Adiemeka Chisom Rachael, a 300-level Medicine and Surgery student of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), has been named winner of the Vice-Chancellor for a Day challenge.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, announced this after what she described as a rigorous and competitive selection process.
Miss Obianom Chidi Angel, a 300-level Pharmacy student, emerged as the first runner-up.
The challenge was an outcome of the Young African Girls’ Conference (YAGC), organised with the university’s Centre for Gender Studies. The Heroes For Her Foundation also partnered with the university for the initiative.
It was created to give one outstanding female student a close look at university leadership.
Prof. Omenugha said she plans to mentor Chisom before her special day. The mentorship will cover university administration, decision-making and institutional governance.
The date for Chisom to assume office will be announced later. On that day, the Vice-Chancellor will vacate her office for her.
She will receive courtesy visits from university officials and student representatives, and take part in press briefings and media engagements.
She will also inspect ongoing projects, feature on the university’s radio station and engage with the university community. Her parents will be received as part of the day’s activities.
Chisom has already received a desktop computer, a refrigerator, a university backpack, an award and other gifts from partners.
Prof. Omenugha said the real prize is the confidence to dream big and the knowledge gained through mentorship.
“A girl can be a Vice-Chancellor. A girl can lead a university, a corporation, a nation or any institution she has the capacity and competence to serve.”
She added that no girl should wait for permission to dream, and expressed hope that Chisom would keep growing into the leader she is capable of becoming.
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
