12 Chukwuemeka Ojukwu University students die in road accidents in 10 months

Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, who is the Acting Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), has announced that twelve students of the university were lost to road accidents within the past ten months.

Prof Omenugha made this somber announcement during the third Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu memorial lecture series held at the university’s Education Trust Fund (ETF) Auditorium.

The acting vice chancellor attributed the tragic incidents to the lack of residential hostels and school buses, forcing students to commute through neighbouring communities using tricycles and motorcycles.

“I feel terrified as a mother about this incident. Since I assumed office ten months ago, about twelve students have lost their lives through tricycle and motorcycle accidents along inter-community roads linking to the university.”

Prof Omenugha appealed for assistance from the public, particularly well-to-do individuals in Anambra State, to support the university’s development.

“We need hostels to cut the rising spate of avoidable accidents. We need staff quarters for staff. There are many areas for partnership,” she emphasized.

While acknowledging Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s efforts through the Private Public Community Partnership (PPCP) initiative, Omenugha emphasised that the state government cannot tackle the challenges alone.

The event featured Chief Osita Chidoka as guest lecturer, with the title “Harnessing Education for National Development: Lessons from the Life and Vision of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.”

Some of the dignitaries in attendance include Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Mr Labara Maku, and Prof Ngozi Chima-Udeh, among others.