NANS Passes Vote of Confidence on UNN VC, Backs Reforms
By Chijioke Attah
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has passed a vote of confidence on the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, endorsing his leadership and ongoing reforms in the institution.
The endorsement came during a solidarity visit by the leadership of NANS Zone F (South-East) to the university management, where the students’ body described Ortuanya as a leader of proven integrity and verifiable administrative competence.
The latest show of support is coming barely one month after the national leadership of NANS honoured the Vice-Chancellor with an award in recognition of his student-friendly disposition.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Zonal Coordinator of NANS, Comrade Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi, said the association had closely monitored developments in the university and was satisfied with the Vice-Chancellor’s performance.
“We have been following events in the university and can confidently affirm that the Vice-Chancellor has demonstrated strong leadership in tackling the institution’s challenges,” Obi said.
On the viral social media report alleging the eviction of a visually impaired student from a university hostel, the NANS coordinator dismissed the claim as false, noting that the association conducted an independent investigation which debunked the allegation.
However, the students’ leaders sought clarification on the university’s plans to rehabilitate ageing hostels that no longer meet modern accommodation standards. They also appealed to the management to reconsider the ban on students’ nightlife on campus.
In his response, Prof. Ortuanya commended the NANS delegation for seeking firsthand information rather than relying on unverified reports on social media.
He acknowledged the poor state of some hostel facilities inherited by his administration but assured that efforts were underway to address the situation.
According to him, contracts have been awarded for the renovation of four hostels — Eni-Njoku, Eyo-Ita, Balewa and Nkrumah — adding that while external reconstruction would commence soon, interior works would begin after students vacate the hostels.
The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that four additional hostels were under construction at the College of Medicine to serve students in the Faculties of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Sciences and Nursing Sciences.
He added that plans were also ongoing for the renovation of Zik’s Flats and the development of new hostels through Public-Private Partnership, PPP, arrangements.
Highlighting key policy initiatives of his administration, Ortuanya said a disability policy had been introduced to protect staff and students living with disabilities.
“As a former Speaker of the Students’ Parliament, I understand the language of students, and we are committed to protecting their interests,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor called for continued collaboration between NANS and the university management in driving ongoing reforms, urging patience as efforts are being made to consolidate gains and reposition the institution within the next one year.
He also assured that while the university would continue to improve accommodation, students must take responsibility for maintaining facilities through proper and hygienic use.
On the issue of nightlife, Ortuanya said the management would review the security situation on campus with a view to possibly lifting the ban, given the existing cordial relationship between the authorities and the Students’ Union Government.
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 at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
