Professor Simon Ortuanya has been appointed the 16th Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

His emergence was historic, being the first indigenous UNN Vice Chancellor FROM Host Community Nsukka,, Enugu North Senatorial District, since it was founded in 1960.

Announcing his emergence as the new Vice Chancellor of the premier University, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Olukayode Ojo, revealed that the process began under the previous Governing Council with 26 candidates shortlisted.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Ortuanya praised President Bola Tinubu, the Governor, and the UNN community for making the milestone possible.

He thanked Governor Peter Mbah for his tenacity in helping to actualise what many see as a perennially elusive aspiration of the Nsukka people to produce a Vice Chancellor of the University.

He affirmed his commitment to service,with the aim to upscale the school standard and pledge to work to reposition the University of Nigeria, to its expected glorious days.

The new Vice Chancellor called on all stakeholders, both academic and non-academic, to join hands with him in the five-year journey to restore the university’s founding vision and restore the dignity of man.

Prof. Ortuanya succeeds the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ujam, and is expected to steer the affairs of the University of Nigeria for the next five years.

Professor Ortunanya, was the former Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Commissioner for Education, and Pioneer Director-General of the South East Governors’ Forum.

Prof. Ortuanya earned his LL.B degree from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, and holds an LL.M from the University of Lagos and a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) from Loyola University Chicago.

He has held several academic leadership roles, including Associate Dean and Director of Law Clinics at both UNN and ESUT.

A prolific scholar, he has authored numerous influential works and is widely recognised for his expertise in Evidence, Human Rights, Public Health Law, and Legal Drafting.

His professional affiliations include Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Administration, and membership in global legal bodies such as the International Bar Association and the American Health Lawyers Association.