NOUN Appoints Professor Uduma Oji Uduma as New Vice-Chancellor, Effective February 2026
The National Open University of Nigeria Announces Leadership Transition
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has officially named Professor Uduma Oji Uduma as its next Vice-Chancellor. His appointment takes effect on February 11, 2026, immediately after the tenure of the current Vice-Chancellor concludes.
This major decision was ratified by the University’s Governing Council after a careful review and approval of recommendations from the Board of the institution. The move signifies NOUN’s continued commitment to strengthening academic leadership and consolidating its position as Nigeria’s leading open and distance learning institution.
Meet Professor Uduma Oji Uduma
Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, a distinguished scholar and legal professional, is a Professor of Philosophy and Logic and also a Barrister-at-Law.
Born on January 30, 1966, he obtained his first degree in Philosophy from the University of Calabar, where he graduated as the best student in his faculty. He later earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Philosophy from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2007, a rare combination that reflects his intellectual breadth and versatility.
A Seasoned Administrator and Academic Leader
Over the years, Professor Uduma has made significant contributions to NOUN’s growth and academic excellence. He has served in various capacities including:
- Head of Department
- Director of General Studies
- Director of Academic Planning
- Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
Notably, during his tenure as Study Centre Director at Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, student enrolment surged from 496 to over 2,000, showcasing his strong leadership and strategic planning skills.
His research output has also been widely acknowledged for its scholarly depth and societal relevance, with a strong academic footprint on Google Scholar.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for NOUN
As Professor Uduma prepares to officially assume office in February 2026, the NOUN community and education stakeholders are optimistic about his leadership. With his rich background in academia, law, and administration, he is expected to further advance the university’s mission in open and distance learning — promoting accessibility, innovation, and academic excellence across Nigeria and beyond.
The appointment of Professor Uduma marks a promising new chapter for NOUN as it continues to expand its frontiers in quality education delivery and digital learning transformation.
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