The Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, has received the prestigious International Human Rights Defender of the Year Award 2026, presented by the International Human Rights Protection Service (IHRPS), USA.
The award was in recognition of his outstanding academic achievements, institutional leadership and contributions to educational advancement.
It was presented by the President of the visiting IHRPS delegation, Ambassador Eneogwe I. Emmanuel, who described the recognition as an expression of the organisation's appreciation of Professor Uduma's distinguished professional accomplishments and commitment to values that promote human dignity, responsible leadership and human rights.
Ambassador Emmanuel explained that Professor Uduma's admission into the IHRPS Forum was also designed to strengthen mutually beneficial relationships between the organisation and the academic community, particularly in the areas of human rights education, institutional protection, research, youth development and the promotion of responsible leadership.
He emphasised that membership recognition was not merely ceremonial but represented an opportunity for deeper institutional engagement, collaboration and shared responsibility in advancing universal human rights principles.
According to him, the recognition reflects the organisation's confidence in individuals whose professional accomplishments and leadership disposition align with its objectives.
He added that, in addition to the award, Professor Uduma was being certified as a member of the IHRPS and inducted into the African Human Rights and Protection Service.
The IHRPS President further disclosed the organisation's interest in establishing Human Rights Centres in selected Nigerian universities, with NOUN among the institutions being considered.
He explained that the proposed partnership was informed by prevailing realities across Africa and the need to strengthen human rights awareness, education and institutional mechanisms for the protection of human dignity.
Responding, Prof. Uduma expressed profound gratitude for the honour, admitting that he had recently resolved to decline awards, except in special circumstances.
However, he said the significance of the recognition and its connection with his convictions about human rights made it difficult for him to turn down.
The Vice-Chancellor described human rights as fundamental entitlements that should not be regarded as privileges bestowed by those in positions of authority.
“Human rights are not privileges bestowed by those who exercise power. Governance is about protecting them,” he said.
He stressed that the rule of law must not degenerate into merely the rule by law, but should serve as an instrument for protecting the weak and ensuring justice for all.
Prof. Uduma also underscored the interconnectedness of humanity, noting that solidarity and shared responsibility were essential to the protection of human dignity.
Reflecting on Africa's history, he observed that the continent's struggle for independence was, in essence, also a struggle for humanity, justice and the recognition of the dignity of its people.
He further emphasised that education transcends the acquisition of academic certificates, describing it as a powerful instrument for promoting human development, social inclusion and equal opportunities.
According to him, NOUN's commitment to Open and Distance Learning (ODL) continues to demonstrate how education can be made accessible to a wider segment of society, irrespective of geographical location or personal circumstances.
He cited the university's recent decision to abolish application fees as a practical demonstration of its commitment to removing barriers to education and expanding access to learning opportunities.
The Vice-Chancellor maintained that the award should not be seen as a declaration of personal achievements but rather as a renewed call to service and greater responsibility.
He commended the International Human Rights Protection Service for its work and for finding him worthy of the recognition.
“Justice is not the reserve of the few. Human dignity is not negotiable,” he declared.
Dedicating the award to those who labour to defend humanity, Professor Uduma expressed the hope that justice would continue to guide society's collective pursuit of peace, equality and human dignity.
On the proposed establishment of a Human Rights Centre in NOUN, the Vice-Chancellor assured the visiting delegation that the university would give the partnership proposal due consideration.
He expressed optimism about the prospects of collaboration, affirming that NOUN and IHRPS could work together in promoting the protection of human dignity and advancing human rights education.
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