Barely hours after his historic inauguration as the 16th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Simon Ortuanya has proven that his tenure will not be one of ceremonial words, but of strategic action. In a decisive move that underscores his commitment to rebuilding trust, restoring the University’s glory, and inspiring confidence, Prof. Ortuanya embarked on a series of high-level familiarization visits in the company of Hon. Chinedu Onu and some members of the school management team, to key national institutions pivotal to actualizing his ambitious transformative agenda.
His first stop was at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), where he met with Arc. Sonny S.T Echono, the Executive Secretary. The meeting was more than a courtesy call, it was the opening handshake of what promises to be a robust partnership to upgrade UNN’s academic, research, and infrastructural capabilities. TETFund’s mandate to support tertiary institutions aligns seamlessly with the Vice Chancellor’s vision to digitize UNN’s classrooms, modernize laboratories, and elevate the University’s research capacity to global standards.
From TETFund, Prof. Ortuanya proceeded to the National Assembly, engaging Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata, Chairman of the House Committee on University Education. This visit, strategically timed at the dawn of his administration, reflects his deep understanding that policy influence and legislative backing are critical to sustaining reforms in Nigeria’s higher education sector. Discussions centered on legislative advocacy, funding support, and strengthening national policies to enable universities like UNN to thrive in the competitive global academic landscape.
The Vice Chancellor also visited the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, signaling his intent to ensure financial transparency, optimize revenue channels, and establish a culture of prudent, accountable resource management one of the cornerstone pillars of his manifesto. This early engagement with the nation’s chief treasury office sends a strong message that under his watch, UNN will embrace efficiency, fiscal discipline, and transparency in financial operations.
These rapid-fire engagements are not isolated gestures; they are deliberate moves from a leader who understands that visionary ideas require powerful alliances. Each visit connects directly to Prof. Otuanya’s blueprint whether in sourcing infrastructural funding, shaping enabling policies, or ensuring financial discipline.
His actions in these first hours as Vice Chancellor confirm what many have already begun to sense: the Lion has not just awakened, it is on the move. Prof. Ortuanya is laying the relational and institutional groundwork needed to transform UNN into a globally competitive, research-intensive, and entrepreneurial hub that drives national and regional development.
With every handshake, every discussion, and every door he steps into, Prof. Ortuanya is telling the UNN community and the nation at large that this administration will be intentional, proactive, and unrelenting in pursuit of excellence. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is entering a new era one in which strategic partnerships and bold reforms will redefine its place in the global academic arena.
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Strategic Communication Team
