Professor Uduma Oji Uduma has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), succeeding Prof. Olufemi Peters. His tenure will begin on February 11, 2026.
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The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has officially announced Professor Uduma Oji Uduma as its next Vice-Chancellor, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the university’s history. The announcement was made by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, His Excellency, Mallam Isa Yuguda, CON, during a press conference held in Abuja on Friday, October 10, 2025.
According to the Governing Council, Prof. Uduma’s tenure will officially begin on February 11, 2026, following the successful completion of the term of the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters.
Mallam Yuguda emphasized that the appointment came after a thorough and transparent selection process, adding that the Governing Council’s decision was based on merit, experience, and Prof. Uduma’s outstanding contributions to academia and administration.
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Profile Summary Table — Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Professor Uduma Oji Uduma |
| Date of Birth | 30th January, 1966 |
| Position | Incoming Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) |
| Tenure Start Date | 11th February, 2026 |
| Announced By | Mallam Isa Yuguda, CON (Pro-Chancellor & Chairman, NOUN Governing Council) |
| Academic Qualifications | B.A. (Philosophy), University of Calabar; Ph.D. (Philosophy), University of Lagos; LL.B, Nigerian Law School |
| Professional Background | Professor of Philosophy and Logic; Barrister-at-Law |
| Previous NOUN Roles | Head of Department, Director of General Studies, Director of Academic Planning, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Study Centre Director (Abakaliki) |
| Notable Achievements | Increased Abakaliki Study Centre enrolment from 496 to 2,000+ students; strong research visibility on Google Scholar |
| Research Interests | Logic, Philosophy of Science, Epistemology, and Ethics |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Hometown | Ebonyi State, Nigeria |
Appointment Announcement: A Smooth Transition of Leadership
Speaking at the press briefing, the Pro-Chancellor expressed confidence in the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor’s ability to continue NOUN’s legacy of innovation and excellence in Open and Distance Learning (ODL).
“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. His appointment follows the expiration of the current Vice-Chancellor’s term on the same date,”
— Mallam Isa Yuguda, CON
He added that the Governing Council carefully reviewed and approved the recommendation of the selection board, which had evaluated several distinguished candidates for the position.
Profile of the New Vice-Chancellor: Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma
Professor Uduma Oji Uduma is a distinguished scholar, seasoned administrator, and legal practitioner. He is currently a Professor of Philosophy and Logic and a Barrister-at-Law.
Born on January 30, 1966, Prof. Uduma hails from Ebonyi State, Nigeria. He obtained his Bachelor’s 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.
In 2007, he was called to the Nigerian Bar, becoming one of the few Nigerian academics to combine advanced philosophical training with legal expertise.
Academic and Administrative Journey
Throughout his career, Prof. Uduma has served in multiple academic and leadership roles that have shaped the growth of NOUN and other higher institutions in Nigeria. Some of his notable positions include:
- Head of Department (Philosophy)
- Director of General Studies
- Director of Academic Planning
- Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), NOUN
- Study Centre Director, Abakaliki (Ebonyi State)
During his tenure as Study Centre Director in Abakaliki, he was instrumental in growing the student population from 496 to over 2,000, a remarkable achievement that reflected his visionary leadership and commitment to expanding access to education.
Prof. Uduma’s academic footprint extends beyond Nigeria, with numerous publications and citations that reflect his strong research visibility and presence on Google Scholar and other academic platforms.
Vision and Leadership: What to Expect from Prof. Uduma’s Tenure
The Governing Council expressed optimism that Prof. Uduma’s leadership will strengthen NOUN’s role as a pioneer in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Africa.
His deep understanding of philosophy, governance, and policy uniquely positions him to lead NOUN into a new era of:
- Enhanced digital learning delivery
- Increased international partnerships
- Expanded access to higher education for working adults and rural learners
- Strengthened research and innovation output
- Greater institutional efficiency and staff development
The Governing Council Chairman, Mallam Isa Yuguda, stated:
“The university looks forward to Professor Uduma’s leadership and vision as he assumes office on February 11, 2026.
We are confident that his expertise and experience will drive the university’s continued growth and success.”
About the Outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters
Prof. Olufemi Peters, the current Vice-Chancellor whose tenure will end on February 11, 2026, has been widely commended for stabilizing NOUN’s academic calendar, strengthening the e-Learn platform, and expanding the university’s nationwide reach.
Under his leadership, NOUN witnessed:
- Improved student support services
- Regular academic sessions without disruptions
- Enhanced research grants and staff development initiatives
- Expansion of study centres across Nigeria
His tenure paved the way for Prof. Uduma’s incoming administration to build on a foundation of academic discipline, digital innovation, and institutional growth.
Public Reactions: Warm Reception from the NOUN Community
Since the announcement, the NOUN community, including staff, students, and alumni, has welcomed the news with enthusiasm. Many described Prof. Uduma’s appointment as well-deserved and timely, citing his dedication and long-standing contributions to the university.
Several NOUN student bodies and alumni networks have expressed optimism about the future of the institution under his watch.
Conclusion
With over two decades of academic and administrative experience, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma is set to bring renewed energy, vision, and inclusiveness to the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). His appointment as the next Vice-Chancellor reflects the university’s commitment to excellence, transparency, and innovation in open learning.
As NOUN prepares for this leadership transition in 2026, stakeholders remain confident that Prof. Uduma will further solidify the university’s position as Nigeria’s foremost institution for Open and Distance Learning.
FAQs About Prof Uduma.
1. Who is the new Vice-Chancellor of NOUN in 2025?
The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor is Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, a Professor of Philosophy and Logic, and a Barrister-at-Law.
2. When will Prof. Uduma officially assume office?
He will assume office on February 11, 2026, following the completion of Prof. Olufemi Peters’ tenure.
3. What is Prof. Uduma’s academic background?
He holds a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Lagos, and an LL.B (Law) which led to his call to the Nigerian Bar in 2007.
4. Has Prof. Uduma worked at NOUN before?
Yes. He has served as Head of Department, Director of Academic Planning, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), among other roles.
5. What impact is expected from his leadership?
His administration is expected to strengthen digital learning, expand student access, and enhance research and academic excellence across all faculties.
