It is disheartening, to say the least, that at a time when the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, needs the collective support of all patriotic sons and daughters of Nsukka to thrive, a faceless voice, whether the name T.M. Ozioko Esq is real or merely a convenient pseudonym, has chosen the path of mudslinging and divisive rhetoric. His recent outburst in the Adada General Assembly WhatsApp group is not only fallacious and malicious but also unbecoming of anyone who claims to speak for the Nsukka people.
Let it be stated, without equivocation, that Prof. Uchenna Ortuanya is neither a politician nor a partisan player. His record speaks for itself. He has always been a scholar, an academic of integrity whose loyalty lies with the pursuit of knowledge, institutional reforms, and public service. Yes, he served in past Enugu State administrations, but he did so as a Technocrat, not as a party operative. It is both disingenuous and mischievous to conflate public service with partisanship simply because it is politically expedient for a few to tarnish his name.
Prof. Ortuanya’s life and career demonstrate an affinity to the common good over personal or sectional interest. Those who know him personally can attest to his disinterest in political gamesmanship. His focus as Vice-Chancellor of UNN has been to reposition the institution, academically, administratively, and infrastructurally, so that it can reclaim its pride of place as a leading University in Africa.
It is, therefore, absurd to accuse such a man of “sabotaging the APC” or “undermining Nsukka’s political future.” That allegation is not only hollow but also insulting to the intelligence of the Nsukka people. The insinuation that Prof. Ortuanya harbors political ambitions or is scheming against any individual or party, including the Honourable Minister Uche Nnadi, is laughable. The Vice-Chancellor of a federal University has more urgent and weighty responsibilities than chasing political shadows or being a pawn in someone’s power game.
Those who peddle these falsehoods are either blinded by partisan fervor or driven by narrow interests that run counter to the collective progress of Nsukka and Enugu State at large. They must be reminded that UNN is not a political playground; it is a citadel of learning. Attempting to drag it into partisan conflicts only diminishes our zone in the eyes of the country and distracts from the institution’s academic mission.
Rather than maligning a man who is striving to leave a legacy of excellence at UNN, genuine Nsukka patriots should rally behind Prof. Ortuanya. Leadership at a University of such stature requires calmness and focus. These are qualities that Prof. Ortuanya has displayed consistently. Blackmail and unfounded accusations will not derail him from that noble path.
The Nsukka people have long been known for their intellect, dignity, and progressive spirit. We must rise above the pettiness of political name-calling and recognize that the real enemies of progress are not those who labor silently to improve our institutions but those who sow seeds of discord for personal gain.
In the end, history will not remember the noise-makers; it will remember those who built and reformed institutions. Prof. Ortuanya is focused on delivering on his mandate and leaving indelible footprints in the sands of time at UNN. We owe it to ourselves, and to future generations of Nsukka sons and daughters who will pass through that great institution, to shield it from destructive politicking.
Let no one be deceived: Prof. Ortuanya is not the problem. The problem lies in the mindset that prioritizes partisan maneuvering over institutional development. It is time we, as Nsukka people, stand united behind truth, fairness, and progress rather than give oxygen to unfounded allegations meant to tarnish the reputation of an upright son of the soil.
© Echo Dei Media Consult.
