Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has appointed Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, as Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, in a move the state government stated signals a strong commitment to academic excellence, ethical governance, and international collaboration.

The appointment was confirmed on Wednesday in a statement issued by the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, who described Kukah as an eminent Nigerian intellectual and cleric whose contributions integrate academic scholarship with the pursuit of social justice.

Kukah's academic background spans some of the world's most reputable institutions. He studied philosophy and theology at St Augustine Major Seminary, Jos, and obtained a diploma in religious studies from the University of Ibadan. He subsequently earned a Bachelor of Divinity from the Pontifical Urban University, a Master's degree in Peace Studies from the University of Bradford, and a Ph.D. from SOAS University of London in 1990. He also undertook studies at the University of Oxford and Harvard University.

Beyond his academic credentials, Kukah is a prolific author and founder of the Kukah Centre, an institution focused on research driven advocacy for interfaith harmony and policy reform.

According to the statement, his appointment is expected to strengthen the university's global partnerships, promote ethical leadership, and enhance the institution's capacity to produce well rounded graduates.