The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has appointed Professor Simon Ortuanya as its new vice-chancellor. The announcement was made on Sunday following the ratification of his selection by the institution’s governing council.

Professor Ortuanya, a former Secretary to the Enugu State Government and professor of law, was chosen after a selection process that involved 26 candidates.

According to Kayode Ojo, the pro-chancellor and chairman of the council, the process began under the previous council and included a detailed review of credentials and interviews.

“These two processes were rigorously and fairly done,” Ojo said. “Everybody’s documents were scrutinised and with the interview, we brought proper questions that mattered to the development of this university.”

He said the council aimed to appoint a candidate capable of restoring the university’s image and drawing support from the government, alumni, and other stakeholders.

In his acceptance remarks, Professor Ortuanya pledged to work collaboratively to improve the institution.

“We will redeem our name, rebuild the confidence, build new dreams and follow up with things that have taken us back,” he said. He also called for unity among the former candidates, describing them as “brothers and sisters” in the effort to strengthen the university.

The university’s acting public relations officer, Inya Agha Egwu, issued a statement congratulating Ortuanya and expressing confidence in his leadership.

The statement described him as bringing “a wealth of academic and administrative experience” to the role.

Before his appointment, Ortuanya served as associate dean of law at UNN, a professor at Enugu State University of Science and Technology, and a visiting scholar at Loyola University, Chicago.

He has also held public service positions, including commissioner for education in Enugu State and director-general of the South-East Governors’ Forum.