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 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 Bola 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 actualise the long-standing aspiration of the Nsukka people. “Let me appreciate our Governor, Dr Peter 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, 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.
