Court to Hear Ojukwu Varsity VC Suit on May 21

The National Industrial Court in Awka has set May 21, 2025, for the hearing of a lawsuit filed by Prof. Chike Osegbu against Prof. Kate Omenugha and five others, contesting Omenugha's appointment as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU). Osegbu seeks to nullify Omenugha's appointment, which was made on August 6, 2025, following a selection process conducted by a joint committee of the university's council and senate, chaired by Prof. Chidi Odinkalu.

Osegbu argues that Omenugha's appointment contravenes COOU Law 2014, which stipulates that the candidate with the highest score should be appointed, and claims that Omenugha's selection was illegal and arbitrary. The court proceedings involve various legal representatives, including Mr. Kain Anunwun for the claimant and Mr. Patrick Ikweto for the defendants.

Justice John Tergama has granted an application to consolidate the substantive suit with preliminary objections and adjourned the matter until the scheduled hearing date.