Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra State, warmly invites graduates from the 2025/2026 to 2025/2026 academic sessions, parents, alumni, stakeholders, and the public to its 11th to 15th Combined Convocation Ceremonies. This momentous event, set for May 20–24, 2025, will honor the conferment of First Degrees, Postgraduate Degrees, and Honorary Doctorates, while also marking the university’s 25th Anniversary (Silver Jubilee) with a week of vibrant celebrations.
A Week of Celebration: Pre-Convocation and Silver Jubilee Events
The festivities kick off with pre-convocation activities designed to engage the university community and beyond:
- Friday, May 16, 2025:
The Vice-Chancellor will host a Press Conference and Media Engagement at 9:30 a.m. in the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, followed by a Facility Tour at noon to showcase COOU’s growth and achievements. - Saturday, May 17, 2025:
A lively Silver Jubilee Road Walk/Show will commence at 7:00 a.m., starting at the COOUTH Field, Awka Campus, uniting the university community in a spirited display of pride and unity.
Silver Jubilee celebrations continue with:
- Tuesday, May 20, 2025:
A Homecoming Interdenominational Church Service, themed “Back to Our Roots,” will take place at 11:00 a.m. at the ETF Auditorium, Uli Campus, fostering reflection and gratitude. - Wednesday, May 21, 2025:
Founders and Heritage Day at the TETFund Auditorium, Igbariam Campus, will feature awards, the public unveiling of the COOU Anniversary Book, and a special launching ceremony. The day concludes with an Alumni Dinner at 7:00 p.m. (venue to be announced), offering networking opportunities, a luncheon, and awards to celebrate COOU’s legacy.
Convocation Ceremonies: Honoring Academic Excellence
The convocation events, held at the Convocation Arena, Igbariam Campus, are the heart of the week:
- Thursday, May 22, 2025:
A thought-provoking Convocation Lecture and a documentary highlighting COOU’s 25-year journey will be presented at 11:00 a.m. at the ETF Auditorium, Igbariam Campus. - Friday, May 23, 2025:
The First Degree Convocation Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. will celebrate undergraduate graduates, marking their transition into the next chapter of their lives. - Saturday, May 24, 2025:
The Higher Degrees Convocation Ceremony, also at 11:00 a.m., will honor recipients of PGD, M.Sc, Ph.D, and prestigious Honorary Doctorates, recognizing their academic and societal contributions.
Convocation Fees and Payment Details
To participate, graduands are required to pay the following fees via the university’s portal (portal.coou.edu.ng):
- Undergraduate Graduands: ₦35,000 (convocation materials).
- M.Sc and PGD Graduands: ₦50,000 (convocation fees/materials).
- Ph.D Graduands: ₦105,000 (with academic gown) or ₦25,000 (without gown).
- Ph.D Gown Shortfall: ₦20,000 (if applicable).
Payment Process:
- Visit portal.coou.edu.ng, select “Sundry” and “Payment.”
- Generate an invoice and pay online or at a bank.
- Print the Remita receipt for material collection.
Fees cover essential items, including the Order of Proceedings, academic outfits, certificate scrolls, COOU-branded T-shirts or hoodies, caps, ties or scarves, and lapel pins. Payments begin on April 15, 2025.
Important Guidelines for Graduands
- Mandatory Participation: All graduands must join the academic procession and wear approved regalia.
- Dress Code:
- Men: Suit, shirt, and tie.
- Ladies: Suit, skirt and blouse, gown, or full national dress.
- Regalia Collection: Available from May 2, 2025, at respective Faculties/Departments (undergraduates) or the School of Postgraduate Studies, Igbariam Campus (postgraduates). Proof of payment is required.
- Gown Return: Academic gowns must be returned by May 30, 2025, or a ₦50,000 fine will apply.
- Procession Start: Administrative Building, Igbariam Campus.
Safety and Security Measures
To ensure a seamless experience:
- Bags and luggage are prohibited in the Convocation Arena.
- Park only in designated areas and follow security personnel instructions.
- Hawking or selling near the arena is strictly forbidden.
For inquiries, contact the university via WhatsApp at 08037820855 or 08087190369.
Join the Celebration
COOU’s 11th–15th Combined Convocation and Silver Jubilee promise to be a memorable celebration of academic excellence, heritage, and community. Mark your calendars for May 16–24, 2025, and join in honoring the past, present, and future of this remarkable institution.