Journalists hail appointment of Ortuanya as UNN VC

Journalists from the Nsukka Cultural zone of Enugu State, under the auspices of the Nsukka Journalist Forum (NJF), have hailed the appointment of Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).

In a press statement signed by the Chairman of the forum, Mr Benson Ezugwu, the NJF described the emergence of the first indigenous Vice Chancellor of the university as a milestone.

“For us, the journey to this victory was a collective one hence the great jubilations across the length and breadth of our communities.

“This milestone marks the actualization of decades of persistent attempts and struggles by our people to have one of our own at the helm of affairs in the university, just like any other universities across Nigeria, ” the statement said.

The forum commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and his team for his determination and commitment to seeing the project come through.

“We specially appreciate the role played by Dr Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State and his team by ensuring that Ortuanya becomes the first indigene of Nsukka Cultural zone to be appointed to this exalted position.

“We also acknowledge the behind-the-scenes contributions of our distinguished sons and daughters in achieving this noble cause, ” NJF stated.

The forum also highlighted some critical challenges facing the university as a citadel of learning prompting its declining fortunes.

“It is no gainsaying that the UNN has, for some time now been a shadow of itself in the areas of academics, innovations and the worst of all infrastructural development.

“The university of Nigeria that used to stand tall in the comity of first-generation universities in Nigeria have suddenly lost its status in the recent university rankings both in Nigeria and the world university rankings.

“The infrastructural decay in its Nsukka campus further leaves much to be desired, ” the forum said.

It however, expressed the hope that the erudite professor of Law had the experience and capacity to rewrite the history of the university.

“We are very hopeful that Professor Ortuanya’s tenure would usher in a new era of transformation, scholarship, and innovation at the Nigeria’s first indigenous University, ” NJF said.

The Journalists, while congratulating the new VC on his appointment, urged him to get down to work immediately as there are enormous responsibilities on his shoulders.

“There is the need to reclaim the lost glory of UNN and restore the dignity of Man, ” they said.