Not so long ago, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Prof. Simon Otuanya turned himself into a political tool, usurping the powers of the University Registrar to scandalise the former minister of science and technology Chief Uche Nnaji, orchestrated the Minister's voluntary resignation from office and paved way for the incumbent governor to join APC. A calculated move to ensure the return of the governor for a second term.
Today Prof Otuanya has made a bold statement condemning the former governor Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the late senator Okey Ezea, House of Representative members from Enugu North extraction, the Nwodos, and other political leaders from Enugu North, he claimed that they do not know their job and are all failures in their respective positions. He then declared himself the political leader of Enugu North and tactically sent an invite to all political stakeholders in Enugu North to his village for further deliberation.
According to Oxford Dictionary, A Vice-Chancellor shall be responsible for the proper administration of the affairs of the University and for a close co-ordination and integration of teaching, research and extension education.
Prof Otuanya, a prayer answered as the first indigene from Enugu North to hold that position abandoned his duties and turned himself into a political jobber. No wonder UNN has been plunged into a sorry state due to the dilapidated state of its infrastructures like the school hostels and classrooms. The conditions has become so unbearable that students now bath in open spaces and indulge in open defecation around the campus.
What appeared to be a complete relief for the Enugu North as their son assumed office as the Vice Chancellor of UNN has now turned to be another calamity in waiting. Prof. Simon Ortuanya, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria (UNN), has been central to recent controversial fee increases.
The university management, under Prof. Ortuanya, initially proposed a 100% increase in sundry charges for the 2025/2026 session which was later reviewed to 60% after negotiations. In late 2025, students at the Enugu Campus (UNEC) also protested an additional N30,000 development levy imposed by the Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology.
When will we get it right in Enugu North? If care is not taken, the so called Vice Chancellor could abandon his duty and run for a political position.
