NEW FUHSO VC, PROF UBA, PROMISES TO TRANSFORM VARSITY
The first entry of the new Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, FUHSO, Professor Francis Aba Uba, into the University campus was greeted with ovation, and great joy from the University Community.
Addressing Staff and Students of the University at the Council Chamber of the Otada campus on the 21st May, 2025, the Professor of Surgery and Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, thanked God for making the day a reality.
The emotionally touched Vice Chancellor, who went memory lane, heaved and acknowledged the former President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark, GCON whom he described as “Our father”; Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Dist. Senator Abba Moro, PhD; Executive Secretary, TETFund – Arc Sunday Sylva Togo Echono, OON; Professor Selina Nnuaku Okolo – Professor of Paediatrics (Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition), FUHSO, formerly of University of Jos; former chairman of Apa Education Foundation, Professor Ochapa Onazi of his blessed memory, and many for their patriotism.
Prof Francis Uba who was obviously happy with the rousing welcome from the staff and students, appreciated past leaders of the University for playing their parts, promising to transform FUHSO ahead of her contemporaries, stressing the need for the University to have more colleges and faculties.
According to the new VC, FUHSO as a medical institution, should have history, College of Agriculture and medical engineering, stating that medicine and the proposed aforementioned programmes are interrelated and complementary for prospective applicants across Nigeria, particularly, the host communities to be admitted and acquire higher education.
The revered Academic and medical giant while assuring Staff and Students of a new dawn, promised welfarism, positing that all FUHSO Academic programmes shall be accreditation accordingly.
While calling for the unity of purpose by the University Community, the Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons, reiterated that there cannot be meaningful progress where there is lack peace and unity. He therefore, appealed for the withdrawal of all legal cases against FUHSO by the affected parties as a mark of honour for him to start a new era, admonishing Staff to eschew rumour mongering, averring that the management under his watch would be capable of addressing any matter brought before it.
“I’m here as your brother, and I cannot afford to fail. There’s no need for controversy. My leadership will be father and children relationship. Ask questions when in doubt, rather than letting the cat out of the bag and I promise you that FUHSO shall be great”, the Vice-Chancellor stated.
The VC tasked staff to be disciplined and be ready for the change and new face of FUHSO. He enjoined the Principal Officers to be transparent and accountable for the University to move forward.
The Registrar of the institution, Mr Michael Ogiji, on behalf of the University Community, pledged unflinching support to the leadership of the new Vice-Chancellor, professor Francis Uba.
The session was captivating and lively as the solidarity chorus chants from Staff and Students admired by the management, including the Registrar – Mister Michael Okoko Ogiji, FIPMD, FCAI; Bursar, Dr Paul Hassan Akpa, FCNA , ACTI, FCA; University Librarian, Dr Mrs Taiwo Adetoun Akinde, MNLA, CLN; Director of Academic Planning and Control, Professor Edache Sylvanus Okpe; Professor Okolo; HOD Chemistry – Professor Friday Godwin Okibe; Director, Institute of Global Health and Health Security – Professor Audu Onyemocho; Dean, Students’ Affairs Professor Michael Enokela Efu; HOD, microbiology – Dr Peter Adikwu; Chief Security Officer, CSO, Mister Michael Anebi etcetera etcetera.
The formal handover ceremony to the new Vice-Chancellor, would be done at a later date by the former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stephen Obekpa Abah.
James A. Onogwu, MNIPR, FCAI
Head, Information, Publications, and Public Relations Unit, IPPRU, FUHSO.
