In a historic move, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has appointed Professor Kamoru Olayiwola Usman as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics)—the first Yoruba scholar to assume the role in the institution’s history.
The appointment was made by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oguejiofo T. Ujam, as part of UNN’s ongoing reforms to foster inclusive governance and restore academic excellence.
Born in Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State, Professor Usman’s academic journey began at Chief Agbaje Memorial Primary School, Ibadan, followed by Iwo Grammar School, Iwo. He later earned his degree from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, in 1989.
His career at UNN began in 1990, after an outstanding National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year at University of Nigeria Secondary School, Nsukka, which earned him an automatic employment at the university. He obtained his Master’s degree (1996) and Ph.D. (2002) from UNN, and by 2009, he was promoted to Professor of Science Education.
A renowned Mathematics educator and researcher, Professor Usman has published 56 academic articles in reputable local and international journals and authored seven textbooks. He has successfully supervised 11 Ph.D. graduates and numerous Master’s students.
His academic excellence has been recognized globally. In 1999, he won the Fulbright Junior Academic Scholarship to study at North Carolina State University, USA, where he also received the prestigious Holland Award for Fulbrighters in 2000.
Beyond academia, Professor Usman has consulted for major educational bodies, including JAMB, NECO, WAEC, UNESCO, UNICEF, and NUC. He also served as an external examiner at Aligarh Muslim University, India, and is a Fellow of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria (FMAN).
His appointment is seen as a monumental step toward diversity and inclusion at UNN, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and national integration.
