The Nation Newspaper

Tag: UNN

  • INEC: early 2027campaign violates electoral law

    INEC: early 2027campaign violates electoral law

    University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) will enjoy the service of its son for the first time since its inception with the appointment of Professor Simon Ortuanya as the 16th Vice Chancellor.

    This marks a historic milestone, as Ortuanya’s emerged the first indigenous Vice Chancellor from UNN’s host, Enugu North Senatorial District, also known as Nsukka Zone, since it was founded in 1960.

    In his acceptance speech after his appointment was announced at the meeting of the Governing Council of University at the Enugu campus of the University, UNEC, on Sunday, Prof. Ortuanya paid special tributes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Peter Mbah, and the UNN community for making the milestone possible.

    He thanked Mbah for his exceptional drive and tenacity in helping to actualise what many see as a perennially elusive aspiration of the Nsukka people to produce a Vice Chancellor of the UNN.

    “In a special way, I appreciate our President, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the transformation he has brought to bear on education in Nigeria. We are indeed proud of him, and very proud of his administration,” he said.

    “Let me appreciate our Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his determination and commitment, for his doggedness and single-mindedness in making sure that today becomes a reality,” the new Vice Chancellor said.

    Read Also: UNN denies rumours of vice-chancellor appointment, says selection still ongoing

    Prof. Ortuanya also acknowledged the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oguejiofor Ujam; the Chancellor and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr. Kayode Olubunmi Ojo; members of the Selection Board, professors and the entire university community for being part of the historic moment.

    The new Vice Chancellor called on all stakeholders, both academic and non-academic, to join hands with him in the five-year journey to restore the university’s founding vision “to restore the dignity of man.”

    “I am extending my hands of friendship and fellowship and brotherhood to each and every one; after all, we are one family,” he added.

    Announcing the new Vice Chancellor earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr. Ojo, noted that the process began under the previous Governing Council with 26 candidates shortlisted.

    “The process was rigorously and fairly done, with proper questions asked on matters concerning the growth of the university.”

    “The Council wanted a professor, who is sound in education, with an extensive network outside the university that can attract a lot of patronage. Prof. Ortuanya was found more than qualified to lead this great University, turn it around, and uplift it from decay in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, especially the first-generation universities,” Oji said.

  • UNN denies rumoured vice-chancellor’s appointment

    UNN denies rumoured vice-chancellor’s appointment

    The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has debunked reports circulating on social media claiming that a new substantive Vice-Chancellor has been appointed for the institution.

    Reports have been rife on the social media that a former secretary to the Enugu State government, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, had been appointed as the substantive vice-chancellor of UNN.

    But, in an official statement  by the acting public relations officer, Inya Agha Egwu weekend, the university described the reports as “misleading” and the handiwork of “mischief-makers and purveyors of falsehood.”

    According to the statement, the selection process for the substantive Vice-Chancellor is still ongoing, and no candidate has been confirmed or announced by the governing council.

    “The general public is advised to disregard these unfounded reports,” the statement read. 

    “The selection committee, chaired by the pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council, Engr. Kayode Ojo, is diligently carrying out its mandate and will announce the most qualified candidate upon conclusion of the process.”

    UNN reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and merit-based selection, urging stakeholders to remain calm and allow the process to run its full course without undue interference.

  • New vice-chancellors for UNIABUJA, UNN in overhaul of federal varsities

    New vice-chancellors for UNIABUJA, UNN in overhaul of federal varsities

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced sweeping leadership changes at several federal universities in a move aimed at strengthening governance and academic excellence in  the nation’s tertiary education system.

    A statement  yesterday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the changes, which are effective immediately, affect key positions at the University of Abuja—now renamed Yakubu Gowon University—the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and other institutions.

    At Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.

    In her place, Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term.

    She will not be eligible to apply for the substantive position when it becomes available.

     Senator Lanre Tejuoso, previously Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University.

      The Acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Polycarp Emeka has been removed before the expiration of his  tenure  on February 14.

    Read Also: Relocating to Nigeria one of my best decisions – TolaniBaj

    He has been replaced by Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam, who will serve in an acting capacity for six months and will not be eligible to apply for the substantive role.

     Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, former Pro-Chancellor of UNN has been  reassigned to the University of Uyo.

    Mr Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, who previously served as Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, now takes over  at UNN.

    His former position at Lokoja has been filled by Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, who was previously Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo.

    Other appointments include Senator Joy Emordi as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, will take over from  Senator  Tejuoso.

    Senator Sani Stores, formerly a council member at UNN, has been named Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, taking over from Senator Emordi.

