The Executive Board. of the African Council for Distance Education (ACDE) has approved the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, as its 1st Vice-President and the also appointed the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Olufemi A. Peters, as its Goodwill Ambassador.
ACDE President, Professor Solomon Shibairo, conveyed the news in separate letters to Uduma and Peters dated February 17, 2026.
In his letter to Uduma, the ACDE leader, who is also the Vice-Chancellor of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya, first congratulated him on his recent appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN and then told him: "I am pleased to inform you that the National Open University of Nigeria is a member of ACDE and as per the governance structure of ACDE, NOUN holds the position of the 1st Vice President in the Executive Board.
"As such, you will assume this role during your tenure as Vice Chancellor, NOUN."
Shibaro stated that the terms of reference for the 1st vice-president include supporting the president in the execution of the Council’s strategic objectives, representing the Council at meetings, conferences, and forums as delegated by the president, actively participating in Executive Board meetings and contributing to policy and strategic decision-making, as well as strengthening partnerships within the West African sub-region to the promote the ACDE’s visibility and impact.
Others are assisting in mobilising resources and engaging stakeholders in support of the ACDE’s programmes and activities, and promoting knowledge-sharing and capacity-building among member institutions.
He said the ACDE looks forward to Uduma's leadership and active engagement in the work of the ACDE as he assumes the position of 1st Vice President of the Council by virtue of his office as the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN.
"Your stewardship at NOUN and your contribution at ACDE Board level will be instrumental in advancing ACDE’s strategic objectives and strengthening open, distance and e-learning across Africa," he said.
In his letter to Peters, the ACDE president appreciated the former VC's immense contributions to both the university and the broader Open and Distance Education community in Africa through ACDE.
Shibairo added that Peters' leadership at NOUN “has been defined by vision, innovation, and steadfast commitment to accessible, inclusive, and high-quality higher education.
He said: “Within ACDE, your impact has been profound. As the 1st Vice President of the Executive Board, your leadership strengthened the Council’s strategic direction, governance, and presence across the continent."
The president listed a number of notable feats recorded by the former vice-chancellor, especially as they concerned the realisation of the ACDE’s strategic goals.
To this end, he added, the ACDE deemed it fit to appoint him as its Goodwill Ambassador.
“In recognition of your legacy and unwavering support, I am honoured to inform you, on behalf of the ACDE Executive Board, that you are hereby appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the African Council for Distance Education,” he said.
He added that with this appointment, Peters is expected to assume the roles of “promoting the image of ACDE as a pan-African institution committed to expanding access to quality education and training through Open and Distance Learning (ODeL), including e-learning.
Shibairo said the task before Peters also involves “enhancing the visibility and sustainability of ACDE by engaging with national governments, regional bodies, and international organisations to support its mission and supporting relevant advocacy, advisory, and representation activities in alignment with ACDE’s strategic goals.”
The president further affirmed that the appointment "demonstrates our immense gratitude and confidence in your continued influence as a thought leader and elder in the field of ODeL.
“Your legacy of service, integrity, and excellence will continue to inspire the ACDE community and guide future generations of educational leaders across the continent.”
The ACDE is a continental educational organisation comprising African universities and other higher education institutions that are committed to expanding access to quality education and training through Open and Distance Learning (ODL), including e-learning.
It is registered under the laws of Kenya as an international educational non-profit making body, and has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
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