Otukpo, Nigeria – Prof. Uba Bags Prestigious Sir Ahmadu Bello Award of Excellence.
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Professor Francis Aba Uba, was on Monday, 23 March 2026, decorated with the coveted Sir Ahmadu Bello Award of Excellence — Garkuwan Matasan Arewa Icon and Cynosure of Societal Transformation.
The award was presented to the Vice-Chancellor by officials of the Northern Youths Association of Nigeria at the Otada Campus of the University.
Speaking at the event, the Association’s President, Mr. Isah Ododo, praised the Vice-Chancellor’s exemplary leadership while conferring the award. He described Professor Uba as an outstanding academic and nation-builder whose contributions to education, peace, and national unity have earned him widespread recognition both within Nigeria and internationally.
Ododo further expressed the Association’s desire to align with the Vice-Chancellor’s visionary leadership through mentorship and collaboration. He noted that Professor Uba’s induction places him among eminent personalities whose selfless service and dedication have significantly shaped national development.
Also speaking, the Vice President of the Association, Mr. Amana U. Shapi, commended the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to staff welfare and institutional growth. He described the award as both a recognition of achievements recorded and an encouragement to sustain the current momentum. According to him, the milestones recorded under Professor Uba’s leadership within a short period underscore the exceptional pace and quality of his administration.
In his response, the visibly elated Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude for the honour, noting that true service lies in continuous contribution to national development rather than in the pursuit of accolades. He urged the Association to champion national rebirth and unity, emphasizing that divisions along ethnic, religious, or gender lines are artificial constructs that hinder collective progress.
Professor Uba dedicated the award to the University’s Governing Council, Management, staff, and students, describing it as a reflection of the collective commitment and hard work that have driven FUHSO’s growth. He reaffirmed his dedication to the ideals of cohesion, integrity, and service.
In a goodwill message, the University Registrar, Mr. Michael Okoko Ogiji, lauded the Vice-Chancellor’s achievements, noting that such recognition further enhances the visibility of FUHSO within the national space.
Those in attendance included the Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Godwin Friday Okibe; the Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Cecilia Ojabo; the University Librarian, Dr. (Mrs.) Taiwo Adetoun Akinde; the Provost, College of Medicine, Professor Edwin Iduh Ogwuche; the Principal Assistant Registrar, Dr. Christopher Abah; and the Secretary of the Northern Youths Association, Mr. Paul Gajir.
Information, Public Relations and Protocol Unit
FUHSO
26 March 2026
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