Professor Uji, Wilfred Terlumun

Professor Uji, Wilfred Terlumun is a Nigerian historian of Tiv origin from Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State. Born on 10 December 1970 to the family of Hon. William Uji and Margaret Uji, he began his education at L.G.E.A Primary School Aliade, Benue State, completing in 1979. He proceeded to Government Secondary School Naka for his General Certificate of Education in 1984.

He earned a National Certificate in Education from the College of Education Ankpa (1989), then a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in History with Second Class Upper Division from Benue State University in 1997. He later obtained a Master of Arts in History (2002) and his Ph.D. in History from the University of Abuja in 2009.

His academic career began at Benue State University, Makurdi, in 1997 as a Graduate Assistant. In 2012, he joined the Federal University of Lafia as a Senior Lecturer and rose to Associate Professor in 2015. In 2021, he became a full Professor of Social and Economic History. In 2022, he delivered his Inaugural Lecture titled Migrations, Social and Economic Development in Historical Trajectory.

Professor Uji has held significant administrative and academic leadership roles, including Examination Officer (BSU), Coordinator of General Studies, and Pioneer Head of Department, History and International Studies, Federal University of Lafia (2011–2015). He has served on several Senate committees and contributed extensively to curriculum development.

From 2016 to 2020, he served as Executive Secretary, Benue State Teaching Service Board. Upon returning to the university, he was appointed the Pioneer Director, Open Distance and e-Learning (2021–2022).

A respected scholar in conflict studies, migration, development, and social-economic history, Professor Uji has published over forty scholarly works, several books, and book chapters. He is a member of the Historical Society of Nigeria and the International Society for Development and Sustainability. He is married to Mrs. Paulina Uji and blessed with seven children.

International Conferences Attended

• “Cultural Awakening: A Tool for National Development.” Federal College of Education, Obudu, 2000.
• “Tiv-Jukun Ethnic Crisis and its Implications on National Unity.” Benue State University, 1999.
• “Colonial Railway Infrastructural Development and National Integration in Tivland.” BSU, 2000.
• “Academic Freedom and Intellectual Culture of Nigerian Universities.” BSU, 2001.
• “The European Factor in the Outbreak of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.” BSU, 2002.
• “History and Its Relevance to Public Sector Development in Nigeria.” Historical Society of Nigeria, Ibadan, 2007.
• “The Migrant Factor in the Pre-Colonial History of Tivland.” University of Abuja, 2007.
• “Religious Fundamentalist Movements and Social Conflicts in Nigeria.” University of Jos, 2009.
• “Western Cultural Imperialism, Nigerian Youths and Nation Building.” Federal Polytechnic Idah.
• “Official vs Unofficial History: The Tiv-Jukun Crisis.” BSU, 2012.
• “An Appraisal of Coercive Instruments in Managing Social Conflicts in the Benue Valley.” NDA Kaduna, 2004.
• “Africa: The Treachery of Her Children.” Guest Lecture, 2012.
• “Corruption and National Development.” IBB University Lapai, 2012.
• “The Tripletyre System and Misinterpretations of the Nigerian State.” University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 2014.
• “International Migrations and the Globalization of Epidemics.” Federal University Lafia, 2014.
• “Migrant Groups and Market Development in Tiv Society.” FULafia, 2014.