The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and newly installed Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has called on Nigerians to cease referring to him as a Hausa man, clarifying his ethnic and geographic origins.
Speaking at the 16th convocation ceremony of COOU held on Saturday at the university’s auditorium, Bishop Kukah emphasized his identity as a typical Nigerian while correcting a common misconception.
“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,” he stated.
Bishop Kukah, who was formally decorated as Chancellor of the university by Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo during the event, also pledged to advance the institution’s mission. “As the new Chancellor of this institution, we will not only strive to achieve the university’s goals, but surpass them,” he added.
He commended Governor Soludo and the Anambra State Government for their substantial investments in education, noting that Anambra continues to perform strongly in the sector among Nigeria’s 36 states. Kukah further charged the graduating students to uphold good character and contribute positively to their families, the university, Anambra State, the South-East region, and the nation at large.
Governor Soludo expressed delight at Kukah’s appointment, highlighting the bishop’s wisdom, experience, and moral leadership as assets that would strengthen the university’s vision.
He announced a ₦4 million cash gift to the overall best graduating student, Somtochukwu Augustus Ume (Economics Department, CGPA 4.85/5.0), and offered postgraduate scholarships to 37 first-class graduates.
The governor urged the university to focus on producing innovative, solution-driven graduates capable of addressing national challenges
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Bishop Kukah’s remarks come as he assumes a key academic leadership role in the South-East, underscoring themes of national unity, accurate representation, and the transcendence of ethnic labels in Nigeria’s diverse society.