The Governing Council of the University of Nigeria has announced the appointment of Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, SJD, FCIArb, FCIA, as the new Vice Chancellor of the prestigious institution. A renowned legal scholar and seasoned administrator, Prof. Ortuanya brings to the role a distinguished track record in academia, public service, and legal practice.
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Until his appointment, Prof. Ortuanya was the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), where he significantly transformed the faculty’s academic and infrastructural landscape. Under his leadership, the Faculty of Law at ESUT produced graduates who now compete favorably on the global stage, earning the faculty national and international recognition.
His extensive experience includes serving as the immediate past Secretary to the Enugu State Government (SSG), pioneer Director-General of the South East Governors’ Forum, and former Commissioner for Education in Enugu State. His tenure in public service was marked by the formulation and implementation of impactful educational policies that enhanced the state’s academic sector.
Prof. Ortuanya’s legal career spans decades of excellence. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, he earned his LL.B (Hons) from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus in 1987, and a Master of Laws (LL.M) from the University of Lagos in 1991. In 2003, he obtained a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where he also served as a Visiting Scholar from 2003 to 2005.
His academic roles have included Director of Law Clinic and Associate Dean at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (2007–2011), and later Head of Department of Private Law, as well as Director of the ESUT Legal Clinic.
Prof. Ortuanya is also the Founding/Principal Partner of Prof S.U. Ortuanya & Co (Word Chambers)—a forward-thinking law firm known for delivering cutting-edge legal services across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
An accomplished author, he has published numerous books and scholarly articles, with key titles including 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: Law, Practice and International Perspectives.
His areas of legal specialization include Law of Evidence, Criminal Law, Human Rights Law, Legal Drafting, Public Health Law, and Corporate Law. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Administration, and holds memberships in esteemed international bodies such as the American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics, the American Health Lawyers Association, and the International Bar Association (IBA).
The appointment of Professor Ortuanya as Vice Chancellor is seen as a significant boost to the University of Nigeria’s vision of academic excellence, innovation, and global competitiveness.