The Northern Youths Organisation of Nigeria has awarded the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, for his significant contributions to educational advancement.

During the award ceremony, Dr. Isa Ododo, President of the organisation, presented the title of "Garkuwan Matasan Arewa" (Shield of Northern Youths) to Prof. Uduma, highlighting his extensive career in the education sector. "We have 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," Dr. Ododo stated.

Dr. Ododo further expressed appreciation for Prof. Uduma's dedication, saying, "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."

In his response, Prof. Uduma welcomed the delegation to NOUN headquarters in Abuja and expressed gratitude for the honour. He emphasized the university's commitment to collaborating with various stakeholders, stating, "In all humility, the university will cooperate with everyone." He also noted the importance of understanding the academic nature of his role, especially in contrast to other nominees for the award, many of whom are 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," Prof. Uduma clarified. The leader of the delegation later mentioned that the awards would also be conferred upon other vice-chancellors of Nigerian universities and apolitical office holders.