The African Council for Distance Education (ACDE) has appointed the Vice Chancellor of the 

National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, as the 1st Vice-President of its Executive Board.

News of the appointment was conveyed to Uduma in a letter dated 17th February, 2026 and signed by Professor Solomon Shibairo, President of the ACDE and Vice-Chancellor, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya.

In the letter, Shibaro first congratulated Uduma 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 region to promote the ACDE’s visibility and impact.

Others are assisting in mobilising resources and engaging stakeholders in support of ACDE’s programmes and activities, and promoting-knowledge sharing and capacity-building among ACDE 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.

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.