FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES OTUKPO
PROFESSOR UJAH: A GIFT TO FUHSO, SAYS ERSTWHILE VC
Nigeria’s first Professor of Theatre Arts to become a Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shamsudeen Onyilokwu Onche Amali, OFR, has said that the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, FUHSO, Professor Innocent Achanya Otobo Ujah, mni, is a rare gift to the University.
Professor Amali, an erstwhile Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin and Nasarawa State University made this declaration when he paid a visit to the Vice-Chancellor in his office at the Otada take-off campus. He added that the Professor of Obstetrician and Gyaenacology has written his name in the annals of history considering his success stories.
The first Nigerian to obtain a Ph.D in Modern Drama, and the first in the country to become a Professor of Modern Drama affirmed that, as premier VC, Prof. Ujah has the capacity to stir the affairs of the first Federal University of Health Sciences in Nigeria, pointing out that he has raised the bar of the medical profession in the country.
The Amil of the Muslim Ummah in Benue South Senatorial District and the first Professor of Theatre Arts from Northern Nigeria, re-echoed that the achievements of the one-time DG, Nigerian Medical Research, Lagos, and President, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, were stupendous and conspicuous for all and sundry.
The renowned Professor of Theatre Arts and Drama, further stated that Professor Ujah is synonymous with excellence and factuality, expressed gratitude to the VC for leading FG delegation to his abode during the University’s ground breaking ceremony. The elder statesman called on FUHSO management to shun scaremongers, rather work as a team in prayers, to surmount challenges and to stand by the Vice-Chancellor to attain the vision and mission of the University.
The Amil of the Muslim Ummah in Benue South, thanked almighty Allah for the guidance and protection and pledged his unflinching support and Muslims in the zone for the University to succeed.
Responding, the highly revered Vice Chancellor, could not hide his joy while exchanging pleasantries with one of the pillars of education in Nigeria chronicled his coming to the University as ‘August visit in September’.
Eyeball to eyeball, Professor Ujah narrated the history of FUHSO, visa-vis success and challenges, also told the quondam VC that he heaved a sigh of relief by his vist and promised to continue to do his best for the University and posterity.
The first DG of NMR from Northern Nigeria, expatiated that FUHSO is hinged on tripod, ie Educational, Health and Economic emancipation, noting that the University has impacted on the lives of the people of Benue South and Nigerians at large.
He explained that the University will commence Remedial Studies soon to meet standards rather than results from ‘miracle centres’.
The Vice-Chancellor thanked the quondam President of the Senate, Chief David Mark, GCON, Federal Ministry of Education, FME, National Universities Commission, NUC, JAMB Registrar, Professor Is-haq Olarewaju Oloyede, tetfund ES, Arc Sonny Echono, Professor Ochapa Onazi, Apa Education Foundation, AEF, FG, and other stakeholders who ensured the maiden University in the zone.
Orator and Director of Academic Planning and Control of the University, Professor Owoicho Akpa, expressed ecstasy to the erudite Professor whom he delineated as a father and mentor, also identified the priceless assistance given to the University by individuals and organizations whose tireless effort led to the realization of FUHSO.
DVC Academic, Professor Stephen Abah, and Registrar - Mallam Aminu Abba were part of the meeting. The holder, Order of the Federal Republic, OFR, and quondam Vice-Chancellor of Uni-Ilorin and Nasarawa State University, served in the duo institutions from 2002 to 2007 and 2010 – 2013 respectively. He’s a native of Upu, Otukpo LGA, Benue State, Nigeria.