Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo Appoints Bishop Matthew Kukah as Chancellor of Ojukwu University

Governor Chukwuma Soludo appoints Bishop Matthew Kukah as Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University to drive ethical leadership and global growth.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 22, 2026, 7:53 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Peoples Gazette

Intellectual Leadership for State Higher Education

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has taken a significant step in the administration of Anambra State’s higher education by appointing Bishop Matthew Kukah as the Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. The announcement, made on Wednesday through a statement by the governor’s chief press secretary, Christian Aburime, marks a strategic effort to integrate renowned academic and moral leadership into the university's governing structure. Kukah, who currently serves as the Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, is widely recognized as a leading Nigerian intellectual and a vocal advocate for systemic policy reform and social justice.

A Distinguished Academic and Clerical Pedigree

The newly appointed chancellor brings a formidable educational background to the institution, spanning several prestigious global universities. Bishop Kukah’s academic journey began with studies in philosophy and theology at St. Augustine Major Seminary in Jos, followed by a diploma from the University of Ibadan. He furthered his expertise with a Bachelor of Divinity from the Pontifical Urban University and a Master’s degree in Peace Studies from the University of Bradford. Notably, he earned his Ph.D. from the SOAS University of London in 1990 and has conducted advanced studies at both Oxford and Harvard University.

Advocacy and Research Driven Impact

Beyond his clerical duties, Bishop Kukah has established himself as a prolific author and a central figure in Nigerian research driven advocacy. As the founder of the Kukah Centre, he has spearheaded initiatives focused on interfaith harmony and the bridge between religious discourse and public policy. This experience in institutional leadership and national dialogue is cited as a primary factor in his selection for the chancellorship. According to the governor’s office, Kukah’s career has been defined by a consistent push for ethical governance and the intellectual empowerment of the Nigerian populace.