By Gerald Ama
Prof. Simon Uchenna Otuanya is a Professor of Law with over 25 years of teaching and scholarship. He has served in key academic roles, including Associate Dean at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, and Professorial appointments at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
Young Otuanya obtained his LL.B (Law) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar.
He holds an LL.M from the University of Lagos, and earned his Doctorate in Law (J.S.D/Ph.D) from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, reflecting combined strong local and international academic foundations .
Leadership Roles: Prof. Otuanya is a former Secretary to the Enugu State Government (SSG) and Director‑General of the South‑East Governors’ Forum. He had also served as Commissioner for Education in Enugu State, applying his academic and administrative experience to the state’s educational sector .
He is a visiting Scholar at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, underscoring international academic engagement .
Currently, he is the Dean, Faculty of Law ESUT (appointed July 2023), credited with transforming the faculty’s culture, infrastructure, and academic vigor .
Institutional Reform & Impact
Prof. Otuanya transformed the Faculty of Law ESUT with upgraded physical spaces, modern classrooms (equipped with projectors), enhanced law clinic facilities, and newly landscaped environs, fostering a more dynamic learning environment .
He is an advocate of rigorous academic standards—emphasizing seriousness in lectures and postgraduate programs—earning praise as a “silent achiever” and visionary leader .
Scholarly Contributions
– Law of Evidence in Nigeria: Practice and Procedure (2021/2022):
A comprehensive 540‑page treatise guiding legal interpretations under Nigeria’s Evidence Act (2011). Prof. Otuanya is widely respected by Supreme Court Justices, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, professors, and legal practitioners. This particular work of his is widely referenced in the academia and by the judiciary.
HIV and AIDS: Law and Policy in Nigeria (2022/2023):
Analyzes public health law in the context of HIV/AIDS, with broader relevance to global pandemics and communicable disease response. The book was formally launched on August 3, 2022, at Abuja’s Ladi Kwali Conference Centre, with high-profile guests including the then Enugu State Governor, Supreme Court Justices, and notable public health officials .
International Recognition
His work, especially in Law of Evidence, has earned endorsements from prominent judicial figures like Justice Chima Centus Nweze of the Supreme Court of the blessed memory. His HIV/AIDS public health legal framework received acclaim from Loyola University Chicago’s Health Law & Policy faculty .
Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya combines scholarly excellence, administrative leadership, and public service. With influential texts in evidence and public health law, transformative impact as Dean of ESUT’s Law Faculty, and experience as a state leader, he is a prominent figure in Nigerian legal education, university administration, and governance.
Academic Leadership
Prior to his current position as Dean of Faculty of Law ESUT, Prof. Otuanya served as Associate Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus and held the post of Head, Department of Private Law, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)
Conclusion
Despite his towering academic, administrative and leadership profile, Prof. Otuanya prefers to live a quiet life. He maintains a low public appearances and shuns playing to the gallery. Yet, despite his quiet life, as a goldfish, he has no hiding place, especially whenever duty calls. And because Providence will always seek him out service of humanity, it is natural that he will have haters. But he who is blessed by God cannot be cursed by any man. What is written is written! What is said is said! A goldfish has no hiding place!!!
Gerald Amah
Former Student of Prof. Otuanya, writes from Enugu.
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