     Olugbenga Kukoyi,  a former UNN council member, is now the Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

    President Tinubu emphasized that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education system by fostering dynamic leadership and accountability.

    The restructuring aims to improve governance, enhance institutional management, and promote academic excellence across the country’s universities.

  • Varsity researchers move to curb accidents in construction sites, workshops

    Varsity researchers move to curb accidents in construction sites, workshops

    Concerned about the growing cases of accidents in engineering construction sites and workshops, a group of researchers at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has launched a safety sensitization and training programme which aims to enhance a positive safety culture in staff and students. 

    The group, Engineering Education Research Group (EERG), recently, trained technical and academic staff and students at the Faculty of Engineering, UNN on safety protocols that could keep them away from harm in the event of accidents in their duty posts. 

    The training was  a part of the Engineering Program for Safety and Industry (EPSI), a project supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Lloyd’s Register Foundation under the “Engineering X Engineering Skills. 

    Addressing participants at the training, the immediate past Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Professor Emenike Ejiogu said that the training will complement what students learn in class, stressing that students need to imbibe the culture of safety from the undergraduate level. 

    He urged the technical and academic staff to implement the outcome of the training in their daily routine for the sake of their health and life. 

    “As an engineer, do not take your safety for granted because a minor accident could lead to fatalities”, Prof Ejiogu said. 

    Ejiogu highlighted that safety goes beyond physical safety to include environmental and social safeguards, urging participants to be conscious of the different dimensions in their daily duties.

    The principal investigator of EPSI project, Dr Patrick Udeme-obong Akpan said that technical staff were preferred to benefit from the first batch of the training because they have direct contact with machines in the laboratories. 

    Read Also: Turn ideas to products, Oshinaga challenges MBA workshop participants

    He said that the target of the project amongst other things, is to redesign two courses within the faculty to incorporate safety lessons.

    Akpan said that the training also considered cultural issues that make engineers averse to adopting safety measures even when they know it is the wrong thing to do.

    “Knowledge alone is not good enough because a lot of people actually know what to do but the problem is that safety has not been enshrined in their ways of doing things; for us, imbibing the culture of safety is the main thing”, Akpan said.

    Akpan attributed most accidents in engineering sites to unsafe practices; and unsafe conditions caused by poor design and maintenance of systems, products and services. 

  • UNN first-year student found dead on campus drainage

    UNN first-year student found dead on campus drainage

    The management of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has confirmed the tragic death of a first-year student of the institution whose lifeless body was found in a drainage on Friday, July 5.

    The deceased, who was identified as Favour Okenyi, from the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, was found dead in a drainage near Akanu Ibiam Stadium, UNN.

    The university’s Acting Public Relations Officer, Chief Okwun Omeaku, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Nsukka on Sunday.

    Omeaku said that the university community was shocked by the unfortunate death of the first year student.

    Read Also: UNN to host conference Nigeria’s challenges

    “UNN appeals for useful information that will aid  investigations and fish out perpetrator/s of the evil act,“ he said.

    The statement condoled the deceased family and said that the university authority was collaborating with security agencies and the family of the deceased to uncover the circumstances surrounding her death to prevent any recurrence.

    “The University  Community was shocked on Friday, July 5, by the distressing discovery of a lifeless body found in a drainage near Akanu Ibiam Stadium, UNN.

    “The University administration is deeply saddened by the loss of our student and extends heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased for the tragic death of such a promising young student.

    “The management is collaborating with security agencies and the family of the deceased to uncover the circumstances surrounding her death and in order prevent any potential recurrence of such incidents in the future,” the statement added.

    (NAN)

  • Our degrees will open doors of opportunities for you, UNN VC tells graduates

    Our degrees will open doors of opportunities for you, UNN VC tells graduates

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Charles Arinzechukwu Igwe, has assured the graduates of the institution for the 2021-2022 session that the degrees and diplomas presented to them would be the visas that would open doors and usher them into glorious future.

    He said: “I am hopeful that the degrees and diplomas you have earned today will serve as Visas to a bright future, a good career, and a better life.”

    Igwe said the degrees would not only open doors but would offer them good careers and better lives, adding that degrees of the UNN are awarded to only those deserving of such awards.

    The vice-chancellor gave encouraging words at the 52nd convocation of the University held at the Nsukka campus on Friday.

    Igwe said that though Nigeria is grappling with teething economic hardship, the degrees and diplomas they earned would see them through anywhere in the world because UNN is a university to be reckoned with in Nigeria and beyond.

