By HILARY AKALUGWU

Some Nsukka residents have expressed gratitude to the Federal Government over the appointment of Prof. Simon Ortuanya as the 16th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN)

The UNN Governing Council led by the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr Kayode Ojo, on Sunday announced Prof. Ortuanya as the substantive VC of the university.

Ortuanya defeated 27 other professors who contested for the UNN Vice-chancellor’s position.

The new VC takes over from Prof. Oguejiofo Ujam, the Acting Vice-chancellor of the institution, whose tenure expires on Aug. 10.

The residents, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, expressed joy that the 65-year-old jinx of not appointing an indigene as a VC of UNN had been broken.

High Chief William Agbo, the Chief Executive Officer, Wilson Group of Companies, said he was overwhelmed with joy that the jinx had been broken.

“Since 1960 that UNN was established, this is the first time an Nsukka indigene was appointed as the VC of the institution.

“Aug. 3, 2025 is a historic day and will remain memorable to all Nsukka people, both at home and in the Diaspora. This is the day the jinx of 65 y’ars was broken,” he said.

Agbo expressed appreciation to Gov. Peter Mbah for the vital role he played to ensure that an Nsukka person was appointed the VC of UNN.

“Nsukka people will forever remain grateful to the governor for his support in actualising this dream.

“With this, Mbah should not disturb himself coming to Nsukka zone, made up of six local government areas, to campaign for a second tenure in the 2027 general elections,” Agbo said.

Commenting on Ortuanya’s appointment, Prof. Paulinus Ugwuoke, the President, Association of Nsukka Professors, expressed happiness that what Nsukka people had been looking for since decades, happened when he’s the president.

“I lack words to express my happiness on the appointment of the first Nsukka indigene as the VC of UNN.

“I thank all members of the association and Nsukka people for their various contributions that made this historic feat possible,” he said.

Ugwuoke also commended the state governor for making the appointment possible adding that he has once again demonstrated his love for the Nsukka people.

He urged the newly appointed VC to carry everybody along as well as correct every abnormality in the institution.

Speaking, Dr Oyibo Eze, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in UNN, described Ortuanya’s appointment as an act of God.

“I believe that kingship and leadership comes from God, and that what God did not approve will not happen.

“ASUU-UNN will give the new VC the support and cooperation that will enable him to actualise his good dreams for the university,” Eze said. (NAN)