Soludo Appoints Bishop Kukah as Chancellor of COOU

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, has appointed Bishop Matthew Kukah, as Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, the appointment was described as part of efforts to strengthen the university’s global outlook and academic standards.

Mr Aburime said Bishop Kukah’s extensive international network and experience are expected to support partnerships with institutions abroad, while promoting ethical leadership within the university community.

He also highlighted the cleric’s longstanding contributions to scholarship and public discourse, particularly in areas of social justice and interfaith relations.

Bishop Kukah trained for the priesthood at St Augustine’s Major Seminary in Jos and later studied at several institutions, including the University of Ibadan and the Pontifical Urban University in Rome. He holds advanced degrees from the University of Bradford and the SOAS University of London, where he obtained a doctorate in 1990.

According to the statement, he also undertook further studies at the University of Oxford and Harvard University.

Beyond academia, Bishop Kukah is the founder of the Kukah Centre, a policy think tank focused on governance, peacebuilding and interfaith engagement.

The Anambra State Government said the appointment signals its commitment to producing graduates equipped with both academic excellence and strong ethical values.