By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The newly appointed Acting Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State, Professor Kate Omenugha, Monday, vowed that neither the students nor staff of the institution would be victimised or exploited under her watch.
Omenugha disclosed this at Awka, the Anambra State capital, during a welcome party/ end of year business meeting organised by the State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), where she belongs as a fellow and council member of the institute.
According to her, any academic or non-academic staff found to be victimising or exploiting students by whatever means, would be sanctioned accordingly not minding their status or relationship with the management.
She, however, urged the students to be studious, humble and dedicated, noting that the university would surely reward the hardworking and dedicated students and staff either now or in future.
To the NIPR, the Acting VC assured the institute that she is always available to perform her duty as a Council member, fellow and leader of various committees whenever she's called upon.
On his part, the President/Council Chairman, NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, who joined the celebration virtually, congratulated Omenugha on her new appointment, describing her as a go-getter, great scholar and academia with qualities needed to transform COOU.
Earlier, the Chairperson, NIPR, Anambra State chapter, Professor Angela Nwammuo, commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for appointing Professor Omenugha to pilot affairs of the State owned university as Acting VC, which according to her, amounts to reward for excellence and gender sensitivity.
Nwammuo, while revealing that by the virtue of the position, Omenugha had become the first council member of the NIPR to be elevated as a Vice Chancellor, amongst others, assured her of the support of the institute and staff of COOU throughout her tenure and beyond.
It would be recalled that Professor Omenugha was elected as a Council member of the NIPR at the institute AGM/Election held on August 25, 2023. She is the second female professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria, former Director Unizik FM and Head of the Department of Mass Communication at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Omenugha has equally held several other positions, including serving as a commissioner for Education, and Basic Education in Anambra State, from 2014 to March 17, 2022 when the administration of former governor Willie Obiano elapsed.