The Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, has received an award of excellence from the Northern Youths Organisation of Nigeria in recognition of his contributions to education.
Professor Uduma was presented with the title “Garkuwan Matasan Arewa,” which translates to “Shield of Northern Youths.”
The award was presented during a visit by representatives of the organisation to the National Open University of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja.
President of the organisation, Dr Isa Ododo, explained that the decision to recognise the NOUN Vice-Chancellor followed consideration of his career and contributions to Nigeria’s education sector.
The organisation highlighted Professor Uduma’s professional journey across institutions including the University of Lagos, Ebonyi State University and the University of Port Harcourt before his current position as Vice-Chancellor of NOUN.
Representatives of the group said the recognition was intended to encourage the Vice-Chancellor to continue supporting educational development.
Professor Uduma thanked the organisation for the honour and welcomed its representatives to the university.
While appreciating the recognition, the Vice-Chancellor also drew attention to the academic nature of his position.
He explained that the office of a university Vice-Chancellor is different from a political appointment and encouraged the organisation to recognise the distinction when relating with university leadership.
Representatives of the Northern Youths Organisation subsequently clarified that the organisation’s recognition programme is not restricted to political office holders and would also include other university Vice-Chancellors and non-political public figures.
Professor Uduma used the occasion to reaffirm NOUN’s commitment to expanding access to quality higher education.
The National Open University of Nigeria operates through Open and Distance Learning, enabling students across Nigeria and beyond to study through a flexible system supported by digital resources and study centres.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the importance of partnerships that can contribute to education and broader national development.
The recognition comes as NOUN continues to expand its academic and institutional activities under Professor Uduma’s leadership.
For students, the event also draws attention to the increasing prominence of NOUN within Nigeria’s higher education sector and its role in widening access to university education.
NOUN Update congratulates the Vice-Chancellor on the recognition and will continue to report important developments from the university community.
Source verification: Official NOUN News. (Nounnews)
