Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has explained the reasons behind the appointment of Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha as the fifth substantive Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, COOU, Igbariam, insisting that she emerged as the most suitable candidate for the position based on merit, experience and proven leadership.

The governor spoke on Sunday during a thanksgiving Mass at St. Paul Catholic Church, Nnobi, organised to mark Prof. Omenugha’s first anniversary in office as Vice-Chancellor and the 70th birthday celebration of her husband, Dr. Michael Omenugha (Ichie Obama).

The celebration attracted government officials, political associates, academics, members of the clergy, family members and other well-wishers, who joined the Vice-Chancellor and her family for the thanksgiving service and birthday celebration.

According to Soludo, his administration settled on the Professor of Mass Communication because of her outstanding record in the education sector and her uncompromising stance against examination malpractice during her tenure as Commissioner for Education.

He recalled that under Omenugha’s leadership as commissioner, the state government shut down more than 486 so-called “miracle centres” used for examination malpractice in secondary schools, describing the action as a demonstration of courage, integrity and commitment to educational excellence.

The governor said Omenugha represents the calibre of public officers needed to drive his administration’s vision of transforming Anambra into a smart, digital, livable and prosperous state by 2070.

Soludo also disclosed that influential individuals had mounted pressure on him to appoint another candidate from the university’s professorial community, but he resisted the lobbying and instead chose the candidate he considered best qualified for the office.

“I refused to succumb to pressure because the interest of the university and the state was paramount,” the governor said, adding that merit remains the guiding principle in appointments under his administration.

The governor’s defence of Omenugha’s appointment comes amid a legal challenge pending before the National Industrial Court.

One of the contestants in the vice-chancellorship selection process, Prof. Chike Osegbue, is challenging the appointment, claiming that he ranked first in the selection exercise while Prof. Omenugha was placed fifth. The matter is currently before the court.