    Read Also: 252 to bag First Class as UNN graduates 12,526 students

    “The degrees of the University of Nigeria are still recognised across the world and our alumni have continued to compete favourably even in today’s fast-moving world.

    “Globalisation has made the world even smaller and you can seek employment in other countries where more opportunities exist.

    “The training you have received in entrepreneurship has also equipped you to become innovators and job creators who would not wait to be employed by the government or other employers,” he declared.

    Speaking in like manner, the chancellor of the University, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, said that every Nigerian must put hands on deck to see Nigeria surmount the economic vicissitudes.

    Ogunwusi noted that UNN has been a good breeding ground for a dependable and quality workforce that can turn Nigeria around.

    “Our country is going through a very challenging phase and all hands must be on deck if we must overcome the challenges.

    “I am happy that the University of Nigeria has remained a good breeding ground for a good quality and dependable workforce which we need to develop our country and the world in general.

    “I am also confident that our latest graduates are equally quality-assured, well-motivated and would contribute to our drive to restore the dignity of man,” he said.

  • 252 to bag First Class as UNN graduates 12,526 students

    252 to bag First Class as UNN graduates 12,526 students

    A total of 252 graduating students of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State, will bag first-class honours degrees at the 52nd convocation ceremony of the institution billed to hold between Thursday 9th and Friday 10th, May 2024.

    The vice-chancellor of the university, Prof Charles Igwe, while addressing a press conference on the activities lined up for the event in Enugu on Tuesday, disclosed that a total of 12,526 students will be graduating from the university on that day.

    He added that out of the total, 4,834 graduates will receive 2nd class Honours upper division, 5,883 will be awarded 2nd Class Honours (Lower division), 747 will be conferred with 3rd Class Honours, 25 with Pass, and 746 unclassified.

    He noted that the unclassified degrees are awarded to graduates of some courses, such as medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine which are not usually classified into first, second, or third class.

    The VC also announced that a total of 1,438 postgraduate degrees and diplomas from the University of Nigeria will be awarded at the 52nd convocation ceremony.

    Read Also: Varsity offers automatic employment to first class graduands in Akwa Ibom

    Giving a further breakdown, Igwe said: “412 persons will earn the Doctorate, while 961 persons will be awarded the Master’s Degrees. A total of 75 postgraduate diplomas of the university will also be awarded at the convocation.

    “Four persons have been found deserving of the honorary doctorate degrees of the University. They are Professor El Anatsui who would receive the Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) and Brigadier General J. O. J. Okoloagau, rtd, who would receive the Doctor of Public Administration. The other awardees are Mr Igor Weli, who would receive the degree of Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa), and Sir. Emeka Chuka Wilson Orakwue Offor, who would receive the degree of Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa)”.

    He also disclosed that in keeping with the university’s tradition, two former Vice Chancellors of the University – Professor Bartho N. Okolo and Professor Benjamin C. Ozumba and elder statesman and pioneer Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Professor Anya O. Anya seven other deserving retired professors of the university will be elevated to the distinguished status of Professor Emeritus.

    The vice-chancellor, however, revealed that Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State will deliver the convocation lecture on Thursday, May 9th, with the theme: “Why Nigerian universities should lead the way to a new country.

    “The lecture will be chaired by another distinguished Nigerian, General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd). General Ike Nwachukwu is a distinguished Nigerian who has served the country in various capacities, namely as the military governor of old Imo State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

  • JUST IN: SSANU, NASU join nationwide strike, paralyse activities in UNN

    JUST IN: SSANU, NASU join nationwide strike, paralyse activities in UNN

    Administrative activities on Monday, March 18, were paralysed at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) following the seven-day warning strike embarked upon by the national leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational Associated Institutions (NASU).

    The unions said the aim of the warning strike called by their national Joint Action Committee (JAC) was to protest the federal government’s failure to pay members four months withheld salaries during their strike in 2022.

    Addressing members during an emergency congress on Monday in UNN, Dr. Linus Akata, Chairman of SSANU-UNN flanked by Comrade Ekene Amu, Chairman of NASU-UNN, said that the emergency congress aimed to tell their members about the seven-day nationwide warning strike declared by JAC.

    Akata said that the strike would be total and comprehensive in UNN, in total adherence and compliance with the directive of the national leadership.

    He said that all the administrative offices and essential service sections of the university were already under lock and key.

    Read Also: SSANU, NASU begin seven-day warning strike

    The union leader warned that the unions would deal decisively with any member found defaulting or sabotaging the warning strike.

