Professor Simon Ortuanya has been appointed the 16th Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), marking a historic moment as the first indigenous Vice Chancellor from the university’s host Enugu North Senatorial District, also known as Nsukka Zone, since it was established in 1960.
In his acceptance speech after the announcement was made at the meeting of the Governing Council held at the Enugu campus of the university on Sunday, Prof. Ortuanya paid tribute to key figures who he said played vital roles in making the milestone possible.
“In a special way, I appreciate our President, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the transformation he has brought to bear in education in Nigeria. We are indeed proud of him, and very proud of his administration,” he said.
He also extended appreciation to the governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for what he described as his exceptional drive and tenacity in helping actualize the long-standing aspiration 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,” the new Vice Chancellor said.
Prof. Ortuanya also acknowledged several others for their contributions to his emergence, such as the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oguejiofor Ujam; the Chancellor and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ojaja II; the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Engr. Kayode Olubunmi Ojo; members of the selection board; professors; academic and non-academic staff; students; and the entire university community for being part of the historic moment.
Reaffirming his commitment to service, Prof. Ortuanya pledged to “serve this university with all my heart and with all my strength,” promising to “reposition the University of Nigeria, to bring its glorious days back.”
“We will redeem our name; we will rebuild the confidence. We will build new dreams, tread the path that has never been walked upon before,” he vowed. He called on all stakeholders, academic and non-academic, to join hands with him in the five-year journey to restore the university’s founding vision “to restore the dignity of man,” adding, “I am extending my hands of friendship and fellowship and brotherhood to each and every one; after all, we are one family.”
Earlier, while announcing the new Vice Chancellor, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Engr. Kayode Olubunmi Ojo noted that the process began under the previous Governing Council with 26 candidates shortlisted.
“The process was rigorously and fairly done, with proper questions asked on matters concerning the growth of the university,” Ojo said. “The council wanted a professor who is sound in education, with an extensive network outside the university that can attract a lot of patronage. Prof. Ortuanya was found more than qualified to lead this great university, turn it around, and uplift it from decay in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, especially the first-generation universities, of which UNN is the second of the five.”
Prof. Ortuanya will succeed the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oguejiofor Ujam, and is expected to steer the affairs of the University of Nigeria for the next five years. A distinguished legal scholar and administrator, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, SJD, FCIArb, FCIA, is a Professor of Law and the current Dean, Faculty of Law at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), where he has been credited with transforming the faculty’s academic environment and enhancing the global competitiveness of its graduates.
He previously served as Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Commissioner for Education, and Pioneer Director-General of the South East Governors’ Forum. Prof. Ortuanya earned his LL.B degree from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, and holds an LL.M from the University of Lagos and a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) from Loyola University Chicago.
He has held several academic leadership roles, including Associate Dean and Director of Law Clinics at both UNN and ESUT.
A prolific scholar, he has authored numerous influential works and is widely recognized for his expertise in Evidence, Human Rights, Public Health Law, and Legal Drafting. His professional affiliations include Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Administration, and membership in global legal bodies such as the International Bar Association and the American Health Lawyers Association.
