By Ankeli Emmanuel (In Sokoto State)
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah has been installed as the Chancellor of the prestigious Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State, South East, Nigeria.
The event which took place Saturday, 25th April, 2026, brought together scholars, dignitaries, students and well-wishers to celebrate both intellectual achievement and institutional advancement.
The installation was conducted by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, during the University’s 16th Convocation Ceremony, held at the Convocation Arena of the Igbariam Campus.
A statement by Rev. Fr. Pascal Salifu, the Director, Communications Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, confirmed that Bishop Kukah, the newly installed Chancellor, presided over the conferment of first degrees, postgraduate diplomas and higher degrees, which, according to him, remains a significant accomplishment in the lives of graduating students.
In his address, Bishop Kukah emphasized the urgent need to strengthen the University’s academic standards, deepen its institutional values and position it for greater heights in Nigeria’s educational landscape.
Accompanying the Chancellor to this landmark occasion were key members of his entourage from the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, including the Chancellor of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Nuhu Iliya, the Bishop’s Secretary, Sr. Celestina Akpan DDL, and the Director of Communications, Fr. Pascal Salifu. Also present was Rev. Fr. Dr. Atta Barkindo, Director of the Kukah Centre.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Chukwuma Soludo expressed deep appreciation to Bishop Kukah for accepting the responsibility of serving as Chancellor, describing his appointment as a significant gain for the university and the state.
He noted that Bishop Kukah’s wealth of experience, moral authority and national stature would greatly contribute to the continued growth and reputation of the institution.
As the ceremony marked the conferment of academic honours, so it also signaled a new chapter of leadership for the university. One anchored in vision, integrity and a renewed commitment to excellence under the stewardship of Bishop Kukah. NNL.
