On Monday, Augus 11, Prof. Simon Ortuanya was inaugurated as the 16th substantive Vice Chancellor of Nigeria’s first indigenous university, an appointment the Enugu State Government has commended with profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding an illustrious son of the state worthy of the role.Prof. Ortuanya, the first indigene of Nsukka Socio-cultural zone to occupy the position since UNN’s establishment in 1960, succeeds Prof. T. Ujam, who had served in an acting capacity. The inauguration ceremony, held at the Office of the Vice Chancellor, was attended by principal officers of the university, representatives from the Enugu State Government House, traditional rulers, Dr. Dan Shere, Hon. Chinedu Onu, and members of the UNN management team.In his address, Prof. Ortuanya outlined an ambitious Transformative Agenda designed to reposition UNN as a globally competitive, research-intensive, entrepreneurial institution. His plans include converting classrooms into digitally connected smart hubs, modernizing laboratories, revamping libraries with premium global database subscriptions, upgrading hostels, offices, and internal roads, and aligning infrastructure with international accreditation standards.The agenda also features the introduction of a paperless university system, campus-wide high-speed broadband via optic fibre, AI-trained ICT personnel, 24/7 CCTV surveillance, and solar-powered mini-grids. Prof. Ortuanya further announced a ₦100 million competitive postgraduate research fund, the creation of an international-standard UNN Business School, and an aggressive drive for grants, patents, and global research collaborations.Other initiatives include strengthening financial management, launching alumni-driven capital campaigns, implementing structured waste management systems, improving medical facilities, enforcing gender and inclusion policies, and ensuring merit-based recruitment.“At the heart of this mission is not just the production of graduates, but the shaping of destinies and the driving of socio-economic transformation,” Prof. Ortuanya said. “This is about restoring the dignity of man, not as a mere slogan, but as a living reality.”Briefing Government House correspondents after the State Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, said: “The Enugu Exco extended profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding this illustrious son of Enugu, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, worthy to be appointed the VC of the UNN.”The Chief Whip of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Ejike Jude Eze, also congratulated the new VC, describing his appointment as “earned and inspiring,” while thanking Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for playing a pivotal role in making it possible.A Professor of Law with extensive experience in academia and public service, Prof. Ortuanya previously served as Secretary to the Enugu State Government and Director General of the South-East Governors’ Forum. His leadership is expected to blend academic rigor with strategic governance expertise, with many anticipating a new golden era for UNN.
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