UNN set to Restore Master Plan, demolish Illegal Structures

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) will begin demolishing illegal structures and shanties inside and around its campus from May 6, 2026, as part of efforts to restore its original Master Plan.

Dr. Okey Ekwelem, Chairman of the Vice-Chancellor’s Committee on Restoration of the UNN Master Plan and Director of Physical Planning, announced this in Nsukka on Tuesday. He said the move is aimed at improving environmental standards and aligning the campus with global best practices.

Ekwelem said occupants of shops attached to university fences and other unauthorized structures had already been warned to vacate before May 2, 2026, after an earlier deadline of April 2 was extended to give more time for compliance.

“The university has given adequate time to ensure full compliance,” he said. “Demolition of all illegal structures situated inside and around the university fences will commence from May 6.”

He noted that the UNN Directorate of Community Relations had also engaged with affected occupants to explain the restoration plan.

According to Ekwelem, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon Ortuanya’s administration is committed to giving the campus a “serene, orderly, and aesthetically pleasing” facelift. 

“As a foremost academic institution, UNN is committed to maintaining a serene, orderly, and aesthetically pleasing environment befitting a world-class university,” he said, urging cooperation in the interest of safety and sustainable development.

To cushion the impact, the university has designated approved spaces within the campus for legitimate retail businesses. Affected traders have been advised to relocate to those areas.

The committee’s briefing was attended by Dr. G. Nnadi, Secretary; Dr. Aaron Agbo, Director of Housing and Accommodation; Mr. Nweke Egede, Director of Works; Mr. Okey Ambrose, Acting Chief Security Officer; and Mr. Agha Egwu, Acting Public Relations Officer.