Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has offered automatic employment to 37 first class graduates of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU).
Soludo made the announcement at the university’s 16th convocation ceremony held in Igbariam, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
The governor also donated N4 million to the overall best graduating student, Augustus Umeh of the Department of Economics.
Umeh graduated with a cumulative grade point average of 4.85 on a 5.0 scale.
Speaking at the event, Soludo urged the graduands to seize the moment and emerge as beacons of hope, disruptive thinkers and agents of change in the society.
“The Nigeria of 2026 is a country facing difficult challenges but on a path of necessary transformation. This is our country, and we must rise to the occasion rather than dwell on lamentations,” he said.
Soludo further charged the institution to focus on producing problem-solvers rather than mere enumerators.
Soludo added that his administration would continue to prioritise human capital development to build the desired future.
Also speaking, the COOU Chancellor, Bishop Matthew Kukah, commended the state government for its significant investment in education.
Kukah said: “Statistically, Anambra is performing well in education among the 36 states.
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“As the new Chancellor, we will not only strive to achieve the university’s goals but surpass them.”
Earlier in her address, the COOU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenugha, disclosed that 3,155 students were awarded first degrees across various disciplines in the undergraduate programme.
She added that 803 graduands obtained postgraduate degrees in different fields.
Giving a breakdown, Omenugha said 37 students graduated with first class honours, 888 with second class upper division, and 1,712 with third class degrees.
The VC congratulated the graduands and urged them to uphold the university’s values and represent the institution with pride.
Omenugha also pledged the university’s commitment to achieving global relevance and academic excellence, while thanking the governor for his support in upgrading the institution.
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