The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State, Most Rev. Dr Matthew Kukah, has called on Nigerians to stop identifying him as a Hausa man, clarifying that he is from Anchuna in Ikulu Chiefdom, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Kukah made the clarification on Saturday during the 16th convocation ceremony of the university, where he was formally installed as Chancellor.
He said the frequent ethnic labeling attached to him does not reflect his true identity, stressing that he is a “typical Nigerian” and should not be defined by misclassification.
“I am a typical Nigerian from Anchuna, Ikulu Chiefdom in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, but not a Hausa man by origin. Nigerians should stop addressing me as a Hausa person,” he said.
The cleric also urged graduating students to uphold good character and represent their families, the institution, Anambra State, the South-East, and the country positively.
During the ceremony, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, who also serves as Visitor to the university, officially decorated Kukah as the new Chancellor of the institution.
Soludo described the convocation as a celebration of academicly excellence and reaffirmed the role of universities in training skilled manpower and shaping societal values.
He expressed confidence that Kukah’s experience and moral leadership would strengthen the university’s vision and reputation.
The governor also announced a ₦4 million award for the overall best graduating student, Somtochukwu Augustus Ume of the Department of Economics, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.85.
In addition, Soludo awarded scholarships to 37 first-class graduates to support their postgraduate studies in any public university of their choice.
He charged the institution to focus on producing innovative and solution-driven graduates capable of addressing contemporary challenges, urging students to embrace leadership, creativity, and purpose.
The ceremony marked the formal commencement of Kukah’s tenure as Chancellor of the university.
Source: VerityNews
