Students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) have commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uchenna Ortuanya, for what they describe as bold and transformative steps aimed at repositioning the institution to meet global standards.
The commendation follows a series of reforms introduced by the VC shortly after assuming office, including the declaration of a state of emergency across critical sectors of the university. The move, according to the university administration, was driven by a commitment to fast-track infrastructural development and complete long-abandoned projects within the shortest possible time.
A student of the Department of Crop Science, Ogechukwu Nwankwo, praised the administration’s visible impact within a short period. She highlighted ongoing reconstruction of internal road networks, noting that previously dilapidated areas have been significantly improved.
“On road construction, you can see that those places that used to have potholes have been taken care of, and work is continuing in other areas,” she said.
Nwankwo also pointed to the rebranding of faculties and departments, as well as the introduction of innovations aimed at enhancing teaching, learning and research.
Similarly, a 300-level Mass Communication student, Comrade Johnson Onugwu, commended the VC’s leadership, citing strategic redeployments and structural reforms across key units of the university.
According to him, the administration has strengthened the works department, improved hostel conditions, and enhanced accessibility across campuses. He also noted significant improvements in campus security.
“For the first time in about 10 years, residents of the university community travelled during the Christmas and New Year celebrations and returned without any reported cases of burglary,” he said, attributing the development to the appointment of a seasoned security head.
Onugwu added that despite the scale of reforms, the VC has maintained a low public profile, focusing instead on delivering results.
A non-academic staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, further highlighted the administration’s financial management, particularly in settling utility bills without transferring additional costs to students.
“UNN pays between ₦150 million and ₦200 million monthly as electricity bills, yet the hostel fees generated annually cannot cover a single month’s bill. This underscores the administration’s prudence and commitment,” she said.
The staff member also revealed that the university has witnessed increased international engagement, with recent visits from foreign representatives aimed at fostering academic collaboration and exchange programmes.
According to her, partnerships under discussion include student exchange initiatives that would enable UNN students to study abroad while hosting international students in Nsukka, thereby boosting the institution’s global outlook.
Observers say the ongoing reforms signal a renewed push to reposition UNN as a competitive institution on the global academic stage.
