Prof. Chiedu Felix Mafiana fppsn, fzsn

Chiedu Felix Mafiana, a Professor of Parasitology, was born on January 01, 1959 in Kano. He had his tertiary education at the University of Lagos, where he obtained his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Zoology in 1980 and 1986 respectively. He obtained his Doctorate degree in Zoology, with specialisation in Parasitology, from the University of Benin in 1988. Mafiana, a consummate educationist and Researcher, began his academic career in October 1989 at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB) and rose through the ranks, to Professor in October 2002.

He served as Head of Department of Biological Sciences, Director, Equipment Maintenance Centre, Director, Academic Planning, and Chairman/Member of many Committees, including Committees of Council and Senate. He has produced many PhD graduates. 

Professor Mafiana’s research interest is in the Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases Arising from Agricultural Development and Land–use Practices, Water-related Activities, Socio-economic Status, Environmental Changes and Sanitation. He pioneered research into Simulium and Onchocerciasis in the then Bendel State of Nigeria, previously terra incognita. He is a life member of the Parasitology and Public health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), and served it as the Business Manager and Editor-In-Chief of its Official Organ, The Nigerian Journal of Parasitology. He has great interest in the development of Higher Education. His areas of focus include quality assurance, leadership and management in higher education systems. He is a founding member of the African Quality Assurance Network (AfriQAN), and was the Executive member, representing West Africa on the Board (2010-12). 

Professor Mafiana was appointed Director, Executive Secretary’s Office, National Universities Commission, Abuja in August 2007. He became the Deputy Executive Secretary from 2014-2018.

Professor Mafiana is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). He previously held the position of Director, Research Administration and Advancement from November, 2019 to August, 2021, as well as Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies from September, 2021 to October, 2023 (NOUN). He is a Trustee and Fellow of the Parasitology & Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN). He has served as the President of the African Quality Assurance Network (AfriQAN), Nigeria’s Focal Point for the Implementation of the 2014 Addis Convention; Board Member, Harmonisation of African Higher Education Quality Assurance and Accreditation (HAQAA); and Member of UNESCO’s Drafting Committee on Global Convention on Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications. He has excellent reading, writing and listening skills.