By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Management of Nigeria’s premier indigenous university, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) have announced the appointment of Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya as the institution’s 16th Vice-Chancellor (VC).
The appointment was ratified on Sunday, August 3, 2025 by the University’s Governing Council, following a transparent and merit-based selection process chaired by Chairman of the Governing Council,Engr. Kayode Ojo.
Professor Ortuanya is a distinguished Professor of Law and brings with him a wealth of academic and administrative experience.
He previously served as Associate Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), and also a Professor of Law at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). He is also a Visiting Scholar at the Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
In addition to his academic credentials, Professor Ortuanya has held several key public service positions, including Secretary to the Enugu State Government and Commissioner for Education in Enugu State.
Announcing his appointment, Ojo, who is also the University’s Pro-Chancellor, said the selection process that eventually ended up with Ortuanya, started last year.
He said the selection commenced from the previous Council, adding that they inherited it. It was for about 26 candidates.
Ojo noted that the Council went through rigorous process to select the new VC, stressing that they spent days reviewing candidates’ Curriculum Vitae and doing personal interviews.
He said: “These two processes were rigorously and fairly done. Everybody’s documents were scrutinized and with the interview, we brought proper questions that matter to the development of this University.
“The idea is to appoint someone for growth of the university and who will take us away from the rot that we have seen all these years.
“Our focus was to look for a manager, a professor who is sound in education, and also somebody with extensive network outside the University that can help us to get and attract a lot of patronage.
“These patronage are for the University -both from the government, alumni, and individuals that have interest in UNN.”
Ortuanya, in his acceptance speech, thanked President Bola Tinubu, who is the Visitor to the University, and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for their commitment and doggedness in ensuring that the appointment came to pass.
He also appreciated the UNN Governing Council for all the time spent, their commitment,thoroughness and for the rigors they had to go through as well as the pains they bore.
The new VC pledged to serve the University with all his heart, strength and his powers with the cooperation and collaboration of Council to bring the UNN’s glorious days back.
“We will redeem our name, rebuild the confidence, build new dreams and follow up with things that have taken us back.
“Let me commend and thank all my colleagues, the professors, my brothers and sisters that went through this journey with me. I want to say that I am welcoming them all in our efforts to rebuild our alma mater.
“I am extending my hands of friendship, fellowship and brotherhood to each and every one of them. After all, we are all one family,” the new VC said.
Ortuanya,who hails from Aku in Igboetiti Local Government Area, becomes the first indigenous VC From Nsukka axis, the host town of the University, after 65 years of its existence in the country.
He beat 25 other candidates to clinch the coveted position.
