Over 1,000 Applicants Compete for 130 Nursing Slots at COOU

By Ejike Agbata

The Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Professor Kate Omenugha, has revealed that Nursing has emerged as the most sought-after course at the institution, with more than 1,000 applicants vying for just 130 available places.

Speaking to journalists ahead of the university’s 16th convocation, which begins on April 22, Professor Omenugha said the limited admission capacity is largely due to inadequate infrastructure.

She called on stakeholders and residents of Anambra State to support the university’s expansion efforts, particularly in the areas of student accommodation and medical training facilities.

“We need more infrastructure, especially hostels and facilities for our College of Medicine, as students will also require accommodation during their clinical training at the teaching hospital,” she said.

The Vice-Chancellor identified other high-demand courses as Computer Science, Business Administration, Medicine and Surgery, Mass Communication, Biochemistry, Medical Laboratory Science and Law.

However, she expressed concern over declining interest in programmes such as Fisheries, Agriculture, Social Studies, Education Physics, Soil Science, Urban and Regional Planning, Crop Science, Mathematics and Music. 

She noted that many of these fields offer strong opportunities for self-employment and economic growth.

“Fish is consumed daily, and with proper training, graduates can become self-reliant and even export their produce. Unfortunately, many students overlook such opportunities,” she added.

On governance, Professor Omenugha said her administration is guided by the principles of “values, visibility and viability,” which she said are already yielding measurable improvements.

She also warned staff against misconduct, including harassment and extortion of students, stating that sanctions such as suspension, withdrawal of bonuses and salary deductions would be applied where necessary.

“I maintain a record of such cases, and once a staff member is queried, it is formally documented,” she said.

The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that ongoing infrastructure development is being supported by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and private donors, including a nearly completed bakery and kitchen facility.

She added that the university plans to introduce online distance learning programmes, establish a partnership with the Chinese government to offer Mandarin language studies, and develop a world-class business school.

Professor Omenugha said she remains optimistic about the university’s trajectory, with a target of positioning COOU among Nigeria’s top 10 universities and within the top 1,000 globally.