The governing council of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has approved the appointment of Uduma O. Uduma as the institution’s new vice-chancellor.
His tenure will commence on February 11, 2026, following the expiration of the current vice-chancellor’s term.
In a statement issued on Friday,Isa Yuguda, the pro-chancellor and chairman of the council, said the decision followed the recommendation of the joint council and senate selection board for the appointment of the vice-chancellor.
Uduma, a professor of philosophy and logic as well as a barrister-at-law, was selected after a rigorous selection process and was approved by the council to lead the institution into its next phase of academic development and expansion.
Born on January 30, 1966, Uduma obtained his first degree from the University of Calabar, graduating 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.
Over the years, he has held several key academic and administrative positions within NOUN, including head of department, director of general studies, director of academic planning, and deputy vice-chancellor (academic).
As study centre director in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, Uduma was credited with increasing student enrolment from 496 to over 2,000, reflecting his leadership capacity and commitment to open and distance learning.
A respected scholar with strong research visibility, Uduma has a notable presence on Google scholar, with contributions in logic, epistemology, and African philosophy.
The governing council expressed confidence in Uduma’s vision and expertise, noting that his leadership would sustain and strengthen NOUN’s mission of providing accessible, technology-driven higher education to Nigerians across all backgrounds.
“The University looks forward to Professor Uduma’s leadership and vision as he assumes office on 11th February 2026. We are confident that his expertise and experience will drive the University’s continued growth and success going forward,” Yuguda added.
