Former Enugu State Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Professor Victor Nnam, has hailed the appointment of Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya as the 16th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), describing it as a landmark recognition of merit, competence, and academic integrity.
In a statement to journalists in Enugu, Prof. Nnam, a respected scholar in Surveying and Geoinformatics, congratulated Prof. Ortuanya and praised his appointment as well-deserved and timely.
“I warmly congratulate Professor Ortuanya on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of our premier university, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His emergence is not only merited but also timely. He is a man of immense academic pedigree, leadership experience, and vision,” Nnam stated.
Highlighting the new Vice Chancellor’s track record, Prof. Nnam noted Ortuanya’s long-standing commitment to educational development, intellectual excellence, and institutional advancement. He also acknowledged Ortuanya’s unrelenting service in academia and public administration, including his recent role as Secretary to the Enugu State Government.
Commending Enugu State Governor, Barr. Peter Mbah, for fostering an environment that promotes merit and academic growth, Nnam said, “Governor Mbah’s consistent support for education and merit-based appointments is highly commendable. The state’s development is closely tied to the strength of our academic institutions, and I believe Professor Ortuanya will take UNN to greater heights.”
Professor Nnam, known for his years of mentoring students pro bono, expressed strong confidence in Professor Ortuanya’s capacity to revive the University of Nigeria’s global academic standing while prioritising the welfare of both staff and students.
He appealed to all stakeholders from staff and students to alumni and the broader academic community to unite in backing the new Vice Chancellor’s vision, which he believes will foster inclusive growth and elevate the institution’s pursuit of excellence.
