Chairman of Keystone Bank, Ada Chukwudozie, has unveiled plans for a landmark university-industry partnership with Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra State, aimed at empowering students through innovation, agriculture, and technical education.
Speaking during the conferment of a Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) on her by the university, Lady Chukwudozie described the recognition as both a privilege and a call to action. “I promised the school that I’m going to leave a legacy project behind,” she said. “This legacy project is also a vision I’ve nursed in my heart, reminiscent of what Sir Louis Ojukwu did decades ago in conjunction with M.I. Okpara. They grew the GDP of the southeast region at 9% successively for nearly a decade.”
She added, “Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was a great icon of Nigeria—bold, brilliant, and self-reliant. Today, we remember their legacies, and I feel deeply honored to be connected to them through this university.”
Chukwudozie, who also chairs the Southeast zone of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), outlined an ambitious roadmap for COOU that includes establishing an innovation hub, launching mechanised agriculture projects, and supporting indigent students through practical training in crop cultivation and animal husbandry.
“It’s a University-Industry Partnership for Sustainable Development,” she explained. “We’re looking to empower youths to embrace modern agricultural methods. We plan to introduce simple tools and high-yield seedlings that will increase production and help tackle inflation.”
On her immediate focus, she announced a student empowerment initiative involving habanero pepper farming for both local consumption and export, as well as a livestock project that will sponsor 50 indigent students with pig pens and high-breed pigs. “We’ll manage the farms, and by the next academic session, these students will be able to pay their fees and become self-sufficient. When they graduate, they’ll already have an income-generating asset,” she said.
As part of the Innovation Hub, Lady Chukwudozie plans to import machines from China to be used for hands-on engineering training. Students will learn maintenance, assembly, and local fabrication of simple machines. “We’ll also introduce EV mini-buses—this offers both transport and training opportunities. Students will learn to assemble and maintain them, with only the batteries imported.”
She emphasized the importance of private sector support in building scalable models for development. “We’re excited to work with other members of the organised private sector to drive innovation and create platforms for partnership,” she added.
In his remarks, Hassan Imam, MD/CEO of Keystone Bank, praised Lady Chukwudozie’s leadership and impact. “We are not surprised by this recognition. Her commitment, dedication, and selfless service to humanity make her truly deserving of this honor,” he said. “This award is not just for her—it’s for all of us at Keystone Bank.”
The award ceremony was attended by dignitaries including her husband, Dr. Daniel Chukwudozie, senior executives of Keystone Bank, members of the Anambra Council of Traditional Rulers, NUASS leaders, and local civic groups.
The university noted that Lady Chukwudozie was honored for her consistent support of academic initiatives such as Girls and Tech, Young Scientists, and Future Innovators. “She is a true friend of the university and deeply passionate about putting COOU on the global map for agricultural export,” said the university management.
She was decorated by the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, assisted by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, and Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh.
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