GisNexus – March 28, 2025

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has made history in its existence by appointing Professor Kamoru Olayiwola Usman, a Yoruba Muslim from Oyo State, as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics). This is the first time, this high office in the history of the university has been occupied by a person of Yoruba origin, a feat that attests to UNN’s commitment to inclusiveness and merit-based leadership.

The appointment, announced publicly by the Acting Vice-Chancellor (Ag. VC), Professor Oguejiofo T. Ujam, is a continuation of the university’s efforts to re-fundamentalize on academic excellence and make leadership merit-based rather than sectional interest.

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A Commitment to Meritocracy and Unity

Yesterday in Abuja, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka reaffirmed its dedication to the promotion of meritocracy and national integration. Professor Ujam, in his response, reaffirmed that Professor Usman’s appointment is a proof of the university’s resolve to accord priority to meritocracy over sectionalism. “The appointment of Professor Usman is a proof of our resolve to accord priority to meritocracy over sectional considerations. It is imperative that we sustain this culture of inclusivity and meritocracy to drive the university forward,” Ujam said.

This statement is a resounding departure from past trends, which would otherwise have been determined by ethnic or regional considerations. The university is now endeavoring to create a new benchmark of leadership in which individuals are appointed based on merit and capability to contribute towards developing and building the institution.

New Appointments to Further Leadership and Academic Excellence

Aside from the appointment of Professor Usman as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), the Acting Vice-Chancellor also appointed Dr. Mansur Adebowale Saddiq as the Acting Director, Medical Centre, UNN. The second appointment reinforces the overall determination of the university to ensure excellence in all its departments without any sectional inclinations.

Both appointments have been widely received by scholars, academics, and students from various backgrounds since they are seen as a move towards expanding unity and the establishment of a culture of inclusivity within the institution. The appointments also demonstrate the university’s dedication to academic excellence and its quest for educational quality.

Professor Kamoru Olayiwola Usman’s Academic Credentials

Professor Usman, who succeeds Professor Urama as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), is a highly distinguished academic with a rich pedigree in mathematics education. He has a PhD in Mathematics Education and has been a highly influential member of Nigeria’s academia. Usman has enjoyed extensive experience in diverse education roles, particularly serving as the Provost of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo State, from 2015 to 2023.

An erudite academic administrator, Professor Usman is a Fellow of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria and a member of some very high-profile professional bodies, including the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies and the Nigerian Educational Research Association. His experience and leadership in all these institutions make him a very competent individual to hold the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor at UNN.

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Tenure and Future Prospects

The tenure of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) Professor Usman will be two years initially and renewable. The two years will be significant to him in actualising his vision for the growth of the academics in the university, e.g., promoting ethical practice in learning, enhancing research capacity, and maintaining the institution as one of the best universities in Nigeria.

For his term, Professor Usman is to be held responsible for overseeing academic policies, curriculum, and projects for further positioning UNN as a leading higher learning institution in the country.

Collective Responsibility for Repositioning UNN

The employment of Professor Usman could not have occurred at a more critical time in the existence of UNN as the university competes to re-position itself as a place of innovative and ethical learning. At the recent University Senate meeting, it was emphasized by Professor Ujam that it is a collective responsibility of university vice-chancellors, lecturers, and students to work towards this goal.

A combined effort is required to set the institution on a solid trajectory for moral and innovative learning. UNN must regain its pride of place as Nigeria’s top university,” Ujam asserted. He also called for a collective effort to rid the institution of sectionalist and divisive tendencies that hitherto have hindered academic progress and research partnerships.

Rebuilding UNN’s Reputation as a Premier Institution

Professor Ujam also asserted that UNN must embrace world trends in education, particularly in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, to be at par with other countries. He called on the UNN fraternity to embrace emerging ideas and innovations that will see UNN place at the apex of world learning developments.

It is crucial that UNN remains at the forefront of educational trends, particularly in the rapidly emerging fields of artificial intelligence and technological innovation,” he added. “We must ensure our students are adequately equipped with the skills they require to thrive in this new global knowledge economy.”

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The Role of Experiential Learning in UNN’s Future

One of the features highlighted by Professor Ujam was experiential learning. Professor Ujam eulogized the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for requesting experiential learning from the state’s universities. Experiential learning focuses on providing students with practical experiences along with practical experience of their book knowledge.

We must enroll to that vision so our students are not left behind in the evolving world of global education,” Ujam said. The university is now seeking to incorporate more experiential learning into its curriculum so students receive a balanced education that prepares them for success in the job market.

Fostering Collaboration and Technological Advancement

Professor Ujam, in his speech, also emphasized the value of one united academic community free from divisions. He called for more cooperation among departments and faculties aimed at promoting research, academic engagement, and technological innovation. He also pledged to see to it that UNN did not lag behind in the current technological revolution.

I will be resolute, fair, and open in the discharge of my duty. UNN cannot be lagging behind in the current days of technology revolution, as OpenAI challenges DeepSeek,” Ujam declared. This focus on embracing technology and advancing academic collaboration is an evolved method that will serve the university in the future.

A New Era for UNN

The appointment of Professor Usman as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) is the beginning of a new dawn for the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. With a clear commitment to meritocracy, diversity, and academic excellence, the university is poised to shake off past issues and thrive in the coming years.

In prioritizing competence and oneness, UNN is not merely setting a new benchmark in leadership but solidifying its role as a vital stakeholder in Nigeria’s educational ecosystem. As the university leads the way, there is a renewed hope that these efforts will see it return to its place as Nigeria’s number one university, known for its commitment to innovation, ethical education, and national unity.

Professor Usman’s appointment is a move in the strategic direction of putting the university on the road to reclaiming its status as among the best in the world and one that can be followed by other universities in the nation. With this appointment, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka is ready to meet the future with confidence and resolve.

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