbene Agbo, Chinedu Kelechi Patrick, Ayomide Ojo, Fyneseed Nwogu, Miracle Woyinmomoemi Daniel, Serene Clinton, Temiloluwa Orekunrin, Udeme Umoh, Victor Esogwa, Rosemary Kosipre, Ali Mohammed, Usman Isiaka Ololade, Kayode Aikulola, Saviour Philip, Ademola Afolabi, Emmanuel Enekwa, Bashir Sani Ibrahim, Ezekiel Adeseye, Deborah Umeaku, Abba Kaka Lawan, Haisam Sunusi Mahmuda, John Gumuan, Afan Ajiji, Bajepade Kehinde, and Chioma Igwe.

Although the scholarship fully covers tuition, recipients are expected to fund other associated costs such as internet access, study materials, and living expenses. Sterling Bank says this structure enhances the program’s long-term scalability.

What’s Next?

While nominations for the next round of scholarship awards will pause until September 2025, community voting remains active. Verified nominees are encouraged to continue mobilising support within their networks.

With 570 scholarship slots still available, Sterling Bank reaffirmed its commitment to making quality education accessible and building a pipeline of talent to power Nigeria’s most vital industries.

About Sterling Bank

Sterling Bank is a leading Nigerian financial institution known for its innovation-led HEART strategy. With a reputation for inclusive banking and high-impact social initiatives, the Bank remains at the forefront of using finance as a tool for national transformation.

For more information, visit: www.sterling.ng

Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), operator of Nigeria’s first commercial gold mine and a subsidiary of Thor Explorations Ltd., has taken bold steps toward community development and youth empowerment in Osun State by recognising winners of its 2025 University Competition and unveiling major infrastructure projects in Odo‑Ijesha.

The University Competition, launched earlier in 2025, called on students from tertiary institutions across Osun State to devise practical and innovative strategies to tackle the scourge of illegal mining — a growing issue threatening both the environment and legitimate mining efforts in the region.

Judged independently by the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), the competition attracted a wave of outstanding ideas, reaffirming the intellectual power and creativity of Nigerian youth.

Winners Shine with Vision for Sustainable Mining

Three students emerged as the standout winners:

Ibrahim Sulaiman of Adeleke University claimed the first prize of ₦800,000 — ₦500,000 from the official prize fund and an additional ₦300,000 personally presented by Mr. Segun Lawson, CEO of Thor Explorations Ltd.

Beulah Chimaobi Ude from Obafemi Awolowo University took second place with ₦500,000 (₦300,000 official prize + ₦200,000 bonus).

Abisola Faith Adegboyega of Osun State University, Osogbo Campus, won third place and received ₦300,000 (₦200,000 prize + ₦100,000 bonus).

Speaking during the award presentation, Mr. Segun Lawson said:

“This competition is not a token gesture. It reflects our firm belief that young Nigerians are not just the future of the mining industry; they are already shaping its present. The entries were bold, thoughtful, and solution-driven, offering real strategies for tackling illegal mining and promoting responsible, sustainable practices.”

Community Infrastructure Projects Unveiled in Odo‑Ijesha

Following the award ceremony, Segilola Resources commissioned two key infrastructure projects on July 31st, 2025, further anchoring its long-term investment in the Odo‑Ijesha community. These included:

The renovated Community High School — now equipped to offer a more conducive learning environment.

An upgraded block of market stalls — designed to boost local trade with safer, organised, and hygienic facilities for traders.

The projects were implemented in close consultation with community leaders to ensure alignment with grassroots needs and aspirations.

Madhurii Sarkar Amoda, Community Development and Stakeholder Manager at SROL, during the commissioning event, remarked:

“It is always a privilege to work closely with host communities on projects that reflect their true priorities. These are more than just physical structures; they are symbols of progress, inclusion, and our long-term commitment to building with, not just for, the people of Odo‑Ijesha.”

Building for the Future of Osun

Through initiatives like the University Competition and strategic infrastructure investments, Segilola Resources Operating Limited continues to lead by example in Nigeria’s mining industry. The company’s approach emphasizes inclusive development, environmental responsibility, transparency, and shared prosperity — principles critical to reshaping the narrative around resource extraction in the country.

By empowering students and uplifting communities, Segilola is not only investing in the present but laying a foundation for a more sustainable and equitable future in Osun State and beyond.