COOU Signs MoU to Boost Entrepreneurship Amid Graduate Employability Concerns

The Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Eni-Ikeh Foundation for the establishment of a new Eni-Ikeh Centre for Business and Enterprise, in a move aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship, innovation, and enterprise development within the institution.

The partnership comes amid growing concerns over graduate employability and the need for stronger industry-relevant skills among students. University officials say the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical business experience.

The MoU was signed at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Igbariam Campus, in the presence of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Obiora Ejiofor; Registrar of the university, Sir Chris Obi; and the Ag. University Librarian, Dr. Uche Enweani.

Speaking at the ceremony, representatives of both institutions said the centre would serve as a hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and enterprise development, with a focus on equipping students, staff, and external stakeholders with practical, industry-relevant skills.

The centre is also expected to support the creation and growth of sustainable ventures, facilitate the commercialisation of research outputs, and promote teaching, research, industry collaboration, and capacity building in line with national development priorities.

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, described the agreement as a “landmark development” that would enhance the university’s growth and visibility.

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of producing innovative, solution-driven graduates and strengthening COOU as the ‘Now University and of the Future,’” she said.

Following the signing ceremony, university management and representatives of the Eni-Ikeh Foundation took part in a symbolic tree-planting exercise within the campus, which officials said underscored the institution’s commitment to environmental sustainability and a greener campus culture.

The event concluded with group photographs, marking what stakeholders described as the beginning of a transformative partnership for entrepreneurship and enterprise development at the university.