    He said: “Members are directed to go home immediately after this congress and stay away from work until the 7-day warning strike ends, as any defaulting member will be decisively dealt with.

    “This warning strike is total and comprehensive as the administrative block of the UNN, offices, works department, University Medical Centre, University Primary School, and others have been shut down till the end of the strike.

    “There will be no water and electricity supply from the university hostels, also internet facilities from the university have been shut down for the period as we have directed our members working in these places to go home.”

    Akata said that the unions have no apology over the 7-day warning strike as their national leadership had done everything necessary to avert the strike by appealing to the government to do the needful.

    He said: “SSANU and NASU have written so many letters to the government, held several press conferences, and led delegations to government officials in a bid to resolve the issue but all to no avail.

    “So, at the end of this warning strike, if the government does not meet our demand we will also take directive from our national body on the next line of action.”

    Akata urged members to go home and relax in their houses till the end of the strike but should report any threat or query for not coming to work from management, head of department, or faculty to the union.

    Our correspondent who monitored development in the university, observed many students complaining about paralysing of activities in the university.

    They therefore appealed to the government to quickly resolve the issue to avoid anything that would again disrupt the academic calendar in public universities

  • We have no fake professors here, say UNN, Covenant University, UNILORIN

    We have no fake professors here, say UNN, Covenant University, UNILORIN

    The management of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State, those of Covenant University at Ota in Ogun State and the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) in Kwara State have debunked reports that the National Universities Commission (NUC) allegedly exposed fake professors in their institutions.

    In a statement by its acting Public Relations Officer (PRO) Okwun Omeaku, the UNN described the report, which was circulating on social media, as defamatory.

    “We firmly declare that no fake professors exist within the University of Nigeria’s faculty body.

    “The rigorous processes for academic staff promotion to professorship status at our university preclude any possibility of fraudulent representation.

    Read Also; In search of the dividends of the red biro

    “Only individuals who have demonstrated outstanding expertise in their respective fields and met all relevant regulations can attain the prestigious title of professors in the University of Nigeria,” the statement said.

    The UNN urged the public to disregard what it called the “insidious publication fabricated by malicious instigators”.

    Also, Covenant University denied having four fake professors among those purportedly discovered by the NUC.

    A statement yesterday in Ota by the university’s Head of Communication Unit, Ms. ChiChi Ononiwu, said the university did not have the names listed by the NUC on its payroll.

    Also, UNILORIN dismissed the claims that 11 fake professors were uncovered in the institution.

    A statement yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, by its spokesperson Kunle Akogun, reads: “We don’t have fake professors and they do not exist in our university.

    “The National Universities Commission had categorically dismissed the information as fallacious fabrication of mischief makers.

    “The commission has dissociated itself from the list that first surfaced in December 2019.

    “We deem it expedient to categorically disassociate our institution from the story of the 11 fake professors listed against our university.”

  • UNN made huge progress despite harsh economic challenges, says VC

    UNN made huge progress despite harsh economic challenges, says VC

    The Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Charles Igwe, has said despite harsh economic challenges and several disruptions, his administration has made enormous progress.

    Igwe, who spoke after conducting reporters around projects executed by his administration in the three campuses of the university in the last four years, said his administration inherited a staggering 104 abandoned projects upon taking office in 2019.

    The VC, however, said his administration had completed 73 of the inherited projects while the remaining 31 were nearing completion.

    He stated that the projects, encompassing various funding sources like TETFUND interventions, NEEDS assessments, capital allocations, and internally generated funds, posed a significant challenge.

    Read Also: We won’t be distracted by unnecessary criticisms, says Idris

     “Some of the completed projects include the renovation of staff quarters; the construction of the cultural centre of the Institute of African Studies; construction of faculties of Medicine and Dentistry, Blocks A, B and C at ItukuOzalla; construction and equipment of the Central Laboratory at Nsukka campus; completion of the Department of Archeology building at Nsukka Campus; rehabilitation of the Old Library building at Nsukka campus, among others.

     “We have also initiated a total of 257 projects so far under my administration, out of which 149 have been completed, while the remaining 108 projects are at various stages of completion.

    “Some of the projects that we started and completed under my administration include the re-roofing of the Faculty of Arts building, blocks A and B; completion of the Medical Centre at Nsukka campus; rehabilitation of the College of Postgraduate Studies building; remodelling of the CEDR building; hostel renovation at UNEC, among others,” he added.

     “I expect that all the projects initiated by my administration will be completed before the end of my tenure. Most of them are already 90 per cent completed,” Igwe said.