Uduma Assumes Office as Sixth Vice-Chancellor of NOUN

Professor Uduma Oji Uduma has formally taken over as the sixth Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), with effect from February 11, 2026, ushering in what he described as a new era of stewardship, access and excellence for the nation’s foremost open and distance learning institution.

His appointment was ratified on October 9, 2025, by the university’s Governing Council and subsequently announced by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Mallam Isa Yuguda. Uduma succeeds Professor Olufemi Ayinde Peters.

A Professor of Philosophy and Logic as well as a Barrister-at-Law, Uduma becomes the first indigene of Ebonyi State to head the university. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Philosophy from the University of Lagos and has served NOUN in several strategic roles, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Director of the Abakaliki Study Centre.

At the handover ceremony in Abuja, the new Vice-Chancellor unveiled six priority areas that will define his administration: strengthening study centres nationwide, enhancing learner support services, upgrading Information and Communication Technology infrastructure, ensuring the credibility of electronic examinations, promoting staff welfare, and sustaining robust quality assurance standards.

Delivering his inaugural address titled “Rising to Build: Stewardship, Access, and Excellence for a New NOUN Era,” Uduma characterised his appointment as a “solemn national trust,” emphasising that leadership must be anchored on responsibility, accountability and service.

He reaffirmed NOUN’s commitment to breaking social and geographical barriers to education in line with its Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mandate, noting that the university remains central to Nigeria’s quest for inclusive and flexible higher education.

Drawing from his experience as a former study centre director, Uduma expressed confidence in his ability to deepen academic delivery and enhance the student experience across the institution’s nationwide network of centres.

“I come into this office not to experiment, but to build,” he declared, calling on staff, students and stakeholders to embrace unity, continuity and shared purpose in advancing the university’s vision.

He also paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, describing the leadership transition as “a relay, not a rupture.” In his farewell remarks, Professor Peters thanked the university community for its cooperation and support throughout his tenure.

Other officials, including the Registrar, Oladipo Ajayi, voiced optimism that the new Vice-Chancellor’s academic pedigree and administrative experience would further consolidate the university’s gains.

The ceremony featured the symbolic presentation of the NOUN Act, the seal of office, the Senate gavel and the traditional red pen, signifying the formal transfer of authority.

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