Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has pledged to end the 21-year power outage at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Uli Campus, located in the Ihiala Local Government Area.
During his one-day working visit to the campus, Soludo emphasised that the long-standing power issue would be resolved, benefiting not just the university but the entire Uli community.
He acknowledged that while the campus environment is generally orderly, it requires significant infrastructure improvements.
In a statement released by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Soludo said, “After 21 years of being without electricity, students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Campus are set to start enjoying power supply.”
He further promised that Uli as a community would also benefit from the power supply project when completed.
Soludo highlighted the importance of infrastructure development for the campus, noting, “We have to work out a plan to connect power back to Uli and the campus,” while reaffirming his government’s commitment to education.
He added that his administration’s ideology centers on leaving no one behind, with education being foundational for Anambra’s future.
The Governor also pledged to improve internet access at the university by providing WiFi in public areas on the campus.
“Digitalisation will give this campus an advantage,” Soludo remarked, stressing the significance of equipping students for the digital age.
In addition, Soludo announced plans to begin constructing internal roads within the campus. He urged the community to protect the institution and take ownership of its development.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-deh, expressed gratitude to the Governor, assuring him of the community’s support. Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kate Omenugha, also thanked Soludo for his visit and support, including efforts toward accreditation for the institution.
The Governor’s visit was attended by key officials including the Chief of Staff, Ernest Ezeajughi, and local government leaders, with discussions focused on transforming the campus and reviving abandoned projects.
Omenugha concluded by expressing optimism, saying, “If we propel this Uli campus, it’ll translate to the Japan of Africa.”