Professor Innocent Achanya Otobo Ujah, OON, is a distinguished Nigerian professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology whose life and career have been defined by foundational contributions to maternal health, medical education, and national health policy.
His journey from Aidogodo a village in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State to the pinnacle of Nigeria’s medical establishment showcases a deep commitment to learning and service.Born in Aidogodo-Okpoga, Benue State, on November 6, 1954, Prof Innocent Ujah started his education at Our Lady of Lordes, Primary School, Aidogodo, Okpoga from1960-1963. He attended St Mary’s Primary School, Otukpo from 1964-1966, and between 1967-1971 was at Government Secondary School, Katsina-Ala for his School Certificate.
He subsequently attended Government College Keffi from 1972 to June 1973 for his HSC.Prof Ujah was at the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria from Oct.1973 to June 1978 where he graduated with an MBBS Degree. later acquired specialized qualifications, including a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the University of Jos and a Diploma in International Maternal Health Care from Uppsala University in Sweden.Prof Ujah is Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecological Surgeon of global recognition He built his career at the University of Jos and the Jos University Teaching Hospital, rising from Lecturer/Consultant in 1988 to a full Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology by 2001.
His clinical sub-specialties are gynaecological endocrinology, infertility, and maternal health.Prof Innocent UJAH started his career from July 1979 – June 1980 as an NYSC Medical Officer in charge of District Hospital Ila-Orangun, Oyo State.Innocent Ujah had a steady career progression, having joined the services of the University of Jos and Jos University Teaching Hospital in 1988 as lecturer/Consultant and got promoted to Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology in 2001.
specializes in Gynaecological Endocrinologist and Endocrine Infertility as well as maternal health, with special emphasis on maternal mortality reduction. He holds a Diploma in International maternal Health Care from University of Uppsala, Sweden (1993) Professor Ujah has published widely and has over 120 scholarly articles in reputable national and International peer-reviewed Journals, conference papers; abstracts as well as lectures delivered both nationally and internationally.
Apart from his academic prowess, Professor Ujah has enviable administrative career and experience as he has held several administrative positions including; Head, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (1994-2000), member, Board of National Eye Centre, Kaduna (1991-1994), member, Medical Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN, 1990-1994, 2004-2007, 2009 to 2011, 2013 to 2015 and May 2020 to date.He also served as Vice-Chairman of Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) until its dissolution in 2015 and he is the longest serving medical practitioner on the Council with outstanding and enviable contributions to the advancement of the Council and the Medical Profession
He also served as Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) Jos University Teaching Hospital (1996-1998); member, Governing Council, University of Jos (1997-1999); member, Steering and Implementation Committees for the establishment of College of Health Sciences, Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi (2000-2007);
He also served as Dean, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos from 2006-September 2008. Beyond the classroom and clinic, Professor Ujah has work experience at the United Nations when he worked with UNICEF as Health Officer in A-Field Office Enugu (2002-2003) and later, at the UNICEF National Office (UN House), Abuja (2003-2004) in the same capacity. Professor Ujah shaped national policy as he served as the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) from 2010 to 2016. He was also a pivotal figure in national efforts, chairing the Safe Motherhood Committee in Nigeria and co-chairing the reatment Research Group on Ebola Virus Disease.
Pioneer Vice-Chancellor of FUHSO
In May 2020, Professor Ujah was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO). This role was the culmination of his lifelong work in health and education.
His task was to establish a specialized institution from the ground up, aimed at advancing medical education and research in Nigeria.
Recognition and Legacy
Throughout his career, Professor Ujah has been recognized with numerous honors, reflecting his impact:
· Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON): A national honor for his service.
· Fellowships: He is a Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (FMCOG), an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, England (FRSMed), and a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Medicine (FNAMed).
· Member of the National Institute (mni): A prestige marking his completion of the Senior Executive Course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.
His scholarly output is also substantial, with numerous publications in reputable national and international journals.
Professor Innocent Ujah’s story is thus one of remarkable achievement in medicine and education, alongside a recent, significant professional development at the university he helped found.