UNN new VC, Ortuanya applauds Tinubu, Mbah’s effort in appointment 

By Chinelo Kodilichukwu, Enugu

The new vice chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsuka, UNN, Simon Ortuanya has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governor of Enugu state, Peter Mbah for their commitment and doggedness in ensuring the success of his appointment.

Ortuanya, a  former secretary to the Enugu State government, SSG, and professor of Law, emerged as the 16th Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

He made this known while speaking with newsmen in Enugu, shortly after his emergence as the substantive vice chancellor.

The Nations News reports that the new vice chancellor, Ortuanya beat 25 other candidates to clinch the keenly contested position.

He commended the UNN Council, for the time spent, their commitment, thoroughness and for the pains they passed through to ensure that the process is transparent.

The new VC pledged to serve the  university with all his heart, strength and powers, stressing that with the cooperation and collaboration of the Council, the university’s glorious days will be restored.

“We will redeem our name,  rebuild the confidence, build new dreams and  follow up with things that have taken us back.

“Let me commend and thank all my colleagues, the professors, my brothers and sisters that went through this journey with me. I want to say that I am welcoming them all in our efforts to rebuild our alma mater.

“I am extending my hands of friendship, fellowship and brotherhood to each and every one of them. After all, we are all one family,” the new VC said.

It was gathered that the appointment was ratified by the Governing Council of the University, following a transparent and merit-based selection process chaired by Mr Kayode Ojo, Chairman of the Governing Council.

Ojo who is the  Pro-Chancellor of the university, said that the selection process that eventually ended up with Ortuanya, started since last year.

He said the selection commenced from the previous council, adding that they inherited it which was for about 26 people.

Ojo added that the council went through rigorous process to select the new vice chancellor, stressing that they spent days reviewing Curriculum Vitae and personal interview.

“These two processes were rigorously and fairly done. Everybody documents were scrutinized and with the  interview, we brought proper questions that

matters to the development of this university

“The idea is to appoint someone for growth of the university and who will take us away from the rot that we have seen all these years” he stated.