COOU establishes New Academic Centres, appoints directors

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, has approved the establishment of several new academic and research centres and appointed Directors and Deputy Directors to oversee their operations for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The development was contained in an internal memorandum issued by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, and dated December 30, 2025. According to the memo, the creation of the new centres received due approval from the University Management and the Senate as part of efforts to strengthen academic excellence, promote research and innovation, support community development, and enhance the institution’s global visibility.

Professor Omenugha noted that the centres are designed to serve as hubs of excellence that will deepen teaching, research, and service delivery across the university. She added that the initiative aligns with COOU’s 3Vs Agenda of Values, Viability, and Visibility, aimed at repositioning the university as a forward-looking and globally competitive institution.

Following the approval of the centres, the Vice-Chancellor announced the appointment of Directors, Acting Directors, and Deputy Directors for the various centres, with effect from Monday, January 5, 2026. The appointments cut across diverse areas including Gender Studies, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Mental Health and Psychological Services, Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Renewable Energy, Public Health, Indigenous Knowledge, Migration and Diaspora Studies, and Space Technology, among others.

The Vice-Chancellor congratulated all newly appointed officers and urged them to demonstrate strong leadership, uphold the university’s standards, and work with dedication to advance the goals of their respective centres.

She also called on all faculties, departments, and relevant units to provide the necessary support to ensure the smooth take-off and effective functioning of the newly established centres.

The memo was copied to key university officers, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Provost of the College of Medicine, Registrar, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments, and other relevant units.