The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Kukah, has raised fresh conversation over identity and ethnicity after vehemently rejecting the label often ascribed to him by many Nigerians.
Speaking during the 16th convocation ceremony of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) in Igbariam, Anambra State, where he was formally installed as Chancellor, Kukah made it clear that he is not Hausa by origin, despite frequent assumptions.
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.”
Addressing the graduating students, Kukah urged them to uphold strong character and remain worthy ambassadors of their families, the institution, Anambra State, and Nigeria at large.
He also praised the Anambra State Government for its sustained investment in education, noting that the state continues to rank highly among Nigeria’s 36 states in academic performance.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who presided over the ceremony and decorated Kukah as Chancellor, expressed strong confidence in his leadership, describing him as a moral voice whose experience would elevate the university’s standing.
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.”
Charging the institution to raise solution-driven graduates, the governor added, “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.
