By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State, Most Rev. Dr Matthew Kukah, has called on Nigerians to stop describing him as a Hausa man.
Kukah clarified that although he is often labelled that way, his identity does not align with such a description. He made the statement during the 16th convocation ceremony of the university, held at its auditorium on Saturday.
He urged graduating students to maintain good character in their dealings with their parents, the university community, Anambra State, the South-East, and Nigeria at large.
He also commended the Anambra State Government for its investment in education, noting that the state continues to perform strongly in the sector when compared with other parts of the country.
Kukah said:
“I am a typical Nigerian from Anchuna, Ikulu Chiefdom in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, but not a Hausa man by origin. Nigerians should stop addressing me as a Hausa person.
“As the new Chancellor of this institution, we will not only strive to achieve the university’s goals, but surpass them.”
He expressed appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his appointment as Chancellor of the institution. The governor formally installed him during the ceremony.
Governor Soludo, in his remarks, expressed satisfaction while decorating Kukah as Chancellor. He said he believed the cleric’s experience and moral standing would strengthen the university.
Soludo said:
“It was a great honour to be present at the 16th Convocation Ceremony of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University as a visitor to this great institution.
“The ceremony was a celebration of excellence, hard work, and the power of quality education. It was also a reminder of the critical role universities play in training skilled manpower, shaping character, advancing knowledge, and preparing young people to contribute meaningfully to society.
“I was particularly delighted to decorate the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, as the new Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.
“I am confident that his wisdom, experience, and moral leadership will further strengthen the vision and standing of the university.
“In recognition of exceptional academic achievement, I announced a ₦4 million cash gift to Somtochukwu Augustus Ume of the Economics Department, who emerged as the overall best graduating student at COOU’s 16th Convocation with an outstanding CGPA of 4.85 out of 5.0.
“I also offered scholarships to 37 first-class graduates of the university’s 16th Convocation to support their postgraduate studies up to the highest level at any public university of their choice.”
He further charged the institution to focus on producing solution-driven graduates rather than mere certificate holders.
“Our institutions of higher learning must go beyond awarding certificates; they must raise innovative, solution-driven, and globally competitive graduates who can respond to the challenges of our time.
“To the graduands, I urged them to seize the moment and emerge as beacons of hope, disruptive thinkers, and agents of change in society. The future belongs to those who are prepared to lead with courage, creativity, and purpose,” he added.
