The leadership of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), has celebrated its annual Carol of Nine Lessons and inaugural Annual Awards to honour outstanding staff and students of the institution.
With the theme “COOU Christmas: Awards: A bouquet of Joy and awards,” the event witnessed award presentation across eleven distinct categories, including the Research Excellence Award, Teaching Recognition Award, Non-Teaching Staff Awards (which encompass Administrative Excellence Awards for the Registry, Bursary, and the Office of the Vice-Chancellor), and the Student Excellence Recognition Award.
Also, award categories were the COOU 2024 Champion Award, Best Green Faculty Award, Award for Institutional Collaboration and Visibility, Most Impactful University Committee of the Year, Tree Planting and Climate Action Award, Selfless Service Award, and the Unsung Hero Award.
Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha emphasized the initiative behind the annual awards, saying that it serves as a platform to celebrate excellence, foster collaboration and ensure the well-being of university staff, aligned with the institution’s 3Vs policy—Values, Viability, and Visibility.
“Christmas without Christ is empty and Christ is joyful. I bring you a message of joy, resilience and forgiveness
“We are having some awards that represents the values we share in this university. To my dear students, who are the reason why we are here. I recognise the student Union representatives, various representative of the departments, some students who have done us proud and shown us that they are truly great ambassadors of this university; and of course, our alumni.
“Our goal is to sustain and institutionalize this process, ensuring that exceptional staff and students receive recognition at the close of each year. Since assumption of Office, We observed the remarkable talents present within this university and the commitment of individuals in their respective departments.
“We have also come across casual workers and cleaners who are true ‘unsung heroes.’ We want to express our gratitude and encourage them, hoping that this acknowledgment will inspire them and motivate others for the year ahead,” she remarked.
Earlier in a homily, Ven Prof Joshua KJ Onuora of the university Accountancy Department, admonished Christians to emulate the life and time of Jesus Christ who was born this period to redeem mankind.
“We are celebrating Christ today because of what he has done in our lives, does that applies to you as lecturers or politicians to students and masses alike?”, he queried.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of the above awards to deserving staff, students, departments, faculties of the university as well as friends of the institution alike.
Am those honoured were the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi; the Lawmaker representing Anoacha Two State Constituency, Hon Ejike Okechukwu; the lawmaker representing Anambra East State Constituency, Hon Obi Nweke; the Managing Director of Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata; Managing Director Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Hon Ossy Onuko, among others for their various contributions to the growth and development of the University.
Similarly, various individuals read the nine lessons while the university choir thrilled the audience with Christmas and classical songs.
By OGEMDI OZOEMENAM, Awka
