History was made at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as Prof. Simon Ortuanya, has been announced as the new Vice-Chancellor of the foremost indigenous university, breaking what several people have described as a 60-year-old jinx.

Prof. Ortuanya has thus become the first indigenous academic from the Nsukka Cultural zone, the area that donated the land on which the university is cited over 60 years ago.

Confirming the development, the Chief Whip of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Ejike Jude Eze, who closely followed the selection process, celebrated the appointment in a public statement.

“Congratulations to Prof. Simon Ortuanya on your well-deserved emergence as Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka,” he stated.

Describing the professor’s selection as a product of hard work and dedication, Eze said: “It is both earned and inspiring, a reflection of your unwavering commitment to excellence and the advancement of our people.”

He also appreciated the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, over what he dubbed as his pivotal role in making the historic achievement possible.

He said: “Sincere gratitude to His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the people’s governor of Enugu State, for making this remarkable feat possible”.

Later in a press statement by the university’s acting Public Relations Officer, Inya Agha Egwu, Anipr, the Management of the University stated that it “is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, a distinguished Professor of Law, as the 16th Vice-Chancellor of the University.

“His appointment was ratified on Sunday by the Governing Council of the University, following a transparent and merit-based selection process chaired by Engr. Kayode Ojo, Chairman of the Governing Council.

“Professor Ortuanya brings with him a wealth of academic and administrative experience. 

“He previously served as Associate Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, and is a  Professor of Law at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). 

“He is also a visiting scholar at the Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

“In addition to his academic credentials, Professor Ortuanya has held several key public service positions, including Secretary to the Enugu State Government and Commissioner for Education in Enugu State.

“His deep understanding of university governance, policy, and law, as well as his extensive leadership experience, will  significantly advance the mission and vision of Nigeria’s premier university over the next five years.

“The University Community congratulates Professor Ortuanya on his appointment and looks forward to a new era of academic excellence and transformational leadership”. 

Prof. Ortuanya, was also the Director-General of the South-East Governors’ Forum.

His emergency came with a lot of dramatic twists, especially as professors from the Nsukka Cultural zone have been agitating that one of their own should occupy the portfolio, as a mark of respect to the people who gave out their land for the citing of the university, since it’s establishment, which had been eluding them, not for non-qualified candidate. 

Finally: The Man, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya

Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, SJD, FCIArb, FCIA is a Professor of Law and Dean of the Faculty of Law, Enugu State University of Science and Technology. As the Dean of Law, his unending passion for academic excellence and his Midas touch, propelled him into improving tremendously the learning environment of law graduates of the faculty of law, ESUT. This is reflected in the quality of graduates of the faculty that can compete globally with their counterparts and thereby, repositioning the faculty in the world map.

Prof. Ortuanya, a former Commissioner of Education, Enugu State, is credited numerous educational policies and laudable contributions towards an improved educational system of Enugu State under the past administration. 

He had previously served as Special Assistant to the Minister of Information and culture of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  

He is the also the Founding/Principal Partner of Prof S.U Ortuanya & Co, (Word Chambers), an innovative and leading 21st century top law firm that provides legal support services across diverse areas of law that touches various business sectors of the Nigerian economy. 

He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 after obtaining an LLB (Hons) degree from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, in 1987. 

He obtained Master of Laws (LL.M) degree from University of Lagos in 1991 and a Doctorate in Law (SJD) from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2003. 

Between 2003–2005, he was a Visiting Scholar at Loyola University, Chicago School of Law in the United States of America (USA). 

He had served as the Director of Law Clinic and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus between 2007-2011.  

Between 2013-2016, he was Director of ESUT Legal Clinic. 

He was previously, the Head of Department of Private Law, Faculty of Law, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), as well as Director of ESUT Law Clinic. 

He has also served on the Human Rights Committee of the International Bar Association.

Prof. Ortuanya has published extensively in both local and international journals and has authored several top selling books including but not limited to Law of Evidence in Nigeria: Practice and Procedure; HIV/AIDS Law and Policy in Nigeria; Public Health Law and Policy in Nigeria; Human Rights Law in Nigeria: Law, Practice and International Perspectives; Health Law Legislation in Nigeria and Fighting on the Side of Law and Justice: Legal Essays in Honour of Professor G.O.S. Amadi among others. 

He is a specialist in Law of Evidence, Criminal Law, Human Rights Law, Legal Drafting, Public Health Law and Corporate Law. 

Prof. Ortuanya is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators; Fellow, Chartered Institute of Administration of Nigeria; Member of American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics; a member, American Health Lawyers Association and a member of International Bar Association (IBA) among many others.