NMA Leaders, Medical Community Honour Ujah Ahead of Idoma Hall of Fame Induction

Tributes highlight former NMA president’s legacy in medical research, education and institutional leadership

By Okwo romeon|Abuja

Former president of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Innocent Achanya Otobo Ujah, has received tributes from medical leaders and professional groups ahead of his induction into the maiden edition of the Idoma Hall of Fame, in recognition of his contributions to medicine, research, education and institutional development.

Ujah, a former director-general of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and pioneer vice-chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), is scheduled to be inducted in the D1-Academia and Intellectual Achievement category on October 15, 2026, as part of the Idoma Centenary Plus Celebrations.

The Northern Caucus of the NMA, led by its leader and former association president, Dr Stephen Churchill Kitchener, described the honour as a fitting recognition of Ujah’s distinguished career and contributions to national development.

In a congratulatory message signed by the caucus coordinator, Dr Idris Omede, and secretary, Prof. Abdulfatai B. Olokoba, the group recalled his service as NMA president, NIMR director-general and FUHSO vice-chancellor.

Prof. Innocent Achanya Otobo Ujah.

It also cited his receipt of the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) award and the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), expressing pride in his achievements and wishing him continued service to humanity.

In a separate tribute, Dr Faruk Abubakar, chief of staff to the NMA president and chairman of the NMA Presidential Liaison Committee, described Ujah as a purposeful leader who translated commitments into tangible achievements during his tenure at the association.

Abubakar said Ujah earned the description of a “Talk and Do President” through initiatives that included laying the foundation and first-floor decking of the NMA national building.

He also recalled the development of the Nigerian Medical Journal during Ujah’s tenure, noting that the publication grew to generate revenue denominated in foreign currency for the association.

Abubakar acknowledged the contribution of the journal’s then editor-in-chief, Dr Dantonye Alasia, whose commitment and professional competence, he said, helped translate the leadership’s vision into practical results.

He further highlighted Ujah’s role in documenting the association’s history through the publication of History of the Nigerian Medical Association, under the stewardship of Dr Ramalan Mansur, as well as the introduction of the NMA Annual Lecture.

Abubakar urged the association to preserve these institutional legacies to inspire younger doctors and future leaders. He also cited Ujah’s award of a lifetime medical practising licence by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

Describing Ujah’s life as a source of lessons for aspiring leaders, young people and doctors interested in politics and public service, Abubakar recommended his book, Beyond Expectations, as a resource on perseverance, accountability, leadership and institution-building.

He stressed that leadership should be measured not merely by positions held but by enduring achievements and institutions strengthened for future generations.

Similarly, the immediate past chief medical director of FUHSO Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, congratulated Ujah, describing him as a worthy ambassador of Idoma land whose academic excellence, leadership and commitment to medical advancement had left a lasting legacy.

She said Ujah had invested his knowledge, time and energy in developing the profession and mentoring younger practitioners, many of whom now make significant contributions across the world.

She added that his induction was a fitting tribute to his achievements in medicine, mentorship and leadership, which deserved to be preserved for posterity.

The Doctors’ Timeout Family (DTOF), led by Dr Anthony Ede, also celebrated Ujah’s selection, describing it as recognition of his selfless service, visionary leadership and impact on healthcare, academia and humanity.

The group, whose guiding values include health, family, friendship and service, highlighted his leadership of NIMR, his emergence as the first NMA president of Idoma extraction and his role as pioneer vice-chancellor of FUHSO.

Mr and Mrs Luke, in their congratulatory message, similarly praised Ujah’s lifelong dedication to medicine, research, medical education and institutional leadership, saying his achievements had brought honour to his profession and the Idoma people.

The tributes reflect the breadth of Ujah’s career, spanning professional leadership, medical research, university administration and the mentorship of younger practitioners.

His induction into the Idoma Hall of Fame on October 15 is expected to recognise his contributions to the advancement of the Idoma community and society at large.