Professor Uduma Oji Uduma has officially assumed duty as the sixth Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). He immediately unveiled six priority areas for his administration. The handover ceremony occurred at the university’s headquarters in Abuja. His predecessor, Professor Olufemi Peters, formally transferred leadership for a five-year tenure.
A Mandate Rooted in Policy and Open Learning
Open and Distance Learning (ODL) remains a national priority. The Federal Government has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access through this mode . President Bola Tinubu previously assured Nigerians of his administration’s support for ODL. This approach improves quality, access, and affordability .
The National Universities Commission (NUC) continues to reposition the university system. Its guidelines now actively promote transnational education and e-learning . NOUN stands at the centre of this transformation. Therefore, Uduma assumes leadership at a pivotal policy moment.
Furthermore, NOUN has earned global recognition. It recently secured federal backing for the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI). The government provided a ₦250 million grant for this UNESCO-affiliated project . Consequently, the new VC inherits considerable institutional momentum.
Appointment, Credentials, and Ceremony
Uduma’s appointment followed due process. The Governing Council approved his selection at a statutory meeting. Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Malam Isa Yuguda presided. He announced the decision on October 10, 2025, in Abuja.
“The University is pleased to announce that the Governing Council has approved the appointment of Professor Uduma O. Uduma as the new Vice-Chancellor, effective 11th February, 2026,” Yuguda stated.
The new Vice-Chancellor is a Professor of Philosophy and Logic. He is also a Barrister-at-Law. He obtained his PhD from the University of Lagos. He graduated as the best student in his faculty at the University of Calabar.
His administrative experience is extensive. He previously served as Head of Department, Director of General Studies, Director of Academic Planning, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). Crucially, he once directed the Abakaliki Study Centre. He increased its enrolment from 496 to over 2,000 students .
During the handover, the outgoing VC expressed gratitude. “I am profoundly grateful to God Almighty for raising me when hope seemed lost. God has been good to Femi Peters,” he said.
Peters commended Uduma for visiting various directorates and study centres during the transition. He noted this had prepared him well.
The ceremony featured symbolic transfers. Officials presented the handover notes. They handed over the NOUN Act of 1983 (as amended in 2018). They also transferred the university’s seal, the Senate gavel, and a red pen. These objects signified the complete transfer of authority.
Six Pillars and a Philosophy of Service
Uduma then delivered his acceptance speech. He titled it, “Rising to Build: Stewardship, Access, and Excellence for a New NOUN Era.” He described his appointment as a “solemn national trust” and a call to purposeful service.
“Leadership is not ornamental; it is functional. It is not a posture of arrival, but a posture of responsibility,” he declared.
He listed his six priority areas with clarity. His administration will strengthen study centres nationwide. It will enhance learner support systems. It will improve ICT and digital infrastructure. It will ensure the integrity of examinations. It will promote staff welfare. Finally, it will sustain quality assurance and accreditation standards.
He reaffirmed the university’s core mandate. NOUN exists to democratise access to quality higher education. It removes barriers of geography, age, employment status, gender, and circumstance.
Uduma observed a significant demographic shift. Young learners are now entering the ODL system in increasing numbers. He described this as an evolution of the university’s mandate. It is not a departure from its original mission.
He stressed the need for balance. Flexibility must coexist with discipline. Innovation must align with academic integrity. “I come into this office not to experiment, but to build,” he pledged.
He then called for unity. He urged the Governing Council, management, staff, students, alumni, and partners to work collectively. He emphasised continuity and shared ownership.
He paid tribute to his predecessor and past leaders. “Leadership at NOUN is a relay, not a rupture,” he said.
He therefore pledged to consolidate existing achievements. He will simultaneously advance the university’s mission. The environment is rapidly evolving. It is increasingly digital and knowledge-driven.
A Proven Record, A Forward Vision
Uduma brings unique credibility to his new role. He is the first NOUN Vice-Chancellor with prior study centre experience. His Abakaliki record demonstrates his capacity. He transformed a struggling centre. He nearly quadrupled its enrolment.
His scholarly output is equally strong. He is a respected figure on Google Scholar . This research visibility matters. NOUN must balance teaching, research, and community impact.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Chiedu Mafiana, commended the outgoing VC. He praised Peters for his resilience. He acknowledged his contributions to positioning NOUN globally.
In his vote of thanks, the Registrar, Mr Oladipo Ajayi, welcomed the new Vice-Chancellor. He expressed confidence in Uduma’s leadership.
Principal officers, staff, family members, and associates attended. The hall was filled with quiet optimism.
Thus, Uduma now leads Africa’s largest open university. His task is substantial. His philosophy is clear. Leadership is not ceremonial. It is functional. It demands responsibility.
He now must translate that philosophy into measurable results.