The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has announced the appointment of Professor Uduma O. Uduma as its next Vice-Chancellor, effective February 11, 2026. The Governing Council of the university ratified the recommendation of the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board, paving the way for Professor Uduma’s succession to the current Vice-Chancellor upon the completion of their tenure.
Professor Uduma, a renowned scholar of Philosophy and Logic, as well as a Barrister-at-Law, has a distinguished academic background. Born on January 30, 1966, he earned his first degree from the University of Calabar, graduating as the best student in his faculty, before obtaining his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Philosophy from the University of Lagos. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2007.
Within the university system, Professor Uduma has held several key positions, including Head of Department, Director of General Studies, Director of Academic Planning, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at NOUN. He also served as the Study Centre Director in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, where he significantly expanded student enrolment from 496 to over 2,000. As a prolific researcher, Professor Uduma has made notable contributions to the fields of philosophy, logic, and educational management.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Isa Yuguda, congratulated Professor Uduma on his appointment, expressing confidence in his leadership and vision to advance NOUN’s mission of expanding access to quality education across Nigeria and beyond. “The University looks forward to Professor Uduma’s leadership as he assumes office on February 11, 2026. We are confident that his expertise and experience will drive the institution’s continued growth and success,” Mr. Yuguda stated.
With his rich academic and administrative experience, Professor Uduma is well-positioned to lead NOUN in its efforts to increase access to higher education and improve educational outcomes. As the university prepares for his tenure, it is expected that his leadership will build on the institution’s existing strengths and drive innovation in teaching, research, and community engagement. The appointment of Professor Uduma as Vice-Chancellor is a significant development for NOUN, and his tenure is anticipated to have a positive impact on the university’s continued growth and success.