FUHSO VC Uba Bags Sir Ahmadu Bello Award for Leadership, National Impact
By Tony Enokela
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Professor Francis Aba Uba, has been honoured with the prestigious Sir Ahmadu Bello Award of Excellence, in recognition of his leadership and contributions to national development.
Professor Uba received the award on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the university’s Otada Campus, where officials of the Northern Youths Association of Nigeria decorated him with the title, Garkuwan Matasan Arewa Icon and Cynosure of Societal Transformation.
Presenting the award, the Association’s President, Mr. Isah Ododo, described the Vice-Chancellor as an outstanding academic and nation-builder whose efforts in advancing education, peace, and national unity have earned him widespread acclaim both locally and internationally.
He added that the honour places Uba among distinguished Nigerians whose selfless service continues to shape national progress.
Ododo also expressed the Association’s readiness to collaborate with the Vice-Chancellor through mentorship initiatives aimed at empowering young people and promoting visionary leadership.
In his remarks, the Association’s Vice President, Mr. Amana U. Shapi, commended Professor Uba’s commitment to staff welfare and institutional growth, noting that the rapid strides recorded by FUHSO under his leadership reflect a high standard of administration.
He said the award serves not only as recognition of achievements but also as encouragement to sustain the momentum.
Responding, Professor Uba expressed gratitude for the recognition, stressing that meaningful service lies in sustained contributions to national development rather than the pursuit of honours.
He urged Nigerian youths to promote unity and reject divisions along ethnic, religious, and gender lines, which he described as barriers to collective progress.
The Vice-Chancellor dedicated the award to the university’s Governing Council, management, staff, and students, attributing the institution’s growth to collective effort and shared commitment to excellence.
In a goodwill message, the University Registrar, Mr. Michael Okoko Ogiji, said the recognition further boosts the visibility and reputation of FUHSO on the national stage.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Godwin Friday Okibe; the Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Cecilia Ojabo; the University Librarian, Dr. Taiwo Adetoun Akinde; the Provost, College of Medicine, Professor Edwin Iduh Ogwuche; Principal Assistant Registrar, Dr. Christopher Abah; and the Association’s Secretary, Mr. Paul Gajir.
