By Abdussamad Yahya Sufi
A coalition of development organizations and stakeholders has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seeking the dissolution of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Governing Council and the removal of Prof. Uduma O. Uduma as Vice-Chancellor-elect over alleged corruption, religious bias, and academic irregularities.
The Coalition for Development and Justice (CDJ) made the request in a petition dated October 22, 2025, and signed by its National Protem Chairman, Rabiu S. Hassan. The coalition alleged that the process leading to Prof. Uduma’s appointment was marred by serious irregularities.
According to the petition, credible information and reports suggest that financial inducements were used by Prof. Uduma to influence members of the Governing Council in his favor. The coalition urged President Tinubu to direct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to conduct a full investigation into these serious allegations.
The petition also alleged religious bias in the selection process, citing the fact that only one Muslim was among the 16 members involved, while 15 were Christians. This, the coalition argued, violates the Federal Character Principle enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution.
Furthermore, the coalition questioned Prof. Uduma’s academic qualifications, alleging that he was admitted into a PhD program without a Master’s degree, in violation of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Minimum Academic Standards.
The petition highlighted procedural irregularities in the selection process, alleging that the Governing Council unilaterally altered the evaluation criteria without approval. This, the coalition argued, undermines transparency and violates the Public Service Rules.
A separate petition by Adedapo, A. O. (Ph.D), raised similar concerns about the qualifications of Prof. Uduma and other professors, including Prof. Godwin Akper and Prof. Shehu Usman Danfulani. It alleged that Prof. Akper lacked a first degree and NYSC certificate, while Prof. Danfulani was sacked from his previous role due to financial scandal and embezzlement.
The petitions have sparked widespread concern among stakeholders, who argue that the integrity of Nigeria’s educational system is at stake. Many are calling for swift action to address the allegations and restore public trust in the system.
The fate of NOUN and its stakeholders hangs in the balance as the nation waits with bated breath for President Tinubu’s response. Will the President take decisive action to address the allegations and ensure justice is served? Only time will tell.
The development has once again brought to the fore the need for transparency and accountability in the appointment of leadership in Nigeria’s educational institutions.