Barely one month after assuming office as the 16th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya has set a clear tone for his administration by rolling out bold reforms aimed at addressing the critical challenges confronting the institution.
Prof. Ortuanya, who was inaugurated on August 11, 2025, wasted no time in confronting the realities of infrastructural decay, declining standards, and the urgent need for institutional reforms. On his first day in office, he declared that his leadership would take a different path, anchored on policies, systems, and global best practices rather than ad hoc decisions that weaken University culture.
Within his first month, the Vice-Chancellor has initiated far-reaching projects and reforms that signal a fresh dawn for the University. Among his early achievements is the commencement of a 4.5-kilometer road construction at the Nsukka campus, an effort that will improve mobility and enhance the learning environment.
He has also attracted the Centre of Excellence in Sports, which is expected to upgrade sports infrastructure at UNN with the support of the Federal Government and the South-East Development Commission.
In a bid to improve institutional efficiency, Prof. Ortuanya constituted strategic committees to draft policies on ICT, housing and accommodation, public communication, and social media. He also established a Directorate of Housing and Accommodation to address the pressing need for improved living spaces for both staff and students.
To tackle accommodation challenges head-on, his administration has commenced the scooping of students’ hostels to determine renovation needs. Plans have already been concluded for the construction of three new hostels at Ituku Ozalla campus to serve students of Medicine, Health Sciences, and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Meanwhile, Franco and Isa Kaita hostels have been marked for renovation.
In the area of digital transformation, the Vice-Chancellor has initiated the rebuilding of the university’s website to make it more robust, user-friendly, and globally competitive. He has also engaged contractors handling abandoned projects and secured commitments for their return to site.
Prof. Ortuanya has prioritized inclusiveness by holding interactive meetings with staff across the Nsukka, UNEC, and Ituku Ozalla campuses, the University Senate, and Directors of revenue-generating units. He has also re-engaged project donors, securing renewed commitments to complete ongoing projects. Notably, automobile giant Innoson has pledged to complete its tractor plant at the Nsukka campus.
These swift interventions confirm Prof. Ortuanya’s determination to reposition the University of Nigeria as a leading institution anchored on research, innovation, structured governance, and sustainable development.
As he continues to lay the groundwork for a reformed UNN, stakeholders across the University community are urged to rally behind his vision of rebuilding and revitalizing the nation’s premier university.
© Echo Dei Media Consult.
4 comments
With all these achievements just within a month on assumption of office he has proved that his appointment wasn’t by chance. Our people should equally allow him do the work by not distracting him.
Yes… Very important
I suggest building more houses for UNN staff
Noted with thanks