By Uchenna Ezeorji…
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) Anambra state, has taken another strategic step towards advancing entrepreneurship, innovation, and enterprise development following the latest signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Eni-Ikeh Foundation for the establishment of the Eni-Ikeh Centre for Business and Enterprise in the university.
The MoU signing took place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Igbariam Campus, in the presence of key university officials including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Obiora Ejiofor, the Registrar of the university, Sir Chris Obi, and the Ag. University Librarian, Dr. Uche Enweani. The partnership is expected to strengthen the university’s drive towards entrepreneurship education, innovation, and sustainable development.
Speaking during the ceremony, both parties emphasized that the proposed centre would serve as a university-based hub for entrepreneurship, enterprise development, and innovation, aimed at equipping students, staff, and external stakeholders with practical and industry-relevant skills. The centre will also support the creation and growth of sustainable ventures, facilitate the commercialization of research outputs, and promote teaching, research, innovation, industry collaboration, and capacity building in line with national development priorities.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, expressed delight over the partnership, describing the MoU as a landmark development capable of further driving the growth, visibility, and viability of the university.
She noted that the establishment of the Eni-Ikeh Centre for Business and Enterprise aligns perfectly with the university’s vision of producing innovative, solution-driven graduates and strengthening COOU’s reputation as “the Now University and of the Future.”
Shortly after the signing ceremony, the university management and representatives of the Eni-Ikeh Foundation proceeded to a symbolic tree planting exercise within the university environment, further reinforcing COOU’s commitment to environmental sustainability and institutional development. The exercise, which also featured photograph sessions, reflected the Vice-Chancellor’s continued advocacy for a greener and more sustainable campus culture as part of her administration’s transformational agenda.
The event concluded with group photographs, marking the beginning of what stakeholders described as a transformative partnership for entrepreneurship and enterprise development in the institution.
