Governor Chukwuma Soludo has appointed Matthew Kukah as the new Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.
The announcement came in a statement on Wednesday from the governor’s spokesman, Christian Aburime, who said the move is aimed at strengthening the university’s global reach and raising its leadership standards.
According to the statement, Kukah’s wide network and experience are expected to open doors for international partnerships while also promoting ethical leadership within the institution.
Kukah, a respected cleric and public intellectual, has long been known for blending academic work with advocacy around social justice and national development. Beyond the pulpit, he has built a reputation as a thoughtful voice on governance and interfaith dialogue.
His academic journey spans several institutions, including studies in Nigeria, Europe, and the United States. He trained in philosophy and theology at St. Augustine Major Seminary in Jos, earned a diploma in religious studies from the University of Ibadan, and obtained a degree in divinity in Rome.
He later went on to earn a master’s degree in peace studies in the UK and a PhD from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London.
He has also spent time at both Oxford and Harvard.
Kukah is also the founder of the Kukah Centre, a policy and research group focused on promoting dialogue, peacebuilding, and reforms.
With his appointment, the Anambra State government says it hopes to position the university as a hub for well-rounded education, producing graduates who are not just academically sound but also grounded in strong values.
