Prof. Francis Uba Appointed 2nd Substantive Vice-Chancellor of FUHSO as Governing Council Names New Principal Officers

Prof. Francis Uba Appointed 2nd Substantive Vice-Chancellor of FUHSO as Governing Council Names New Principal Officers

The Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), has officially appointed Professor Francis Aba Uba as the 2nd substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution. The announcement, made on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, was accompanied by the appointments of other key principal officers to steer the affairs of Nigeria’s premier health sciences university.

During a formal presentation held in Abuja, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Muhammed Salihu Audu, handed over the letter of appointment to Prof. Uba, describing the selection process as thorough and based purely on merit. He revealed that the renowned paediatric surgeon emerged top among candidates after a rigorous interview process.

Until his appointment, Professor Uba was a Professor of Surgery and Consultant Paediatric Surgeon at the University of Jos and Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). A widely respected academic and medical expert, Prof. Uba brings to the role a wealth of experience and an impressive portfolio of qualifications, including MD, PhD, MPA, MB ChM, FMCS, FWACS, and MSc (Clinical Epidemiology). He is also a founding editor of the African Journal of Paediatric Surgery and a core member of the Apa Education Foundation (AEF), which played a pivotal role in the establishment of FUHSO.

A native of Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, Prof. Uba was described as a patriotic Nigerian and academic of uncommon distinction. His appointment is expected to usher in a new era of excellence, innovation, and leadership at FUHSO.

Other appointments announced by the Governing Council include:

• Mr. Michael Ogiji, FIPMD, FCAI, who was named substantive Registrar. A seasoned administrator known for his excellent service in the University of Jos and FUHSO, Mr. Ogiji hails from Okpokwu LGA in Benue State and was previously the Acting Registrar of FUHSO.

• Chief (Dr) Paul Hassan Akpa, a Chartered National Accountant and tax professional, was appointed as the Bursar. Chief Akpa holds several fellowships, including FCNA and FCA, and boasts a diverse academic background with honorary doctorates from the London Business School and the University of Nicosia, Cyprus. Before joining FUHSO, he served as Bursar at Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State. He is from Ankpa in Kogi State.

• Dr. Taiwo Adetoun Akinde, a certified Chartered Librarian from Ogun State, was appointed as University Librarian. She previously served as the Acting University Librarian at Anchor University, Lagos. Dr. Akinde is an academic author and editor, with numerous published works in both local and international journals. She is also a Christian counsellor and passionate youth mentor.

In his remarks, the outgoing Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stephen Obekpa Abah, FWACP, congratulated Professor Uba on his well-earned appointment, describing him and the newly appointed officers as “men and women of integrity, with deep-rooted commitment to academic excellence and national development.”

Professor Abah called on the entire university community to support the new leadership team to ensure a smooth and successful transition. He expressed confidence that their collective experience and vision would bring transformative progress to FUHSO.

The appointments, effective immediately, are for a single, non-renewable term of five years.