COOU Strengthens Science and Technology Infrastructure as Faculty of Physical Sciences Welcomes New Dean

 

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) continues to chart a progressive path in science, technology, and digital innovation, positioning itself for a new era of academic transformation. This commitment was highlighted during the valedictory address of the outgoing Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Professor Kingsley Nwozor, who reflected on the faculty’s journey, achievements, and future aspirations.

Delivering his farewell speech, Professor Nwozor acknowledged the challenges that previously hindered the faculty’s progress and expressed gratitude to the University Management, led by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, for prioritizing advancements in science, technology, and innovation. He credited this strategic focus for the university’s recent strides, particularly in addressing infrastructure deficiencies and skill gaps through industry collaborations.

According to him, COOU is leveraging partnerships with key players in the energy and digital sectors to drive specialized courses such as Applied Geophysics, Energy and Materials Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Mathematics (combined with Computer Science). These programs, he noted, are designed to equip students with high-demand skills for the evolving global economy.

Silicon Valley-Inspired Science Village and AI Innovations

A major highlight of Nwozor’s tenure was the establishment of the Science Village, an ambitious project envisioned to function like Silicon Valley, nurturing young talents and transforming knowledge into economic value. Additionally, the university recently inaugurated an Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Training Centre, reinforcing its commitment to positioning COOU as a competitive player in the digital space.

Nwozor emphasized that these initiatives are part of the broader vision to make COOU a hub for technological innovation, ensuring that graduates are not just academically sound but also industry-ready.

Seamless Leadership Transition: Prof. Iloh Takes Over as Dean

The valedictory ceremony, attended by faculty members, students, and university stakeholders, also marked the official handover of leadership from Professor Nwozor to Professor Emmanuel Onyema Iloh, who was elected as the new Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences. Until his election, Professor Iloh served as the Associate Dean of the faculty.

Participants lauded the smooth transition, describing it as unprecedented in the faculty’s history and a testament to the university’s growing culture of administrative excellence, academic freedom, and intellectual vibrancy.

Key Achievements Under Professor Nwozor’s Tenure

During his address, Professor Nwozor highlighted the faculty’s major accomplishments under his leadership, which spanned from November 2021 to 2025. His administration began with a comprehensive Needs Assessment, which identified critical areas for intervention. Based on this assessment, several strategic reforms were implemented:

1. Strengthening Governance Structures

   • The faculty administration was restructured to include the Dean, Sub-Dean, Heads of Departments, Faculty Representative in Senate, Faculty Officer, and the Immediate-Past Dean, ensuring a well-coordinated governance system.
   • Regular policy advisory meetings were institutionalized to enhance decision-making.

2. Infrastructure Development

   • Construction and furnishing of a reception foyer and front office security desk.
   • Upgrading of the Dean’s office and renovations of departmental buildings for Computer Science, Geology, and Industrial Physics.
   • Installation of a prominent faculty signboard and construction of an access road linking the faculty to major campus areas.
   • Establishment of a Faculty Orchard and green economy initiatives.
   • Modernization of laboratories, classrooms, departmental libraries, and e-libraries to enhance research and learning environments.

These efforts significantly boosted the faculty’s standing, culminating in full accreditation of all degree programs by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

3. Curriculum Overhaul for Industry Relevance

   • The faculty aligned its curriculum with the NUC Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS).
   • New faculty-wide courses were introduced, including Introduction to Physical Sciences, Fundamentals of Local Content Development, and Earth Resources for Industrial Sciences, promoting interdisciplinary learning.

4. Staff Development and Recognition

   • A structured honours and recognition system was introduced to reward outstanding faculty members.
   • Increased support for impactful research, leading to an increase in the number of professors from 17 in 2021 to 36 in 2025.

Prof. Iloh’s Vision for the Faculty

In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Dean, Professor Emmanuel Iloh, expressed profound appreciation for the confidence reposed in him by his colleagues. He pledged to build upon the strong foundation laid by his predecessor, with a focus on innovation, staff and student welfare, institutional collaborations, and community engagement.

Prof. Iloh reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a dynamic academic environment where students and faculty thrive, emphasizing that his tenure will drive continued progress in scientific research, digital transformation, and industry partnerships.

As COOU continues to expand its frontiers in science and technology, the Faculty of Physical Sciences stands poised for even greater heights, further solidifying the university’s reputation as a center for excellence in innovation and digital education.