Some residents of Nsukka in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State said they are happy and excited and on the appointment of Prof Simon Ortuanya as the 16th substantive Vice-chancellor of University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).
The UNNl Governing Council led by the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Kayode Ojo had on Sunday announced the appointment of Prof Ortuanya as the new substantive VC of the university.
Ortuanya defeated 27 other professors who contested
for the UNN Vice-chancellor’s position.
The new VC would take over from Prof Oguejiofo Ujam the Acting Vice-chancellor of UNN whose six months would expired on August 10.
Residents in a separate interviews with our correspondent on Monday in Nsukka expressed joy that the jinx of 65 years had been broken.
High Chief William Agbo, the Chief Executive Officer, Wilson Group of Companies said he is overwhelmined with joy that the jinx of 65 years had been broken.
“Since 1960 UNN was established this is the first time an Nsukka indigen has been appointed the VC of the institution.
“August 3, 2025 is historic day and will remain memorable to all Nsukka people both at home and diaspora, this is a day the jinx of 65 years is broken,”he said.
Agbo expressed appreciation to Gov Peter Mbah for the vital role he played to ensure that Nsukka person was appointed VC of UNN.
“Nsukka people will forever remain grateful to the governor for his support to actualise the dream of UNN VC.
“With this Mbah should not disturb himself coming to Nsukka zone made up six local government areas to campaign for second tenure in 2027 general elections Agbo said.
Commenting on the appointment of Prof Ortuanya, the Prof, Paulinus Ugwoke, the President, Association of Nsukka Professors said that he is the most happy person as what Nsukka people had been looking for decades happened when he’s the president of Nsukka Professors.
“I lacked words to express my happiness on the appointment of first Nsukka indigen as the VC of UNN.
“I thank all members of the association and all Nsukka people for their various contributions that made this historic feat possible, he said.
Ugwuoke commended Gov, Mbah for serious support that made possible a person of Nsukka extraction to be appointed VC of UNN for the first time.
“Gov Mbah has once again demonstrated the love he has for Nsukka people,”he said.
The president of Nsukka Professors urged the newly appointed VC to carry everybody along as well as correct everything that had been properly done in the institution.
Speaking, Dr Oyibo Eze, the Chairman of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in UNN described Ortuanya’s appointment as new VC of UNN as the will of God, because every leadership comes from God.
“As a person I believe that it’s God that makes king, what God didn’t approve will not happen.
“ASUU-UNN will give the newly appointed VC the support and cooperation to enable him to actualise his good dreams for the university,” Oyibo said