FUHSO VC Receives Nelson Mandela Leadership Award

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Professor Francis Aba Uba, was on Thursday, 29 January 2026, conferred with the prestigious Nelson Mandela Leadership Award by SAYDI-AFRICA. Presenting the award at the Otada Campus of the University, the President of the continental body, Mr. Austine Kawssi, noted that Prof. Uba has distinguished himself as: > “a selfless leader of astute erudition, outstanding understanding and articulate attributes; one of the rare prominent Africans who have written their names on the very heart of history through dedicated service to God, humanity and country, in line with the Nelson Mandela ideology.” Responding, a visibly elated Prof. Uba acknowledged the crucial role the pan-African, youth-led organisation is playing in “uniting a fragmented continent.” Speaking further, the award recipient revealed that the University is in its sixth year of existence, noting that under his leadership, FUHSO has stabilised and is making steady progress on all fronts. As an inducted member of the organisation, the Vice-Chancellor pledged to partner with SAYDI-AFRICA to positively impact humanity. Achievement Awards were also bestowed on the Governing Council and the University Management in recognition of the steady progress recorded by the institution within a short period. Present at the event included the Registrar, Mr. Mike Ogiji; the Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Friday Godwin Okibe; the Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Mrs. Cecilia Ojabo; the Dean, Students’ Affairs, Dr. Peter Adikwu; and staff of the Information Unit of the University. Meanwhile, the President of the organisation, Mr. Austine Kawssi, was accompanied by the Francophone Vice-President (West Africa) Mr Etango Francisca, and the Coordinator(Nigeria), Eveh Dominic. SAYDI-AFRICA, formally known as the Saving African Youths Dream Initiative (SAYDi), is a youth-led non-governmental organisation based in Nigeria, focused on empowering young people and promoting social development across Africa.