Enugu State Government Commends Tinubu As Prof. Simon Ortuanya Assumes Office As UNN’s 16th Substantive Vice Chancellor

The Enugu State Government has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Prof. Simon Ortuanya as the 16th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), describing the choice as a historic and well-deserved honour for the state.

Briefing Government House correspondents after the State Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, said the appointment was a recognition of Prof. Ortuanya’s outstanding academic and administrative pedigree. “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,” Agbo stated.

On Monday, August 11, Prof. Ortuanya was officially inaugurated at the university’s Vice Chancellor’s Office, becoming the first indigene of the Nsukka socio-cultural zone to occupy the position since UNN’s establishment in 1960. He succeeds Prof. T. Ujam, who had been serving in an acting capacity.

The event 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 inaugural address, Prof. Ortuanya unveiled an ambitious Transformative Agenda aimed at repositioning UNN as a globally competitive, research-intensive, and 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 all infrastructure with international accreditation standards.

He further pledged to introduce 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. The agenda also features a ₦100 million competitive postgraduate research fund, the creation of an international-standard UNN Business School, and an aggressive push for grants, patents, and global research collaborations.

Other priorities 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.”

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 commending 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 tenure is expected to blend academic rigour with strategic governance expertise, a combination many believe will usher in a golden era for UNN.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

BREAKING NEWS! Enugu State Governor Appoints New Clerk of the House of Assembly

Image
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has announced the appointment of Mrs. Ngozi Silverline Egbo as the new Clerk of the Enugu State House of Assembly. The appointment, which was made official today, takes effect from Thursday, January 2, 2025. The Governor's decision to appoint Mrs. Egbo comes as part of efforts to ensure the smooth running of the state's legislative processes. Mrs. Egbo, whose extensive experience and commitment to public service have earned her recognition, is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the role. In a brief statement, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, confirmed the appointment, noting that the new Clerk would assume her responsibilities starting today. The full public announcement reads: ENUGU STATE GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT GOVERNOR MBAH APPOINTS NEW CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY The Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has approved the appointment of Mrs. Ngozi Si...
Read more

Shettima, 13 Governors Pay New Year Homage to Tinubu in Lagos

Image
Vice-President Kashim Shettima and 13 state governors paid a New Year homage to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Wednesday. The president is currently in Lagos for the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Among the governors present were Abba Yusuf of Kano, Sherriff Oborevwori of Delta, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers. Other governors in attendance included Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Usman Ododo of Kogi, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, and Babagana Zulum of Borno. During the visit, Shettima expressed optimism about the country’s economic future. He noted that the administration was working hard to stabilize the economy, which has already started showing positive signs of recovery. “I am confident that 2025 will bring about substantial economic activities and improvements to the lives of citizens,” Shettima said. He expressed optimism ab...
Read more

BREAKING: Serving House Of Reps Member Is Dead!

Image
  The House of Representatives member representing the people of Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, Rt Hon. Oriyomi Adewunmi Onanuga, aka Ijaya, is reportedly dead. According to Gistcore, Onanuga, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, died after a brief illness. Meanwhile, the sad news is yet to be made official to the public either by NASS or the family. Born on December 2, 1965, Onanuga was a politician and entrepreneur. She had been the Deputy Chief Whip of the Nigerian House of Representatives since 2023. She was born in Hammersmith, London to Nigerian parents. In 2019, Onanuga contested election for Member, House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and won. She was also the chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development.
Read more