Prof Simon Ortuanya emerged as the 16th Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), following a meeting held by the University’s governing council at the Enugu campus on Sunday.
The appointment marked a historic moment as the new Vice Chancellor is the first indigenous Vice Chancellor from the host community of Nsukka in the Enugu North Senatorial Zone since the University was established in 1960.
In his acceptance Speech, Prof Ortuanya paid tribute to key figures who contributed to his journey and made the milestone possible. He appreciated the President, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for playing a role in the transformation of Education in the country.
The New Vice Chancellor also extended appreciation to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, for his tenacity and exceptional drive in actualising the long-standing wishes of the Nsukka people.
“Let me appreciate our Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his determination and commitment, for his doggedness and single-mindedness in making sure that today becomes a reality,” He said.
Prof Ortuanya also acknowledged key dignitaries who played a role in his emergence as the 16th Vice Chancellor of the University, such as the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oguejiofor Ujam; the Chancellor and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Ojaja II; and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Engr. Kayode Olubunmi Ojo; Academic and non-academic staff, Members of the selection board, Students and the entire University community.
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He pledged to serve the University with all his might and strength, and also reposition it back to its glory days.
Engr. Kayode Olubunmi Ojo, the Pro-Chancellor and chairman of the University’s governing council, while announcing the new Vice-Chancellor, revealed that the process started in the previous governing council with 26 candidates shortlisted for the position.
Prof Ortuanya succeeds the acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Oguejiofor Ujam, and will run the affairs of the University for the next five years.
Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, SJD, FCIArb, FCIA, before his appointment was a professor of law and the current dean of the faculty of law at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT),
