The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Anambra State, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, paid an official working visit to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam and Uli Campuses, to observe and monitor the institution's Students' Union Government (SUG) elections for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The election marks a significant turning point in the democratic history of the institution, as it represents the first electronically conducted Students' Union election after over six years during which student representation was administered through appointed caretaker structures.
The NANS delegation was led by the Chairman of NANS JCC Anambra State, Comr. Ifeanyichukwu Chukwuemeka Chukwuemelie, who headed a high-powered team of student leaders committed to ensuring that the electoral process reflected the genuine will and aspirations of the students.
Members of the delegation included the Financial Secretary/Treasurer of NANS Zone F (South-East), Comr. Chukwualuka Paul; the Vice Chairman of NANS JCC Anambra State, Comr. Ibe Chidebere; the President of the Students' Union Government of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Chairman, Council of SUG Presidents, Anambra State, Comr. Ochuba Chukwusom; the Special Assistant on Special Duties to the JCC Chairman, Comr. Onwe Chidebere Michael; Emeritus SUG President of Anambra State Polytechnic and serving Councillor representing Mgbakwu Ward, Hon. Comr. Ikegbunam Innocent; and the Director of Transportation, NANS JCC Anambra State, Comr. Egbusim Nzube.
During the early stages of the exercise, the delegation observed network-related challenges that affected the voting Real Time Results monitoring process. Concerns were immediately raised with the relevant authorities, prompting swift intervention by the university's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) unit. Following the resolution of the technical issues, the electoral process proceeded smoothly and transparently.
To ensure that no student was disenfranchised as a result of the earlier challenges, the electoral committee approved an additional one-hour extension of voting time, thereby allowing more students to participate effectively in the process.
Speaking during the exercise, the Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Professor Kate Omenugha, acknowledged the presence of NANS and commended the association for its commitment to promoting democratic values within tertiary institutions. She urged students to uphold integrity, accountability, and responsible leadership, while describing the election as a landmark achievement in the university's ongoing institutional reforms.
Professor Omenugha further noted that the restoration of democratic student representation reflects the administration's dedication to inclusiveness, transparency, and student participation in governance.
In his remarks, the Chairman of NANS JCC Anambra State, Comr. Ifeanyichukwu Chukwuemeka Chukwuemelie, applauded the Vice-Chancellor and the university management for creating a fair, transparent, and level playing field for all contestants. He described the adoption of a technology-driven voting system as a bold and progressive step that aligns the institution with global best practices in democratic administration.
He further noted that the successful conduct of the election demonstrates the university's commitment to reform, innovation, and the strengthening of democratic institutions within the academic environment.
According to the official report released at the conclusion of the exercise, the election recorded impressive participation across the institution.
* Total Candidates (Screened, Unscreened, Qualified and Disqualified) : 261
* Eligible Voters: 27,642
* Total Voters: 4,540
* Total Votes Cast: 46,074
* Voter Turnout: 16.24%
Major Results
President
* Ikezu Anthony Chukwunwike – 3,407 Votes
* Odikaesieme Nwabunike Janet – 476 Votes
Vice President
* Ikedianya Elochukwu Patrick – 2,347 Votes
* Chinedu Chiagozie Emmanuel – 1,515 Votes
Secretary-General
* Nzekwesi Chinaza Ugochukwu – 2,171 Votes
Alongside these principal offices, forty-five other candidates emerged victorious in various executive and representative positions across the Students' Union structure.
The successful conduct of the election stands as a remarkable milestone in the democratic evolution of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and signals a renewed era of student participation, representation, and responsible leadership within the institution.
Signed:
Rotr. Comr. Chukwu Blessing Chidinma
Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman,
NANS JCC Anambra State.