The Northern Youths Organisation of Nigeria has conferred an award of excellence on the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, in recognition of his contributions to educational advancement.
Conferring the award on the Vice-Chancellor, President of the organisation, Dr. Isa Ododo said the title of "Garkuwan Matasan Arewa" (Shield of Northern Youths) was considered for Prof. Uduma in view of his trajectory in the education sector.
"We've been following your trajectory in education - from the University of Lagos, to Ebonyi State University, to the University of Port Harcourt. Your name was mentioned at our convention in Kaduna for the award of Garkuwan Matasan Arewa," the group said.
"You have paid your dues in the education sector. We encourage you to continue in the direction of what you are doing. We are here as a reinforcement to what you are doing," they added.
Responding, Prof. Uduma welcomed the delegation to NOUN headquarters in Abuja and thanked them for the honour.
The Vice-Chancellor said that in all humility, the university will cooperate with everyone, adding that the association is also expected to understand the level of academia for proper relationship.
He reaffirmed the university's commitment to democratizing access to quality education and building partnerships that advance national development.
Prof. Uduma however asked the group to understand the academic nature of the office he holds, as against the list of other nominees for the awards, who are mostly politicians.
"I did not belong to the category of people you mentioned for the award. I want you to understand that by our structure, I am not a political officer holder," he said.
Lesder of the team later clarified that the awards would equally be received by other vice-chancellors of the Nigerian universities as well as other apolitical officer holders.
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