Bishop Kukah Installed as Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University

Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has been formally installed as the Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University during the institution’s 16th Convocation Ceremony.

The installation took place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Convocation Arena of the university’s Igbariam Campus, drawing scholars, dignitaries, students, and well-wishers in celebration of academic excellence and institutional growth.

The ceremony was conducted by the Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, who described Bishop Kukah’s appointment as a major gain for both the university and the state.

A statement issued by Rev. Fr. Pascal Salifu, Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, confirmed that the newly installed Chancellor presided over the conferment of first degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and higher degrees an important milestone for the graduating students.

In his address, Bishop Kukah stressed the urgent need to strengthen the university’s academic standards, deepen institutional values, and position the school for greater relevance and excellence in Nigeria’s education sector.

He noted that leadership in higher institutions must be anchored on integrity, discipline, and a strong commitment to national development through quality education.

Governor Soludo, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to Bishop Kukah for accepting the responsibility, noting that his wealth of experience, moral authority, and national influence would significantly enhance the university’s reputation and future growth.

He said the appointment signals a new era of leadership and renewed commitment to excellence for the institution.

Accompanying Bishop Kukah to the event were key members of his entourage from the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, including the Chancellor of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Nuhu Iliya; the Bishop’s Secretary, Sr. Celestina Akpan DDL; and the Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Pascal Salifu. Also present was Rev. Fr. Dr. Atta Barkindo, Director of The Kukah Centre.

The installation not only marked the conferment of academic honours but also opened a new chapter for the university under Bishop Kukah’s stewardship one expected to be driven by vision, integrity, and academic excellence.