On 18th December, 2025, Professor Noel Nen'man-Ndalbeh Wannang was appointed substantive Vice-Chancellor of FUEP. The appointment made him the first indigenous person ever appointed Vice-Chancellor following the recent upgrading of the former Federal College of Education to the status of a university.
Given the calibre of person the university don is, the public held his appointment as well deserved and, and this attracted wide widespread jubilation and hope across different spectrums of the society.
The Vice-Chancellor whose appointment was announced on 18th December, 2026, took over the mantle of leadership during a well-attended investiture that was held at the university on 13th February, 2026 and the event was followed with a thanksgiving Mass in honour the the VC on 14th February, 2026. So, I, once again, congratulate the VC on his appointment, inauguration and the thanksgiving mass.
Professor Noel Nen'man-Ndalbeh is a members of the Wannang family. From experience, I realised that, the name Wannang is synonymous to progress, transformation, and trans-generational impact. Makiyan/Wannang offsprings are spreading good vibes and auras everywhere. They are people who are committed to the creation and addition of value to humanity.
The Wannangs are goal-getters - very determined individuals. They are intellectually endowed, economically resourceful and rich in social capital. It is practically rare to find a family where all members are united in love and enthusiastic about good works like the Wannangs.
Professor Wannang was born on Christmas Day, 25th December 1968, as the last born yet learned the secret of living above pampering that most last borns enjoyed to the extent of derailing from their future goals.
Through vision, determination, and academic tact, Professor Wannang rose from the back seat to the front seat of life. Before his appointment, the Professor had carved a niche for himself as a cerebral scholar who is known both locally and internationally.
As a lecturer, he lectured with distinction and rose to the rank of professor with over 100 scholarly publications in reputable journals worldwide. He was a lead researcher in toxicology and clinical pharmacy at the University of Jos. He also led key researches in public health, including his heading of the Plateau State Research Team on Covid-19, a global pandemic that almost brought the world to a halt with palpable fear of extinction.
In the course of his lectureship, Professor Wannang became a Head of Department, Deputy Dean, and Director of General Studies, one of the most tasking leadership responsibilities in any university. He was a proud award-winning member of several professional associations and became Secretary-General as well as the Chairman of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WACP). He held these responsibilities with greater distinction!
With a certificate in leadership from the University of Washington, United States of America, and extensive experience previous responsibilities, it can be said without mincing words that, Professor Wannang is prepared for the job.
With his appointment, it can be said that FUEP is blessed with a priceless Vice-Chancellor, a matchless professor-cum-barrister, and a loving son basks in the warm embrace of his people - the immediate family, Ngas nation, Plateau State, and Nigeria.
Having be inaugurated Vice-Chancellor, responsibility has beckoned on Professor Noel Wannang to serve, and thank God he has gone through all preparatory learning curves thereby acquire wisdom, stamina, and determination.
I could see the VC a tested and proven master strategist, who does not solely rely on elaborate theoretical underpinnings but pragmatic remedies to institutional problems within the context of contemporary realities.
In one of my encounters with Professor Wannang at Vel Sunset, Pankshin, he demonstrated exceptional leadership trait. The great man had had a long day that fateful day, but being Board Members of our Network, namely the Ngas Regeneration Network, he sacrificed his sweet night rest to be with us throughout. He was looking so tired but remained until the last prayers. This means a lot considering his social status. Only a leader with a determination to make a difference could make such sacrifice!
The VC is an egghead with great charm and charisma to lead. As he resumes, the world awaits the full manifestation of the leadership capability. I have the unwavering belief that, with this great Professor on the saddle, the future of the university is bright. I can see a boost in the prime and tripatite functions, namely research, teaching and community development, of the great learning institution under his stewardship.
Having gone to the altar in company of family, friends, and well-wishers to say thank you to God for this appointment, I besiege the blessings and enabling wisdom of God, the giver and broker of all favours, to be upon him. My prayer is that the chosen one makes visible difference towards the greater good of the great citadel and the future of education in Nigeria. May he exceed the expectations of people to the glory and honour of God Almighty.
The journey has just began and, by the time the tenure of Professor Noel Nen'man-Ndalbeh, the Vice Chancelor is completed going forward, it will be the successful realisation of the university's pressing demands and the compelling hope of the people which he had satisfactorily met that will justify his choice over those who did not scale through during the VCship contest.
*Modest Thoughts with Ayuba Yilgak'ha, 14th February, 2026)*
