UNN VC Unveils Sustainability Agenda at QS Africa Forum in Ethiopia
By Chijioke Attah
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Simon Ortuanya, has presented the institution’s vision for sustainable higher education at the QS Africa Forum 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where university leaders from across Africa, Europe and Asia deliberated on the future of higher education on the continent.
Prof. Ortuanya was among over 40 heads of higher education institutions who participated in the two-day forum held from July 9 to 10, 2026.
Organised by QS Quacquarelli Symonds in partnership with the United Arab Emirates University, the forum was themed, “Skills, Systems and Sustainable Futures,” and focused on how African universities can effectively respond to increasing enrolment demands while maintaining quality, relevance and long-term societal impact.
The UNN Vice-Chancellor was one of the noble panelists who participated in a high-level session at the event, titled, “Sustainable Higher Education: Aligning Growth with Climate and Social Impact.”
The session examined strategies for responsible institutional expansion through the integration of environmental sustainability and social inclusion into university development frameworks.
Speaking during the panel discussion, Prof. Ortuanya underscored the imperative for universities to mainstream sustainability across all facets of their operations. He advocated the integration of sustainable practices into campus administration, infrastructure development, teaching, research and community engagement, stressing that higher education institutions must lead by example in addressing global environmental challenges.
He identified practical pathways towards sustainable university development, including embedding sustainability principles in academic curricula, promoting research that delivers innovative climate solutions and strengthening strategic partnerships that address both local and global development priorities.
According to him, universities have a critical responsibility to produce graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and values needed to confront emerging global challenges and contribute meaningfully to national development and sustainable economic growth.
Beyond the panel session, Prof. Ortuanya also utilised the forum to advance UNN’s internationalisation agenda. On the sidelines of the event, he held strategic engagements with leaders of participating universities on opportunities for academic collaboration, joint research initiatives, staff and student exchange programmes, innovation and capacity building.
The discussions, according to the university management, align with the University of Nigeria’s strategic vision of expanding its global footprint through partnerships that enhance teaching, research, innovation and community service.
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
