Stop addressing me as Hausa man, Kukah tells Nigerians

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State, Most Rev. Dr Matthew Kukah, has urged Nigerians to stop addressing him as a Hausa man.

Kukah added that he is a typical Nigerian, but not a Hausa man by origin, as he is often addressed wherever he goes.

He stated this while speaking at the 16th convocation ceremony of the university, held at the institution’s auditorium on Saturday.

He charged the graduating students to be of good character to their parents, the university community, Anambra State, the South-East region, and Nigeria as a whole.

The new Chancellor commended the state government for its significant investment in education, adding that statistically, “Anambra is performing well in education among the 36 states.”

He said, “I am a typical Nigerian from Anchuna, Ikulu Chiefdom in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, but not a Hausa man by origin. Nigerians should stop addressing me as a Hausa person.

“As the new Chancellor of this institution, we will not only strive to achieve the university’s goals, but surpass them.”

He appreciated the state governor, Chukwuma Soludo, for appointing him as the Chancellor of the university.

He was formally installed as Chancellor of the varsity by the governor during the ceremony.

Also speaking, the Anambra State governor expressed excitement while decorating Kukah as the new Chancellor of the university, expressing confidence that his wisdom, experience, and moral leadership will further strengthen the vision and standing of the institution.

Soludo said, “It was a great honour to be present at the 16th Convocation Ceremony of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University as a visitor to this great institution.

“The ceremony was a celebration of excellence, hard work, and the power of quality education. It was also a reminder of the critical role universities play in training skilled manpower, shaping character, advancing knowledge, and preparing young people to contribute meaningfully to society.

“I was particularly delighted to decorate the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, as the new Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

“I am confident that his wisdom, experience, and moral leadership will further strengthen the vision and standing of the university.

“In recognition of exceptional academic achievement, I announced a ₦4 million cash gift to Somtochukwu Augustus Ume of the Economics Department, who emerged as the overall best graduating student at COOU’s 16th Convocation with an outstanding CGPA of 4.85 out of 5.0.

“I also offered scholarships to 37 first-class graduates of the university’s 16th Convocation to support their postgraduate studies up to the highest level at any public university of their choice.”

He charged the university to remain focused on producing problem-solvers rather than mere enumerators.

“Our institutions of higher learning must go beyond awarding certificates; they must raise innovative, solution-driven, and globally competitive graduates who can respond to the challenges of our time.

“To the graduands, I urged them to seize the moment and emerge as beacons of hope, disruptive thinkers, and agents of change in society. The future belongs to those who are prepared to lead with courage, creativity, and purpose,” he added.