The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) appoints Professor Shehu Usman Adamu and Professor Christine Ofulue as new Deputy Vice-Chancellors for Administration and Technology, Innovation & Research (TIR). Learn about their profiles, tenure, and roles.
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The Management of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has announced the appointment of Professor Shehu Usman Adamu and Professor Christine Ofulue as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Technology, Innovation, and Research) respectively.
Their appointments were approved by the university’s Governing Council following their election by the Senate during its 112th Regular Meeting held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, and were officially confirmed through appointment letters dated September 5, 2025, signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Mr. Oladipo A. Ajayi.
This marks a significant milestone in the university’s leadership restructuring, aimed at strengthening administrative governance and research innovation in line with NOUN’s strategic goals.
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Official Announcement
In the letter addressed to Professor Adamu, the Registrar stated:
“Following your election by the University Senate at its 112th Regular Meeting held on Thursday, 28th August, 2025, and subsequent ratification of Senate’s decision by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, on behalf of the Governing Council, I am pleased to convey your appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration.”
The letter further emphasized that the DVC (Administration) will assist the Vice-Chancellor in the day-to-day administration of the university, particularly in providing leadership in administrative governance, institutional management, and the advancement of NOUN’s strategic objectives.
Similarly, the appointment letter addressed to Professor Christine Ofulue stated:
“Following your election by the University Senate at its 112th Regular Meeting held on Thursday, 28th August, 2025, and subsequent ratification of Senate’s decision by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, on behalf of the Governing Council, I am pleased to convey your appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Technology, Innovation, and Research).”
The letter outlined her primary responsibility as providing leadership in technology-driven learning, innovation, and research development, in alignment with the university’s mission of delivering quality Open and Distance Learning (ODL) across Nigeria.
Profile Summary Table
| Name | Position | Faculty / Background | Tenure Start Date | Key Previous Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prof. Shehu Usman Adamu | Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) | Faculty of Health Sciences | September 2025 (for a two-year term) | Former Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences; Senior academic and administrator at NOUN |
| Prof. Christine Ofulue | Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Technology, Innovation & Research) | Faculty of Arts / Language and Technology Expert | September 2025 (for a two-year term) | Renowned researcher in open and distance education; Director, Academic Planning; Experienced digital learning advocate |
About the New DVCs
Professor Shehu Usman Adamu (DVC-Administration)
Professor Adamu hails from the Faculty of Health Sciences, where he previously served as Dean. He has an extensive background in academic administration, health education, and institutional leadership.
In his new capacity as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adamu will support the Vice-Chancellor in overseeing the university’s administrative affairs — including staff welfare, operational governance, and inter-departmental coordination.
He is widely respected for his commitment to academic excellence and his role in strengthening faculty-level administration at NOUN. His appointment underscores the university’s dedication to fostering efficient management systems and transparent governance practices.
Professor Christine Ofulue (DVC-Technology, Innovation & Research)
Professor Ofulue, a distinguished scholar and education technologist, brings a wealth of experience in language studies, digital pedagogy, and ODL innovation. Over the years, she has contributed significantly to NOUN’s technological transformation through initiatives in e-learning, research integration, and digital academic planning.
Her appointment as DVC (Technology, Innovation & Research) highlights NOUN’s vision to expand its research capacity and integrate cutting-edge technology into academic delivery systems. She is also known for her work in promoting inclusive education through the use of ICT tools and learner-centered strategies.
Prof. Ofulue’s leadership is expected to further enhance NOUN’s digital transformation goals, building on her long-standing contributions to open learning methodologies in Nigeria and beyond.
Duration and Expectations
Both appointments are for an initial period of two years, subject to renewal based on performance and council approval.
The university’s Governing Council expressed confidence in their abilities to uphold NOUN’s academic standards, stating that their combined leadership experience will be instrumental in achieving the university’s mission of expanding access to quality education through Open and Distance Learning.
According to the Council:
“The university looks forward to their leadership and vision as they assume office. Their expertise and dedication will significantly contribute to the realization of the university’s strategic plan for excellence in governance, innovation, and research.”
Significance of the Appointments
These appointments come at a crucial time when NOUN is deepening its commitment to innovation, research excellence, and digital expansion.
- For Administration: Prof. Adamu’s leadership is expected to enhance administrative efficiency, student services, and faculty coordination.
- For Technology and Research: Prof. Ofulue’s experience in educational technology will strengthen NOUN’s research impact, online learning infrastructure, and international academic collaborations.
The duo’s appointment further aligns with NOUN’s 2025 strategic direction — promoting technology-driven management and research-informed decision-making across all departments.
Conclusion
The appointment of Professor Shehu Usman Adamu and Professor Christine Ofulue as Deputy Vice-Chancellors marks another forward-thinking step by NOUN towards consolidating its leadership in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Africa.
With their combined academic excellence and administrative expertise, both leaders are expected to play pivotal roles in advancing NOUN’s mission of providing accessible, flexible, and technology-enhanced education to learners across Nigeria and beyond.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Two new DVCs appointed: Prof. Adamu (Administration) and Prof. Ofulue (Technology, Innovation & Research).
- Appointments ratified: Following Senate elections and Governing Council approval.
- Tenure: Two years, starting September 2025.
- Prof. Adamu’s focus: Administrative excellence and institutional governance.
- Prof. Ofulue’s focus: Technology innovation, research advancement, and digital transformation.
- Goal: Strengthen NOUN’s mission as Nigeria’s leading Open and Distance Learning institution.
