The Nnewi town union body, Nzuko-Ora Nnewi, has responded to the renaming of the Uli campus of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) after former Anambra State Governor Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju. The clarification comes amid controversy and confusion over the decision made by Governor Charles Soludo.
Background of the Renaming
Governor Soludo announced the name change during the university's 16th convocation ceremony on Saturday, April 25. The Uli campus, previously known as the Uli Campus, was renamed the Chinwoke Mbadinuju Campus. Soludo praised Mbadinuju for establishing the state-owned institution in the year 2000.
The move sparked controversy, with many interpreting it as a slight against Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the former Biafran leader who hailed from Nnewi. However, Nzuko-Ora Nnewi has moved to clarify the situation.
Nzuko-Ora Nnewi's Clarification
In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng on Tuesday, April 28, in Nnewi, the President General of Nzuko-Ora Nnewi, Hon. Jude Osumuoh, stated that the renaming was not intended to spite Ojukwu. He explained that the governor's decision was meant to immortalize Mbadinuju's legacy as the university's pioneer founder and first visitor.
According to Osumuoh: "The renaming specifically applies to the Uli Campus, while the overall university retains its name, 'Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.' The school in Igbariam is called 'Igbariam Campus,' while the school in Uli was, before now, known as 'Uli Campus.' But now, the governor, in his wisdom, decided that the campus sited in Uli, ex-Governor Mbadinuju's community, should be renamed after the former governor, and therefore, shall henceforth be called 'Chinwoke Mbadinuju Campus.' So, now, we shall have 'Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Mbadinuju Campus,' and 'Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus,' respectively."
Osumuoh urged those spreading misinformation to desist, emphasizing that the renaming should not create disaffection between Governor Soludo and the Nnewi people.
Controversy and Misinterpretation
Some individuals had claimed that Soludo renamed the entire university after Mbadinuju, which Osumuoh dismissed as false. He noted that such claims were intended to deceive the public and cause discord.
In a separate development, Governor Soludo's son, Ozonna Soludo, trended online after sharing a video where he displayed what he jokingly called "Okeite." The clip sparked discussions amid ongoing tensions between Governor Soludo and native doctors in the state. However, further checks revealed that the item was a Tibetan singing bowl used for meditation and relaxation.
Conclusion
The Nnewi union body has successfully clarified the renaming of the Uli campus, ensuring that the legacy of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu remains intact. The university continues to bear his name, while the Uli campus now honors the contributions of former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju.
