By Dr Marcel Mbamalu
As the sun roses on 30 January 2025, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha celebrated a significant milestone: her 60th Birthday.
This occasion, not only marks a personal achievement but also highlights her remarkable journey as the second female professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria and her transformative leadership as the acting Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU).
At 60 Professor Omenugha has become a metaphor for success in academics and society. There is indeed so much to celebrate during this beautiful round figure age that bespeaks accomplishments: foremost teacher, mother, model of good governance, university administrator, advocate, humane counsellor, and dexterity personified.
Professor Omenugha’s present role as Acting Vice Chancellor of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Uli, Anambra State, puts her at a high vantage point in her long running push for excellence in leadership. She has straddled the ivory and political towers like an amazon with a unique leadership style that toppled the challenges, and left a trail of lessons throughout her illustrious career.
This is indeed a Happy Birthday to Professor Omenugha, whose hearty cheers goes to her vision for COOU, including the 3V policy framework – Values, Viability, and Visibility – which aim to transform the university into a premier institution in Nigeria, strengthening COOU’s research output, industry partnerships, and community engagement. In all of these, Professor Omenugha has gone through the crucibles to become a champion of gender equality and economic development in Anambra State and beyond.
As we journey through the 60 momentous years of Professor Omenugha, we envision a woman that has lived for humanity, and who needs all the time to engineer a total turn-around in COOU, which is now singing the revival hymns of Professor Omenugha’s matchless leadership.
With diploma, degree, and masters, Professor Omenugha was one of only three people to be admitted for a PhD in Gender, Media and Cultural Studies from the University of Gloucestershire, England, having done a seminal thesis on “African Women as News: A Cross Cultural Study.”
As a lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), she grew through the ranks to become professor, and had started a crusade for equality and inclusion, and ended up a revolutionary in gender advocacy.
Prof. Omenugha’s background in Mass Communication has significantly influenced her leadership style at COOU and beyond. Her experience as a lecturer and Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Nnamdi Azikiwe University further equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of academia and public service as she had always wished to be a Professor.
“Communication is key,” she asserts. “It allows me to engage effectively with stakeholders and foster collaboration within the university.” This emphasis on strategic communication has been instrumental in implementing initiatives that enhance COOU’s visibility and reputation.
Her extensive academic contributions include over seventy published works ranging from book chapters to journal articles which reflect her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field. Prof Omenugha’s research interests often focus on gender issues within media contexts showcasing her dedication to social equity through academic inquiry.
In addition to her research output, Prof Omenugha has been actively involved in various professional organisations related to communication and media studies. She has served on editorial boards for several academic journals and has been an advocate for integrating gender perspectives into media studies curricula across Nigerian universities.
Reflecting on her 60 years, Prof Omenugha considers her ability to maintain a strong family unit amid career pressures as her most significant achievement. “Being able to hold my family together while excelling in my career is my greatest accomplishment,” she shares emotionally.
She encourages young women pursuing their careers not to neglect their homes: “Never forget your home; it is your strongest base.” This philosophy underscores her belief that personal fulfilment comes from nurturing both professional aspirations and familial bonds.
She recognises that her family life inspires her. She is married with six children who are all excelling in their respective fields. Two are medical doctors, one is pursuing law, another holds a PhD, one is engaged in graduate studies, and one is preparing for the priesthood, demonstrating how dedication can yield fruitful results both personally and professionally.
Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha’s transformative leadership at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University exemplifies her dedication to empowering educators and inspiring future generations. As she celebrated this milestone birthday on January 30 2025, it is clear that Prof Omenugha will continue to inspire change and drive progress, ensuring that every child has access to quality learning opportunities in an increasingly digital world.
Her journey reflects not only a personal achievement but also an unwavering commitment to building an educational environment where innovation thrives and every member of the community can contribute meaningfully to society’s growth and development.
With each initiative she undertakes at COOU; whether enhancing agricultural practices or championing women’s empowerment, Prof Omenugha stands as a beacon of hope for future leaders who aspire not only to excel academically but also make meaningful contributions that uplift their communities.
As COOU looks toward appointing its next Vice-Chancellor amid ongoing changes within higher education landscapes across Nigeria, many believe that Prof Omenugha’s vision could guide the university into an era marked by resilience and innovation; a legacy that will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.
Dr. Marcel Mbamalu is a communication scholar, journalist and entrepreneur. He holds a Ph.D in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and is the Chief Executive Officer, Newstide Publications, the publishers of Prime Business Africa.
