NANS Hail Prof. Simon Ortuanya’s Bold Reforms, Say UNN needs collective effort to rise again....pass vote of confidence on the vice chancellor for his aggressive infrastructural drive

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone F Chapter (Southeast), alongside the Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Enugu State, has commended the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Simon Ortuanya, for what they described as a bold, visionary, and transformative leadership that is rapidly repositioning the institution for greatness.

The commendation followed a productive and engaging interactive session recently held between the student leadership and the management of the university. The meeting, which marked the first official engagement between the student body and the Vice Chancellor since he assumed office seven months ago, served as both a familiarisation visit and an avenue for Prof. Ortuanya to unveil his administrative vision, developmental blueprint, and commitment to student welfare.

Led by the Zone F Coordinator, Comrade Ikechukwu Emmanuel, the student delegation was warmly received by the Vice Chancellor and members of his management team in an atmosphere described as frank, constructive, and progressive.

During the interaction, the NANS and JCC leadership expressed satisfaction over the remarkable pace of development currently ongoing across the university, noting that the institution is witnessing one of the most aggressive infrastructural and administrative transformations in recent history.

According to the student leaders, one of the most visible achievements of the current administration is the rapid rehabilitation and reconstruction of internal roads across the university campuses.

They noted that within only seven months in office, Prof. Ortuanya has overseen the rehabilitation of more roads than were reportedly completed in the previous five years combined, a development they described as a clear demonstration of purposeful leadership and commitment to restoring the institution’s physical outlook.

The delegation further praised the Vice Chancellor for placing student welfare at the center of his administration, especially through the ongoing hostel renovation initiatives.

They revealed that shortly after assuming office, Prof. Ortuanya personally embarked on inspections of student hostels and sanitary facilities to assess the deplorable conditions students had endured over the years.

Despite prevailing financial and infrastructural challenges, the administration has already awarded contracts for the comprehensive rehabilitation of ten hostels spread across the Nsukka, Enugu, and Ituku-Ozalla campuses. Renovation work is expected to commence immediately after the ongoing examinations.

In addition, two new hostels are currently under construction at the Ituku-Ozalla campus, while toilet facilities across several hostels are undergoing renovation. A private sanitation firm has also been engaged to ensure improved environmental hygiene and proper maintenance culture within the hostels.

The student leadership also disclosed that the university is set to commence a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement for the construction of two 150-room hostels in Nsukka, alongside a 60-room TETFUND hostel project.

They described these interventions as unprecedented and capable of significantly improving the living conditions of students across the university.

Another milestone highlighted during the meeting was the full digitisation of the historic Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe Library.

According to the student leaders, the initiative marks a new era of digital learning, research accessibility, and resource preservation befitting of a first-generation institution like UNN.

They noted that the move aligns the university with global best practices in higher education and strengthens academic excellence within the institution.

The NANS and JCC delegation also applauded the commencement of several iconic infrastructural projects under the Ortuanya administration.

Top among them is the construction of a befitting 12-storey Senate Building — the first of its kind in the university’s 66-year history.

Similarly, they commended the construction of a modern main entrance gate designed to replace the old and outdated structure which had, for years, failed to reflect the status and prestige of the institution.

Beyond the major projects, the student leadership highlighted other ongoing restoration initiatives, including the rehabilitation of the university gas station, improved refuse evacuation systems, enhanced environmental sanitation, and deliberate efforts toward restoring the institution’s original master plan.

The delegation stated that these developments collectively point to a determined effort by the administration to rebuild the university from years of infrastructural decay and institutional neglect.

Speaking during the engagement, Prof. Ortuanya reportedly assured the student leaders that his administration would not tolerate any form of harassment, intimidation, victimisation, or discrimination against students.

The Vice Chancellor was said to have backed his assurances with clear policy directions and practical examples, further strengthening the confidence of the student body in his administration.

Following the engagement, the leadership of NANS Zone F and JCC Enugu called on all students of the University of Nigeria, members of staff, host communities, Enugu citizens, and Nigerians at large to support the Vice Chancellor in his mission to restore the institution to its former glory.

The student body acknowledged that Prof. Ortuanya inherited a university battling deep infrastructural, academic, and institutional challenges, stressing that genuine transformation would naturally require bold reforms capable of disrupting old systems and resisting entrenched interests.

They, however, expressed optimism that with sustained support and collective understanding, UNN is on course to reclaim its position as the pride of Nigeria and one of Africa’s foremost citadels of learning.

The student leadership further pledged its continued collaboration with the administration on all student-friendly initiatives while maintaining its commitment to resisting any anti-student policy should the need arise.

“At this moment, Prof. Simon Ortuanya enjoys our total and unwavering support,” the student leaders affirmed.

God bless the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

God bless Nigeria.