Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, SJD, FCIArb, FCIA
Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya is a distinguished legal scholar, accomplished administrator, and visionary leader whose contributions to academia, law, and governance have left a profound impact on Nigeria’s intellectual and public policy landscape. He currently serves as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) — a premier institution dedicated to restoring the dignity of man through knowledge, research, and innovation.
A Trailblazer in Leadership and Service
A trailblazer with massive academic achievements that reflect excellence, dedication, diligence, and professionalism, Professor Ortuanya is widely admired for his sound moral character and commitment to service and humanity.
He commands the respect of his peers and the government of Enugu State, which earned him the trust of His Excellency, the immediate past Governor of Enugu State, who appointed him as Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
He also served as a member of the Enugu State Executive Council, the Director-General of the South East Governors’ Forum, and Dean, Faculty of Law, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). His past public service roles include Commissioner for Education, Enugu State, and Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
A prolific academic and public intellectual, Professor Ortuanya is the author of six groundbreaking books, numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, and dozens of professional papers delivered across national and international conferences.
Academic and Professional Background
- Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) – Loyola University Chicago, USA
- Master of Laws (LL.M) – University of Lagos (UNILAG), Nigeria
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) – University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Barrister-at-Law (BL) – Nigerian Law School
Fellowships & Memberships:
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb)
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Administrators (FCIA)
- Member, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
- Member, International Bar Association (IBA)
Authored Books
– Law of Evidence in Nigeria: Practice and Procedure
Malthouse Press Ltd, Lagos: 2021 — 480 pages
Foreword: Hon. Justice Chima C. Nweze, JSC, Ph.D, Life Bencher, FCIArb.
This authoritative 480-page treatise revisits the Evidence Act, 2011, offering detailed guidance on interpretation and application of modern evidentiary principles. Covering key topics such as relevance, admissibility, confessions, hearsay, corroboration, and digital evidence, it is regarded as one of the most comprehensive works on Nigerian evidence law.
– HIV and AIDS Law and Policy in Nigeria
Malthouse Press Ltd, Lagos: 2021 — 498 pages
Foreword: Prof. John Blum, Professor of Health Law and Policy, Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
A groundbreaking text analyzing intersections of law, policy, and public health in the HIV/AIDS context, this book explores human rights, discrimination, vulnerable groups, and international frameworks — providing insights relevant to legal practitioners and policymakers globally.
– Public Health Law and Policy in Nigeria
Princeton & Associate Publishing Company Ltd, Lagos: 2022 — 713 pages
Foreword: Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Ph.D.
This seminal 713-page work is the first of its kind in Nigeria, defining the discipline of public health law. It examines human rights, abortion, surrogacy, health emergencies, judiciary and health, and healthcare financing — setting a new benchmark for legal scholarship in the field.
– Human Rights in Nigeria: Law, Practice and International Perspectives
Princeton & Associate Publishing Company Ltd, Lagos: 2023 — 690 pages
Foreword: Chief Femi Falana, SAN, FCIArb.
A powerful and timely intervention addressing terrorism, trafficking, poverty, and political instability, this book redefines human rights discourse in Africa. It is an essential reference for lawyers, policymakers, and advocates of justice and equality.
– Health Laws in Nigeria: A Compendium
Princeton & Associate Publishing Company Ltd, Lagos: 2023 — 1,683 pages
Foreword: Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, Ph.D, Ch.IMHL, FICA, ACS.
This monumental compendium — the first of its kind — compiles over 1,700 pages of Nigeria’s health-related legislation. It provides practitioners and researchers with detailed analysis of food, drugs, registration, agriculture, and healthcare regulation.
– Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi: The Governor I Served
Princeton & Associate Publishing Company Ltd, Lagos: 2023 — 470 pages
Foreword: H.E. Senator Jim Nwobodo, First Executive Governor of Old Anambra State.
This biographical work chronicles the leadership journey of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, capturing his character, governance philosophy, and contributions to Enugu State’s transformation. It blends narrative biography with policy insight and historical reflection.
Journal Articles (Selected)
Professor Ortuanya has authored over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles, including publications in the African Human Rights Law Journal, Nigerian Journal of Public Law, Journal of International and Comparative Law, and ESUT Law Journal.
Notable titles include:
- “Towards a Regimen of Tort Remedies for HIV/AIDS Victims” – ABU Journal of Public and International Law (2007)
- “Criminalizing HIV/AIDS under Nigerian Criminal Law” – NJPL (2009)
- “The Rise and Growth of Human Rights Issues: Right to Self-Determination and Social Solidarity” – Journal of Nigerian and Comparative Law (2012)
- “HIV Testing: A Covenant or a Human Right?” – ESUT Law Journal (2023)
- “Harvesting of Human Organs: Between the Good Samaritan and the Merchant – A Human Rights Approach” – ESUT Law Journal (2024)
- “Hijab on Trial: Interrogating Freedom of Religion in a Secular State” – ESUT Public Law Journal (2024)
Professional Papers and Presentations (Selected)
Professor Ortuanya has presented over 40 scholarly papers at major national and international conferences, workshops, and symposia.
Highlights include:
- “The Role of Law Enforcement in the Protection of Victims of Sexual Harassment” – WACOL National Workshop, Enugu (2008)
- “Fundamental Right to Health in Nigeria” – WACOL Reproductive Health Forum, Abuja (2007)
- “The Role of Public Officers in Preventing Financial Recklessness in Local Government Administration” – Villa Toscana, Enugu (2008)
- “Ethics of Clinical Research Involving Human Subjects” – UNN College of Medicine, Enugu (2010)
- “Restructuring Teacher Education in Nigeria: Towards an Effective Framework for Governance and Security Challenges” – Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu (2022)His conference engagements underscore his commitment to applying law and policy to promote justice, governance, and sustainable development.
Scholarship, Vision, and Impact
Professor Ortuanya continues to inspire the academic community through scholarship that bridges law, public policy, and social transformation. His works have become standard references in Nigerian legal education and policy development.
Under his leadership, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, stands at the forefront of Africa’s intellectual renaissance — advancing knowledge that serves humanity and restores the dignity of man.