The management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State, has launched a Parents and Guardians Forum as part of efforts to enhance student welfare, strengthen communication, and foster a more collaborative relationship between the institution and parents.
The forum was officially unveiled during its maiden meeting held at the university’s ETF Auditorium, bringing together parents and guardians of the institution’s over 27,000 students.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, described the initiative as a strategic platform designed to promote transparency, build trust, and facilitate timely resolution of issues affecting students and the institution.
According to her, the forum will serve as a bridge between the university management, students, and parents, particularly during periods of unrest or disputes that may threaten the smooth conduct of academic activities.
Professor Omenugha noted that the platform would also assist in addressing concerns such as missing examination results, transcript processing delays, poor class attendance, and other student-related matters requiring prompt intervention.
She explained that the forum would further support the university’s efforts to curb social vices, including cultism, cyberbullying, examination malpractice, thuggery, and other forms of misconduct among students.
“This forum provides a direct communication channel between the university and parents. It is designed to eliminate misinformation and ensure that parents receive accurate and timely updates on fees, academic calendars, facilities, and student welfare matters,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor urged parents to rely only on information disseminated through officially designated channels, including the forum coordinator, Dr. Chijioke Okoye, and the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Harrison Madubueze.
She stressed that the initiative was established to eliminate rumours, encourage mutual trust, and create a supportive university community where students can thrive academically and socially.
Professor Omenugha disclosed that COOU currently has more than 27,000 students drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, underscoring the institution’s national appeal.
She reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to prioritising students’ welfare, describing them as the central focus of the university’s mission.
“My administration is anchored on fairness, equity, justice, transparency, and accountability. For the past 10 years, the university has not increased school fees, despite prevailing economic challenges. This is part of our commitment to making higher education accessible and affordable for parents and guardians,” she stated.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the institution’s ongoing investment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure as part of efforts to align COOU with global best practices in higher education.
Established 25 years ago, she said, the university has remained committed to delivering quality, research-driven education and producing graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
Professor Omenugha further assured stakeholders of her administration’s openness to constructive suggestions, innovations, and partnerships that would drive sustainable growth and position the university as a leading institution of the future.
She emphasized that parents and guardians remain critical stakeholders in the development of education, not only within the university but also across Anambra State and Nigeria at large.
The Vice-Chancellor encouraged parents who were unable to attend the inaugural meeting to visit the university’s administrative office and register as members of the forum.
In their separate remarks, participants commended the initiative and pledged their support towards promoting student safety, strengthening collaboration, and fostering goodwill between parents and the university management.
The event also featured a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, an inspection of ongoing construction projects across the campus, and a symbolic tree-planting exercise to commemorate the partnership between the university management and the newly inaugurated Parents and Guardians Forum.
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