Kukah Rejects Hausa Identity Label, Says He Is From Kaduna, Not Hausa

Kukah Rejects Hausa Identity Label, Says He Is From Kaduna, Not Hausa

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State, Matthew Kukah, has urged Nigerians to stop referring to him as a Hausa man, clarifying that his ethnic identity is often misunderstood.

Kukah made the clarification on Saturday during the university’s 16th convocation ceremony, where he was formally installed as Chancellor.

The cleric said that while he is a Nigerian and resides in northern Nigeria, he is not of Hausa origin, noting that repeated misidentification has followed him across different parts of the country.

“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 said.

Kukah’s remarks come amid broader national conversations around ethnic identity, stereotyping, and national unity, particularly in a country with over 250 ethnic groups where identity is often mistakenly tied to geography or residence.

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He urged graduating students at the ceremony to prioritise good character, discipline, and responsibility in their relationships with their families, institution, and society at large.

The bishop, known for his advocacy on governance, democracy, and interfaith harmony, also commended the Anambra State Government for its investment in education, noting that the state continues to rank strongly in academic development.

He also expressed appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for appointing him as Chancellor of the institution, describing it as a role he intends to use to strengthen the university’s academic standards and vision.

Governor Soludo, who attended the convocation as Visitor to the university, described the ceremony as a celebration of academic excellence and national development.

He highlighted the importance of universities in producing skilled graduates capable of solving real-world problems, rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge.

Soludo also announced several incentives for outstanding students, including a ₦4 million cash award to the overall best graduating student, Somtochukwu Augustus Ume of the Economics Department, who finished with a CGPA of 4.85.

In addition, the governor awarded scholarships to 37 first-class graduates to support postgraduate studies in any public university of their choice.

The event marked a major academic milestone for COOU, with stakeholders emphasising the need for stronger collaboration between government and higher institutions to improve educational outcomes in Nigeria.

Kukah Rejects Hausa Identity Label, Says He Is From Kaduna, Not Hausa