By Felix Khanoba
The Executive Board of the African Council for Distance Education (ACDE) has approved the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, as its 1st Vice-President.
The Council also named the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Olufemi A. Peters, as its Goodwill Ambassador.
ACDE President, Professor Solomon Shibairo, communicated the appointments in separate letters dated February 17, 2026.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Ibrahim Sheme, Director of Media and Publicity at NOUN, Shibairo — who also serves as Vice-Chancellor of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya — congratulated Uduma on his recent elevation as NOUN Vice-Chancellor before informing him of the Council’s decision.
In the letter, Shibairo wrote: “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.”
He explained that the responsibilities attached to the office of 1st Vice-President include supporting the president in implementing the Council’s strategic objectives, representing the Council at meetings and conferences as delegated, and contributing to policy and strategic decisions during Executive Board meetings.
Other duties include strengthening partnerships within the West African sub-region to promote ACDE’s visibility and impact, mobilising resources, engaging stakeholders to advance the Council’s programmes, and encouraging knowledge-sharing and capacity-building among member institutions.
Shibairo expressed confidence in Uduma’s leadership as he steps into the role by virtue of his position as NOUN Vice-Chancellor.
“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 a separate correspondence to Peters, Shibairo commended the former Vice-Chancellor for his significant contributions to both NOUN and the broader Open and Distance Education community in Africa through ACDE.
He stated that Peters’ tenure 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.”
Shibairo highlighted several milestones achieved under Peters’ leadership, particularly those aligned with the Council’s strategic objectives, noting that these accomplishments informed the decision to appoint him as 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 explained that the new role entails “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 ACDE president further stated 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 African Council for Distance Education is a continental body made up of universities and higher education institutions committed to widening access to quality education through Open and Distance Learning (ODL), including e-learning.
Registered in Kenya as an international non-profit educational organisation, the Council is headquartered in Nairobi.
