10 Things to Know About Prof Samuel Odewunmi — New Acting VC, University of Uyo

Professor Samuel Gbadebo Odewumi, a renowned academic in transport planning and policy, has just stepped into a major leadership role in Nigerian higher education. In December 2025, he was appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, one of Nigeria’s federal universities in Akwa Ibom State. His appointment reflects both his impressive career and the trust placed in his leadership during a transitional period for the institution.

Here’s what you should know about this distinguished scholar and university leader:

1. Recently Appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor of University of Uyo
Professor Odewumi was appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo in a letter dated 15 December 2025, with immediate effect until a substantive VC is selected.

2. Academic Specialisation: Transport Planning & Policy
He is a Professor of Transport Planning and Policy, a field critical to infrastructure development and logistics in Nigeria and beyond.

3. Distinguished Academic Career at Lagos State University
Before his new role, Prof Odewumi was a senior academic at Lagos State University (LASU), serving in several key leadership roles including Dean of the School of Transport and Logistics (2012–2021).

4. Broad and International Academic Qualifications
Prof Odewumi has a deep academic foundation, including:

Executive Management Diplomas from Harvard University (2017) and Stellenbosch University (2011)

A PhD and MSc from the University of Lagos

Additional post-graduate diplomas in education and surveying

Undergraduate degree from Obafemi Awolowo University

5. Global Professional Development
His training also includes special studies in Environmental Monitoring & GIS (USA), Data Modelling (France), Global Mobility (across Africa and Asia), and Logistics & Supply Chain Management (Rwanda).

6. Leadership Beyond the Classroom
Prof Odewumi’s leadership has extended to roles such as:

Director, Centre for Planning Studies

Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), LASU

Senior Research Fellow at the National Universities Commission (NUC), Abuja

7. Consultancy Across Sectors
He has consulted for major development organisations and agencies including:

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)

GTZ Germany & World Bank

UNESCO, Paris

Various Lagos State institutions like LAWMA, LASWA and the Ministry of Transport

8. Active Community Engagement
Beyond academia, Prof Odewumi has served in community leadership roles—such as Secretary, Ogbomoso Development Association, and Chairman, Parent-Teacher Association—highlighting his commitment to societal development.

9. Recognitions & Fellowships
His work has earned him multiple fellowships in professional bodies, including:

Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (FCIOTA)

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (FCILT)

Institute of Corporate Administration (FICA)

Nigeria Institute for Shipping (FIS)

Ford Foundation Fellow (USA)
…among others, testifying to his leadership and expertise.

10. Awards and National Praise

Prof Odewumi’s contributions have been recognised with awards like:

Osun State Government Distinguished Service Award

Covenant University Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award

Academic of the Year 2019 (Prominent Oyo People’s Award)

Looking Ahead

As Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Uyo, Prof Odewumi brings a blend of scholarly achievement, administrative experience, and strategic vision to steer the university through a leadership transition, reinforcing its academic mission and institutional stability.