Osita Chidoka, Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership and former Minister of Aviation, has urged for the creation of a ₦100 billion endowment fund to elevate Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) to the ranks of Africa’s leading academic institutions.
Chidoka made the call during his keynote address as the Guest Lecturer at the 3rd Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Lecture, where he emphasized the need for COOU to be positioned as a center for innovative solutions to key challenges, including erosion, insecurity, and sustainable development, particularly in Igboland and Nigeria.
“Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University should not merely bear the name of a great leader but should fully embody his legacy by becoming a hub of excellence and innovation,” Chidoka stated. He argued that an endowment fund of ₦100 billion would help ensure the university’s capacity to foster groundbreaking research, provide scholarships, and maintain world-class infrastructure independent of government budget fluctuations.
Chidoka also called for the adoption of a model of meritocratic excellence, drawing inspiration from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), which have produced global tech leaders. He noted that Nigerians could emulate the success of IITs, which are known for their rigorous selection processes and their role in driving technological innovation globally.
“India’s success in technology, with companies like Microsoft, Alphabet, Adobe, and IBM led by IIT graduates, is a testament to the importance of investing in elite educational institutions that nurture talent. Nigeria must adopt a similar model, where merit and ability are prioritized to secure our nation’s future,” Chidoka asserted.
He also lamented the underdevelopment of Nigeria’s higher education system, pointing out that despite having numerous universities and talented students, Nigerian institutions still lack the resources, global partnerships, and strategic focus to become major global players in research, innovation, and development.
Reflecting on the life of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Chidoka emphasized that education should not merely be a route to comfort, but a foundation for purpose-driven leadership and societal change. He noted that Ojukwu’s decision to join the military despite his privileged background served as a powerful reminder of the role education should play in shaping individuals who are driven to serve society.
In her welcome address, the Acting Vice Chancellor of COOU, Prof. Kate Omenugha, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to its vision based on the “Three Vs”: Values, Viability, and Visibility. She emphasized that these principles would guide the university’s growth and development under her leadership.
The memorial lecture, which marked the third edition of the event, was attended by several distinguished figures, including the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, who represented Governor Charles Soludo; former Minister Labaran Maku, the Special Guest of Honour; and Prof. Greg Nwakoby, former Vice-Chancellor of COOU and chairman of the occasion.
