UNN Appoints Prof. Simon Ortuanya as 16th Vice Chancellor
Professor Simon Ortuanya, a legal scholar and current Dean of the Faculty of Law at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), has been appointed as the 16th Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
His appointment was officially announced on Sunday during a meeting of the university’s Governing Council held at the Enugu campus and chaired by Pro-Chancellor, Kayode Ojo. Ortuanya will serve a five-year term, succeeding Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oguejiofor Ujam.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Ortuanya pledged to restore the institution’s legacy, calling for unity among staff and stakeholders to achieve a shared vision.
“We will redeem our name, rebuild confidence, and tread new paths,” he said. “I extend my hand of fellowship to everyone—we are one family.”
Ojo noted that the appointment followed a transparent selection process that began under the previous council, with 26 candidates initially shortlisted.
“We wanted a scholar with academic depth and strong external networks to attract support and reposition the university. Prof. Ortuanya fits that role perfectly, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” Ojo said.
A proud alumnus of UNN’s Enugu Campus, Ortuanya holds an LL.B from the institution, an LL.M from the University of Lagos, and a Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) from Loyola University Chicago. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988.
Beyond academia, he has served as Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Commissioner for Education, and the pioneer Director-General of the South East Governors’ Forum.
In his remarks, Ortuanya thanked President Tinubu, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, and the university community for their support. He described his appointment as the fulfilment of a long-cherished aspiration of the Nsukka people to produce a UNN Vice Chancellor.
He also expressed appreciation to Prof. Ujam, the Chancellor and Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the selection board, and academic stakeholders for their roles in the process.
A prolific academic, Prof. Ortuanya is widely recognised for his work in Evidence, Human Rights, Legal Drafting, and Public Health Law. He is a Fellow of both the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators and the Chartered Institute of Administration. He is also a member of international bodies, including the International Bar Association and the American Health Lawyers Association.
