The Anambra State Governor,  Chukwuma Soludo, has offered automatic employment to 37 first-class graduates of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) at its 16th convocation ceremony.

Mr Soludo made the announcement on Saturday at the university’s main campus in Igbariam, Anambra East Local Government Area.

The governor also donated N4 million to the overall best graduating student, Mr Augustus Umeh of the Department of Economics, who graduated with a cumulative grade point average of 4.85 on a 5.0 scale.

Speaking at the event, the governor urged the graduands to seize the moment and emerge as beacons of hope, disruptive thinkers and agents of change in society.

“The Nigeria of 2026 is a country facing difficult challenges but on a path of necessary transformation. This is our country, and we must rise to the occasion rather than dwell on lamentations,” he said.

Mr Soludo further charged the institution to focus on producing problem-solvers rather than mere enumerators.

He added that his administration would continue to prioritise human capital development to build the desired future.

Also speaking, the university’s chancellor, Bishop Matthew Kukah, commended the state government for its significant investment in education.

“Statistically, Anambra is performing well in education among the 36 states.

“As the new Chancellor, we will not only strive to achieve the university’s goals but surpass them,” Mr  Kukah said.

Earlier in her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenugha, disclosed that 3,155 students were awarded first degrees across various disciplines in the undergraduate programme.

She added that 803 graduands obtained postgraduate degrees in different fields.

Giving a breakdown, Mrs Omenugha said 37 students graduated with first-class honours, 888 with second-class upper division and 1,712 with third-class degrees.

She congratulated the graduands and urged them to uphold the university’s values and represent the institution with pride.

Mrs Omenugha also pledged the university’s commitment to achieving global relevance and academic excellence, while thanking the governor for his support in upgrading the institution.

 (NAN)