The management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State, has unveiled its parents and guardians forum to improve the welfare of all students of the University.

The unveiling took place at the varsity’s ETF Auditorium during its maiden meeting with parents and guardians of over 27,000 students of the institution.

In her welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, said the forum is aimed to mediate as peacemakers between the students and the university management during uprisings that could disrupt the peace and smooth running of academic activities within the university community; parents and the university management, and to help fast-track the resolution of issues like that of missing results, transcript requests, and poor class attendance.

She noted that the forum will help discourage students from getting into cultism practices, cyber bullying, examination malpractices, thuggery, and other related vices.

She said: “This forum will be a direct channel. No more rumors, no more third-party stories. Through our various official forums, you will get timely updates on fees, academic calendars, facilities, and student welfare.

“Any message that is not from the coordinator, parents’ forum, Dr Chijioke Okoye, or the public relations officer, Dr Harrison Madubueze, should be disregarded.

“We also want to hear from you; your concerns, suggestions, and ideas. Do not use foul language as communication will be our compass.

“One reason we are launching this Parents’ Forum is to kill rumors and build trust.

“The university under watch is building a community of happy people. Today’s maiden meeting marks a commendable day for us because every student’s journey in this university is our value.

“As it stands today, we have over 27,000 students, and the students cut across 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“We are trying to build sustainability in our varsity system. Students are my first priority. I must protect them as a mother because they are the reason why we all are.

“My administration is anchored on fairness, equity, justice, transparency, and accountability. The university has not increased her school fees for a good 10 years now. We are sacrificing this to encourage you parents and guardians to train your children with ease.”

“My administration is also focusing more on ICT to catch up with international best standard.

“The University, established 25 years ago, has been a beacon of qualitative and research-oriented education for thousands of knowledge seekers across Nigeria.”

While assuring the forum and other stakeholders of her openness to suggestions, innovations, and ideas which would drive transformative development in COOU, Professor Omenugha further advocated teamwork with a view to sustaining the institution as the University of now and of the future.

She noted that the meeting was also to let the parents and guardians know that they are also critical stakeholders to the development of education in Anambra State and beyond.

The VC urged other parents and guardians who were not present during the meeting to visit the school administrative office for proper registration as members of the forum.

The participants, in their separate remarks, expressed readiness to contribute collaboratively with a view to ensuring safety, allaying fears, and promoting goodwill between both parties for the good of the university.

The event also featured the forum’s courtesy visit to the VC, inspection tour to some ongoing construction projects, and tree planting as a symbol of solid partnership between the management and the forum. (Nigerian Tribune)