Professor Simon Ortuanya, a renowned law scholar and former Secretary to the Enugu State Government, has been appointed the 16th Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
The Governing Council of the university confirmed his appointment on Sunday following a rigorous, merit-based selection process that began last year and involved 26 candidates.
Mr. Kayode Ojo, Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of the university, announced the appointment in Enugu. He said the process, inherited from the previous council, involved detailed scrutiny of candidates’ credentials and personal interviews aimed at selecting a visionary leader for the institution.
“We reviewed every candidate’s curriculum vitae and conducted thorough interviews, asking targeted questions about how to move UNN forward,” Ojo said.
“Our goal was to find a strong academic and capable manager, someone with a broad network to attract support from government, alumni, and development partners.”
In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Ortuanya thanked President Bola Tinubu and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for their support in actualising the appointment. He also expressed gratitude to the Governing Council for its diligence and sacrifice.
“I pledge to serve this university with all my heart and strength,” he said.
“Together with the Council, we will work to restore UNN’s glory, rebuild confidence, and inspire a renewed vision for our alma mater.”
He extended a hand of friendship to fellow candidates, saying the task of repositioning the university required collective effort.
The university management, in a congratulatory message signed by its Acting Public Relations Officer, Inya Agha Egwu, described Prof. Ortuanya as a seasoned academic with extensive administrative experience and a deep understanding of university governance, policy, and law.
“The university community looks forward to a new era of academic excellence and transformational leadership under his stewardship,” the statement read.
Prof. Ortuanya, an indigene of Aku in Igboetiti Local Government Area, Enugu State, becomes the first Vice Chancellor of UNN to come from Nsukka, the university’s host community, since its establishment 65 years ago.
He previously served as Associate Dean of the Faculty of Law at UNN’s Enugu campus, a Professor of Law at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), and a visiting scholar at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
His public service record includes roles as Enugu State Commissioner for Education under Governor Sullivan Chime, Secretary to the State Government under Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Director General of the South East Governors’ Forum.
(NAN)