Barely one month after his appointment as Acting Vice Chancellor (Ag. VC) of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Oguejiofo T. Ujam has begun implementing key reforms aimed at restoring the institution’s legacy of academic excellence and innovation.
During his inaugural address to the UNN Senate on February 26, 2025, Prof. Ujam emphasized the need for collective responsibility in repositioning the university for ethical and innovative learning.
He pledged to lead with fairness, transparency, and a commitment to meritocracy.
As part of his inclusive governance approach, Prof. Ujam appointed Professor Kamoru Olayiwola Usman as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) on March 17, 2025.
Prof. Usman, a Yoruba Muslim from Oyo State, becomes the first academic from his ethnic background to hold the position, marking a significant milestone in the university’s history.
In further efforts to strengthen the institution, the Ag. VC also appointed Dr. Mansur Adebowale Saddiq as the Acting Director of the UNN Medical Centre on March 20, 2025.
While congratulating the newly appointed officials, Prof. Ujam reiterated his vision to reposition UNN as Nigeria’s leading university.
He 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,” Prof. Ujam stated.
He commended Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for championing the transition to experiential learning, which aligns with UNN’s future direction.
Prof. Usman, who succeeds Prof. Urama, is a seasoned academic with a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education.
He previously served as Provost of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo State, from 2015 to 2023.
A distinguished scholar, he is a member of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies and a fellow of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria.
His professional affiliations include the Association of Promoting Quality Education in Nigeria (APQEN), Curriculum Organisation of Nigeria