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.

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.

In a significant stride toward bolstering healthcare education in Northern Nigeria, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) on Thursday, July 31, donated a fully completed administrative block worth ₦250 million to Al-Qalam University’s College of Allied Health Sciences, Katsina.

The building, funded under ASR Africa’s Tertiary Education Grant Scheme (TEGs), is part of the organization’s broader commitment to addressing infrastructure gaps in African tertiary institutions. So far, over 30 institutions across the continent have benefitted from grants ranging between ₦250 million and ₦2 billion.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Professor Nasiru Musa Yauri, Vice Chancellor of Al-Qalam University, expressed deep appreciation to ASR Africa, stating:

“The choice of the project and its location were strategic as the institution plans to extend its academic programmes to include the College of Allied Health Sciences.”

He further revealed that the university has formalized partnerships with major healthcare facilities across Katsina State to support clinical training for students enrolled in the new health sciences programs.

Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Medical Education

L-R: Alh. Bilya Sanda, Chairman, Katsina Islamic Foundation; Prof. Nasiru M. Yauri, VC, Al-Qalam University, Katsina; Dr. Ubon Udoh, MD/CEO, ASR Africa; Barr. Abdullahi Faskari, Secretary to the State Government, Katsina representing the State Governor; Justice Musa Danladi, Chief Judge, Katsina State; Alhaji Aminu Lawal Marafa, Marafa Katsina, representing the Emir of Katsina during the tape-cutting at the official commissioning of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Administrative Building for the College of Allied Health Science in Al-Qalam University, Katsina recently.

The newly commissioned facility houses furnished administrative and academic offices, two conference halls, and infrastructure to support the upcoming degree programs in Nursing Science, Public Health, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Optometry, and Medical Laboratory Sciences.

Dr. Ubon Udoh, Managing Director of ASR Africa, commended the university’s project management team for their role in the timely delivery of the project. He stated:

“The partnership between ASR Africa and the university’s Project Management Unit ensured the project was completed within the stipulated time. We are satisfied with the outcome and urge all beneficiaries to ensure its proper use.”

State Government Applauds Educational Investment

Representing the Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda, the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, thanked ASR Africa’s Chairman, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, for what he described as a critical investment in the state’s educational sector.

“Education is vital for the growth of any society. That is why Governor Radda has made it a top priority on his agenda,” said Faskari.

The event was attended by top university officials, state executives, and members of the ASR Africa team.

About ASR Africa

Founded in 2021 by Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, African industrialist and Chairman of BUA Group, ASR Africa is a philanthropic initiative committed to sustainable, impact-driven development in health, education, and social development across Africa. The initiative focuses on homegrown solutions to systemic challenges, delivering interventions that are both strategic and locally relevant.

This donation to Al-Qalam University underscores ASR Africa’s growing influence in shaping the continent’s future through education and community-driven development.