Senator Akume, a former Governor of Benue State, former Senator, and now Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, expressed his gratitude in a statement on Saturday.
In his message of appreciation, the Hon. Minister expressed gratitude to the President for his timely intervention in the Tertiary Education Sector of Benue state and Nigeria by establishing The much needed University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue state. He stressed the rising need for a boost in the tertiary education sector in the state and Nation especially in the light of the ever increasing population as well as several other challenges which includes efficient Health Service Delivery.
He congratulated sons and friends of Idomaland for making the dream of the people come true, noting that the new University will contribute immensely to the educational, economic and social development of the town, state and the nation as well as serving to boost Human capital development.
The college is among the six federal colleges of education approved by President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday 21st, May 2020
The Hon. Minister has also congratulated Professor Innocent Ujah, mni who is the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the university.
Senator George Akume described Professor Innocent Ujah as an erudite scholar whose vast experience in the field of medical sciences undoubtedly qualifies him for the job and expressed confidence in his ability to excel in his new assignment. Being a new institution, he praised the choice of Professor Ujah pointing out that the institution needed the best hands for Perfect takeoff, growth and development.
Professor Innocent Achanya Otobo Ujah, MBBS, FMCOG, FICS, FNSEM, PGDM, Mni. was born on 6th November 1954. He hails from Benue State, Nigeria.
- He is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecological Surgeon. He served as a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos. and National Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) committee on Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
- He possesses vast experience in several medical fields and projects significant amongst them being his more than 31 years experience in National Maternal Health policy development in Nigeria Including national integrated planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation activities in 36 states of the Federation and FCT.
His Specialty is in Maternal and Reproductive Health as well as Reproductive Endocrinology and Endocrine infertility.
Senator Dr George Akume who admonished the government and people of Benue State to encourage and support Professor Innocent Ujah in his new assignment, also assured the Professor of his maximum cooperation and support towards the attainment of the goals of the institution.
At present, there are 152 colleges of education in Nigeria made up of 21 Federal Government owned, 82 State Government owned and 49 owned by private individuals or institutions.