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The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has been thrown into controversy following the exclusion of Prof. Godwin Akper’s name from the congregation list released on Monday.
Akper, a leading contender for the vice-chancellor’s seat and the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Technology Innovation and Research, was left out of the list that will determine representatives tasked with selecting the next vice-chancellor. The current VC, Prof. Olufemi Peters, will complete his tenure on Feb. 11, 2026.
Sources hinted that the omission might be tied to questions surrounding Akper’s academic qualifications. He reportedly holds a Diploma in Theology from the Reformed Theological College of Nigeria and a Master of Arts from Westminster Theological Seminary in California, but does not possess a first degree—seen as a basic requirement for congregation membership.
A member of the congregation, who spoke anonymously, suggested that the development could reduce Akper’s prospects.
“The chances of Akper succeeding the incumbent vice-chancellor are dwindling rapidly. The vice-chancellor not only chairs the congregation but also awards first degrees at convocation; how can someone without a first degree assume such a role?”
Responding to the controversy, Akper described the incident as an unexpected hurdle in his ambition to lead the institution.
“I was away attending the burial of my late sister-in-law in Benue and I came back to Abuja late, though I know there was going to be voting but I could not check last night.It was early this morning when I was trying to vote that I noticed my name was missing, so, I called the registrar who eventually told me that he will check.So, he came back to me and said it was an error and that it was not only my name, that other peoples name too were not there, so my name was added, and because there was a tie, a bye-election was organised for today.All things being equal, I was able to vote in the bye-election and even captured screenshots of my voting and results as proof.”
On his vision for the university, he stressed that the process should be about the institution’s progress rather than personal ambition.
“The focus should be on who can best lead the university forward with a clear vision, not on individual setbacks. I cannot publicly disclose my full vision at this time, but I know that the eventual vice-chancellor will serve the university and Nigeria with dedication.If I am honoured with this responsibility; I will seek to unite the university community, just as I will support whoever is chosen if it is not me.”
Akper further appealed for unity among the university community.
“Our collective goal is a stronger university that nurtures future leaders and contributes meaningfully to society,” he said.
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