Encomiums as Nigerians hail First Indigenous Vice Chancellor from Nsukka Zone

By Vincent Odoh

It is no longer news that Media encomium s trailed the recent Appointment of Professor Uchechukwu Otuanya as the First Indigenous Vice Chancellor ever appointed from Nsukka Cultural Zone.

It is not also in dispute that his appointment was eventually approved after passing through miriad of tests and petitions over his choice of candidate before the Chairman of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Governing Council and the Election Selection Committee members led by Professor Kayode Ojo. The leader of the council had in a press statement stated that Professor Otuanya’s Appointment was approved by the University Authority having emerged as the best candidate out of the 26 professors that were screened.

However, the news is that he has broken the jinx of many years agitation of non inclusion of Nsukka Professors for the VC’s position for the past 65 years
“This milestone marks the actualization of decades of persistent attempts and struggles by Nsukka people (the community hosting the great citadel), to have one of their own at the helms as is sometimes the case in many Universities across Nigeria”, (Ben Ezugwu, the Chairman of Nsukka Journalist Forum (NJF) said in his Press statement.

On his own, The Udenu Local Government Chairman, Hon Aka-Eze-Aka said “It is an honour well deserved and overdue” for our own becoming the First indigenous Vice Chancellor of the great citadel of learning, the University of Nigeria Nsukka pointing out that Professor Otuanya’s Appointment is a divine milestone, to have such a trusted and tested hand which could not have been easy for the home community if not for God.

Profesor Otuanya’s wealth of experience span through years of salient records, both in academia and in administrative capacity. Ortuanya is a law professor and former SSG to Enugu State Government.

Unfortunately, after
his inauguration, petitions were allegedly sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu requesting him to upturn his appointment on the ground that the host community were celebrating “influence” probably because of the euphoria of expressions that preceeded the pronouncement.

However, eminent Nigerians particularly people from the host community stood their ground emphasizing that the decision of the University Authority and the selection team must be upheld adding that his success was worth celebrating.

Representing this point was the President of Nsukka Journalists Forum (NJF), Mr Ben Ezugwu. Speaking on the role played by the Enugu State Governor, (Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and his team in ensuring that Professor Uchenna Otuanya became the first indigenous Professor to be appointed to the exalted position, noted that the contributions of those behind the scenes like Senator Oke Ezea, Hon. Eugene Odo and all the distinguished sons and daughters from the host community, was a collective efforts that led to this victory.

The Chairman of the Forum went on, “this milestone marks the actualization of decades of persistence attempts and struggles by our people to have one of our own at the helms of affairs in the University, just like many other Universities across Nigeria” he said.

On his own, Rev. Fr. Cornelius Obey, described Professor Otuanya as not just a Geographical son but that “he is a tested administrator, a cerebral scholar, a policy strategist of international repute and from all indications, the first among equals'” He urged Professor Otuanya to remember what must be done to recall what has been lost during 1970’s, 1980’s, and 1990’s adding that the University of Nigeria Nsukka was not just a symbol but a crucible of ideas, a sanctuary of excellence and a (light house) guiding the soul of a nation.

Also, the Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area, Hon Aka-eze-aka, who extended his heartfelt Congratulations to Professor Simon Otuanya, described the appointment as “long overdue and widely celebrated”.

In a statement issued from the Udenu Council Secretariat, the Chairman reportedly expressed optimism that Professor Otuanya’s term would usher in a new era of transformation, scholarship and innovation at Nigeria’s first indigenous university popularly known as the “Den of Lions and Lionesses” We have no doubt, he further stated, that Professor Otuanya will draw inspiration from the transformative leadership model of our dear Governor, His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah whose disruptive governance paradigm has become a reference point across Nigeria. It is expected that the new VC will replicate such ingenuity to reposition UNN as a global accedemic powerhouse where, as the motto says, the dignity of man is restored.”

He further appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), whom he referred to as the visitor to the University, for endorsing the appointment of Professor Otuanya, the leasts are endless.

Engr. Adewale Ojo, the Chairman of the Selection Committee and the University Governing Council, on his own noted that his appoimtment will see to the “development of the University and take Nigerians away from the rot that they have been over the years.”

We shall, therefore, join Nigerians in thanking and appreciating the UNN for “the time spent, their commitment, thoroughness, and for the rigors they had to go through as well as the pains they bore before the emergence of Professor Otuanya.” the reported noted.

Congratulations to Professor Ortuanya, Nigerians wish you a happy and enduring leadership, as you resume to pilot the affairs of the University of Nigeria Nsukka as our First Indigenous Vice Chancellor. Add multus Anus!