Simon Ortuanya: Profile of UNN’s first indigene Vice Chancellor

Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, SJD, FCIArb, FCIA, is a distinguished legal scholar, seasoned administrator, and the newly appointed 16th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

His emergence marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first indigene from the Nsukka Cultural Zone to occupy the prestigious position in the university’s over 60-year history.

Background

Born and raised in Enugu State, Prof. Ortuanya is a Professor of Law whose academic journey began at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, where he earned his LLB (Hons) degree in 1987.

He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 and went on to obtain his Master of Laws (LL.M) degree from the University of Lagos in 1991.

In pursuit of deeper legal scholarship, he earned a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2003, where he also served as a Visiting Scholar between 2003 and 2005.

Career journey

Prof. Ortuanya’s career reflects a perfect blend of academia, public service, and legal practice.

He has served in several academic capacities including as Head of the Department of Private Law, Director of Legal Clinics, and Associate Dean at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.

At the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), he served as Dean of the Faculty of Law and Director of the ESUT Law Clinic, where he significantly improved the learning environment and academic output of the faculty.

Beyond academics, Prof. Ortuanya is deeply involved in governance and policy.

He previously served as Commissioner for Education in Enugu State, where he contributed greatly to education reforms.

He also held the position of Secretary to the Enugu State Government and was the Director-General of the South-East Governors’ Forum.

He is the founder and Principal Partner of Prof. S.U. Ortuanya & Co. (Word Chambers), a modern law firm offering legal services across several sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Publications

Prof. Ortuanya is a prolific author with several widely respected publications in both local and international journals.

His books include Law of Evidence in Nigeria: Practice and Procedure, HIV/AIDS Law and Policy in Nigeria, Public Health Law and Policy in Nigeria, and Human Rights Law in Nigeria.

His expertise covers diverse areas such as Criminal Law, Law of Evidence, Human Rights, Public Health Law, Corporate Law, and Legal Drafting.

Professional affiliations

He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Administration of Nigeria, and a member of reputable international legal bodies, including the American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics, American Health Lawyers Association, and the International Bar Association (IBA).

Appointment

Prof. Ortuanya’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor of UNN followed a merit-based and transparent selection process conducted by the university’s Governing Council, chaired by Engr. Kayode Ojo.

His broad academic and leadership experience is expected to usher in a new era of excellence and transformation for Nigeria’s foremost indigenous university.