UNN New Pro-Chancellor Unveils Three-Point Agenda to Reposition the University

The newly appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Adegboyega Adebayo Karim has unveiled a three-point agenda aimed at repositioning the institution and restoring it to its place of pride as a leading university.

Prof.Karim made this known during an interactive session with staff of the University held at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium (PAA) recently. The session, which lasted for about three hours, provided an opportunity for the Pro-Chancellor to engage with members of the university community and discuss his vision for the institution.

The agenda, which centres on Repositioning, Realigning and Relaunching, focuses on institutional reforms, improved governance, and commitment towards excellence.

Speaking during the event, the Pro-Chancellor called for unity, peace, fairness, and a collective determination among staff and stakeholders to drive meaningful transformation in the university. He stressed that achieving sustainable progress requires a positive change in attitude and mindset among members of the university community.

Prof.Karim commended both academic and non-academic staff for their dedication and contributions towards sustaining UNN’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost universities. He acknowledged their efforts in maintaining the institution’s position as a leading centre of learning and research.

Responding to concerns raised by staff members during the interactive session, the Pro-Chancellor assured the university community that the Governing Council and management would address key challenges affecting staff welfare and operations. These include security concerns, office cleanliness, power supply, and the fair treatment of pensioners.

He also pledged that the Council would work towards completing some abandoned and ongoing projects across the university to enhance infrastructure and improve the overall learning and working environment.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, described the Pro-Chancellor as a leader with the capacity to guide the university towards greater achievements.

Prof. Ortuanya expressed confidence that the new leadership of the Governing Council would help position UNN on the right path, adding that the administration is committed to addressing critical issues affecting the university.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the need to strengthen the university’s security architecture through the recruitment of young and capable personnel. He also assured staff that efforts were ongoing to improve cleanliness within offices and other university facilities.

On the challenge of power supply, Prof. Ortuanya disclosed that the university was working towards generating its own electricity and possibly extending supply beyond the campus in the future. In the interim, he said the institution would explore alternative energy solutions, including solar power, to reduce pressure caused by inadequate electricity supply.

The event was attended by members of the Governing Council, Principal Officers, Deans of faculty and Heads of Department. 

Also in attendance were Prof. Olayinka Ramota Karim, fspsp, Vice Chancellor, Fountain University Osogbo; and Dr Princess Akobundu fsi, the immediate past CEO AUDA NEPAD Nigeria, who accompanied the Pro-Chancellor to the event.  

In their responses, staff members appreciated the Pro-Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor for addressing some existing challenges and urged continued collaboration among stakeholders, including partnerships with the private sector, to support the growth and development of the University of Nigeria.