COOU Establishes New Centres, Appoints Directors and Deputy Directors for 2025/2026

COOU Establishes New Centres, Appoints Directors and Deputy Directors for 2025/2026 Academic Session.

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, has approved the establishment of several new academic and research centres as part of strategic efforts to strengthen academic excellence, research innovation, community engagement, and global visibility. The development was formally announced by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, in an internal memorandum dated December 30, 2025, following approval by the University Management and Senate.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the newly created centres are designed to function as hubs of excellence that will deepen teaching, research, and service to society. She noted that the initiative aligns with the University’s 3Vs Agenda—Values, Viability, and Visibility, aimed at repositioning COOU as a forward-looking and globally competitive institution.

Among the newly established centres are the Centre for Gender Studies, headed by Prof. Njideka Ebisi with Dr. Scholastica Oge Okafor as Deputy Director; the ANAN Centre, with Dr. Ngozi Theresa Ofor serving as Acting Director and Dr. Juliet Chinyere as Deputy Director; and the COOU Anambra Indigenes Diaspora Bridge Centre, led by Prof. Bruno Ibekilo, with Dr. Mediatrix Idigo as Deputy Director. Also created is the Centre for Igbo Language and Culture, under the leadership of Prof. Christiana Ngozi Ikegwuonu, assisted by Ezeoba J.N. Okeke.

The University also approved centres focused on health, science, and innovation, including the Centre for Mental Health and Psychological Services, headed by Prof. Ifeoma Eucharia Obi with Dr. Chinwe Onyemaechi as Deputy Director; the Centre for African and Black Studies, led by Dr. Basil Agoha with Ume, Judith Akunne as Deputy Director; and the Centre for Agricultural Innovation and Food Security, coordinated by Prof. Ikechukwu Aloysius Nweke, supported by Dr. Eucharia Nwankwo. Others include the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, directed by Prof. Cecilia Okoli with Engr. Dr. Joseph Ezeugo as Deputy Director, and the Centre for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, with Dr. Bright Uba as Acting Director and Dr. Obianju H. Obiefuna as Deputy Director.

In the area of enterprise, environment, and security, COOU established the Centre for Business and Enterprise Development, led by Prof. Anthonia Ngozi Onuorah with Dr. Chioma Okeke as Deputy Director; the Centre for Capital Market Studies, headed by Dr. Bernard Alajekwu with Dr. Afamefuna Nduka as Deputy Director; and the Centre for Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, coordinated by Dr. Chinonso Joseph Okonkwo with Dr. Nonye Ezeaka as Deputy Director. Other notable centres include the Centre for Engineering Innovation and Design, the Centre for Environmental Impact Analyses and Laboratory Services, and the Centre for Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation, each with duly appointed directors and deputies.

Further expanding its scope, the University approved centres dedicated to culture, heritage, and sustainable development, including the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Preservation, headed by Prof. Chinedu Chukwuzuluoke Igboeli with Samuel Aroh as Deputy Director; the Centre for Nigerian Culture and Language Studies, led by Dr. Cyril Okechukwu Ofoegbu; the Centre for Tourism and Cultural Studies, directed by Prof. Emilia Mgbemena; and the Centre for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology, with Prof. Edwin Nwabufo Ikezeu as Director. Also established are the Centre for Peace, Defence and Conflict Resolution, the COOU Integrated Bioresource Centre, the Centre for Heritage and Creativity, and the Prof. Samuel Okoye Centre of Astronomy and Space Technology.

Congratulating all newly appointed directors and deputy directors, Prof. Omenugha urged them to demonstrate strong leadership, uphold the University’s standards, and work diligently toward advancing 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 centres.

The creation of these centres marks a significant milestone in COOU’s institutional growth and reaffirms the University’s commitment to innovation, research excellence, and societal impact.

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