A final-year Economics student at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Chinedu Nwafor, has emerged as one of the recipients of the prestigious 2025 AfCFTA Undergraduate Research Grant, marking a major academic milestone both for the student and the institution.

Nwafor, a 400-level student and Director of Research and Academic Planning for the Policy Analysis and Research Congress (PARC), was selected alongside five other students from Nigerian universities by Africa’s Future Economic Leaders (AFEL). 

The selection followed the approval of his research proposal exploring Nigeria-Africa trade relations and their implications for the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). The award, worth ₦2 million, is aimed at supporting final-year Economics students in conducting research that promotes African economic integration.

This milestone aligns closely with the vision of COOU’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, FNIPR, who has continually reiterated that “students remain the heartbeat” of the university’s development. Under her administration, COOU has adopted a 3Vs agenda: Values, Viability, and Visibility to reposition the institution as a competitive, student-focused university.

Reacting to the news of the award, Prof. Omenugha praised Nwafor’s hard work and described his achievement as “a clear indicator of the new culture of academic excellence taking root at COOU.”

In addition to the AfCFTA research grant, Nwafor has also been selected as one of 50 young economists for the African Economic Scholars Programme (AESP) 2025 cohort. Chosen from over 1,000 applicants across the continent, the programme will expose him to intensive research training and policy development modules aimed at preparing Africa’s next generation of economic leaders.

Earlier this year, Nwafor was shortlisted as a virtual delegate at the 12th World Bank Group Youth Summit, which brought together young global leaders to deliberate on innovative solutions for sustainable development and digital transformation.

Back home, Nwafor was one of the top honorees at the 3rd SEE-JOY Nigerian Children Awards, organised in collaboration with the Anambra State Government. He, alongside Somtochukwu Umeh, was recognised for having the highest CGPA in their class during their 300 level, a feat that earned them campus-wide recognition and a special reception hosted by the Vice-Chancellor.

He also received accolades during the university’s Carol of Nine Lessons and Maiden Annual Awards held in December 2024, where his consistent academic excellence was once again spotlighted.

Speaking to newsmen, a visibly delighted Nwafor expressed gratitude to the Acting Vice-Chancellor for her efforts in making COOU a more convenient and choice destination for learning. He appreciated the support of the Head of Department, Dr Ogochukwu Ugwunna, and the entire Lecturers in the Department of Economics. He promised not to relent in their studies and praised the university for its continued support.

Nwafor’s remarkable journey is seen by many as proof that the student visibility drive at COOU is yielding significant results. His success story is inspiring a wave of motivation among his peers and raising the profile of the university as a breeding ground for academic and policy-oriented excellence.

As COOU continues to build on its values-driven agenda, the achievements of students like Chinedu Nwafor are expected to be the new norm in the university’s push towards global academic competitiveness.

The university community has since extended its congratulations to Nwafor, urging him to remain focused as he continues to fly the institution’s flag on the national and international stage.