Indigeneous VC: Nsukka Journalists Laud Emergence of Prof. Ortuanya As UNN Boss
Nsukka Journalists Forum has joined the numerous progressive groups across the country to celebrate the emergence of Prof. Simon Ortuanya as the 16th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
In a press release signed by the Forum’s chairman, Benson- Whyte Ezugwu, the NJF expressed appreciation for the special way the state governor,Dr Peter Mbah gave his support ” in ensuring that Ortuanya becomes the first indigene of Nsukka cultural zone to be appointed to the exalted position”.
“We also acknowledge the behind-the-scene contributions of our distinguished sons and daughters in achieving this noble cause.
“For us, the journey to this victory was a collective one hence the great jubilations across the length and breath 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 group said.
While noting that the first Nigeria’s indigenous university had suffered a great deal of retrogression over the years, NJF expressed hope that “Prof. Ortuanya’s tenure would usher in a new era of transformation, scholarship, and innovation at the Nigeria’s first indigenous University, UNN.
“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 has 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 pointed out.
The group further noted that a lot of tasks could stand on the way of the new management in achieving the expectations, but urged the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ortuanya to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the lofty assignment, in order to ” reclaim the lost glory of UNN and restore the dignity of Man”.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
