By Sunny A. David, Awka
Former Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Fidelis Okafor, credits former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi with laying the foundation for the university’s success.
In an exclusive interview, Prof. Okafor highlighted Obi’s crucial role in resolving staff salary disputes, initiating significant infrastructural development, and securing crucial accreditations.
Prof. Okafor recounted Obi’s intervention in addressing staff unrest, leading to a period of transformative growth.
This included the construction of campus roads, the Law and Agriculture faculties, and a substantial portion of the Management Sciences faculty.
He also cited Obi’s instrumental role in securing funding for much-needed student hostels (including the CBN Hostels, built with funding secured through a midnight phone call to Obi and a subsequent meeting with then-Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu), and the accreditation of the Law Faculty and the College of Medicine.
The accreditation of the College of Medicine, in particular, was a significant achievement, allowing the university to attract a substantially larger number of medical students.
Prof. Okafor emphasized Obi’s proactive approach in securing necessary funding and hiring experienced faculty.
Furthermore, Prof. Okafor attributed the relocation of the university from its originally proposed site in Alor to the more spacious Igbariam campus, as well as its renaming in honor of Odumegwu Ojukwu, to Obi’s initiative.
While acknowledging subsequent administrations’ contributions, Prof. Okafor noted a relative lack of significant progress following Obi’s tenure, except for a N20 million grant secured through a personal appeal to Governor Willie Obiano under the Choose-your-Project Initiative.
He concluded by emphasizing Obi’s evident commitment to education and his enduring legacy at COOU.
