For the first time in the history of the institution, the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has appointed a Yoruba man, Professor Kamoru Olayiwola Usman, as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics).
In a statement, UNN Acting Vice-Chancellor (Ag. VC), Professor Oguejiofo T. Ujam, said the appointment is part of ongoing efforts to sustain the culture of inclusive governance, competence and restoring the institution’s legacy of academic excellence and innovation.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“The appointment of Professor Usman reflects our resolve to prioritise competence over sectional considerations. It is imperative that we sustain this culture of inclusivity and meritocracy to move the university forward,” Professor Ujam stated.
Professor Usman, who hails from Oyo State, holds a PhD in Mathematics Education and previously served as Provost of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo State, from 2015 to 2023.
He is a fellow of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria and a member of several professional bodies, including the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies and the Nigerian Educational Research Association. He succeeds Johnson Urama, a Professor of Astrophysics, who has held the position since 2020.
Professor Usman’s initial tenure as DVC (Academics) will last for two years, with the possibility of renewal.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Removes UNN, Abuja University VCs, Reshuffles Leadership In Other Institutions
The acting VC also announced the appointment of Dr Mansur Adebowale Saddiq as Acting Director of the Medical Centre.
According to the statement, Professor Ujam had during a recent meeting of the University Senate, stressed the need for a collective effort towards putting the institution on a steady path towards ethical and innovative learning.
“UNN must regain its pride of place as Nigeria’s premier university. We must rid the system of narrow-minded sectionalism and divisive tendencies that have eroded the enabling environment for research, comparative studies, and the adaptive application of new knowledge,” the statement read.
He congratulated the new appointees and urged members of the Senate and the university community to collaborate in eliminating sectionalism and fostering an environment conducive to research, comparative studies, and technological advancement.
“We must ensure UNN is not left behind in the global technological evolution, particularly in the ongoing rivalry between Open Artificial Intelligence and DeepSeek,” Ujam stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
