A non academic staff member of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has highlighted the financial prudence of the current administration under Vice Chancellor Prof Uchenna Ortuanya. The staff member revealed that the university pays between ₦150 million and ₦200 million monthly as electricity bills without transferring the burden to students.
"UNN pays between ₦150 million and ₦200 million monthly as electricity bills, yet the hostel fees generated annually cannot cover a single month’s bill. This underscores the administration’s prudence and commitment," the staff member noted.
Beyond financial management, the security landscape of the university has reportedly improved significantly. A 300 level Mass Communication student, Johnson Onugwu, observed that the appointment of a seasoned security head has yielded positive results. He attributed the development to strategic redeployments and structural reforms across key units.
"For the first time in about 10 years, residents of the university community travelled during the Christmas and New Year celebrations and returned without any reported cases of burglary," Onugwu stated.
He further commended the Vice Chancellor for strengthening the works department and improving hostel conditions. Onugwu added that despite the scale of reforms, the VC has maintained a low public profile, focusing instead on delivering results.
Students have also lauded the infrastructural strides. Ogechukwu Nwankwo, a student of the Department of Crop Science, highlighted the ongoing reconstruction of internal road networks. She noted that the administration has made a visible impact within a short period, particularly in areas that were previously dilapidated.
"On road construction, you can see that those places that used to have potholes have been taken care of, and work is continuing in other areas," Nwankwo remarked.
She also pointed to the rebranding of faculties and departments aimed at enhancing teaching, learning, and research. These commendations follow a series of reforms introduced by the VC after declaring a state of emergency across critical sectors of the university. The move was driven by a commitment to fast track infrastructural development and complete long abandoned projects.
Furthermore, the staff member disclosed that the university is witnessing increased international engagement. Recent visits from foreign representatives aim to foster academic collaboration. Partnerships under discussion include student exchange initiatives that would enable UNN students to study abroad while hosting international students in Nsukka, thereby boosting the institution’s global outlook.
