The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ebonyi State branch, has conferred its Distinguished Service Award on the Vice Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Dist. Prof. Jesse Uneke, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to advancing medical education in Nigeria.
The honour was bestowed during the 2025 Physicians’ Week held at Re-meritona Hotel, Abakaliki, an event that drew dignitaries from various sectors who gathered to celebrate outstanding contributions within the medical profession.
Although unavoidably absent due to ongoing National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation activities at the institution, Prof. Uneke was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Mrs. Nkiruka Folaranmi. She expressed his gratitude to the association for the award, reaffirming DUFUHS’s dedication to training world-class medical and dental professionals capable of breaking global records.
Prof. Folaranmi described the award as well-deserved, emphasizing Prof. Uneke’s visionary leadership and exceptional contributions to the growth of the medical profession and the wider society.
“Prof. Uneke is an accomplished Distinguished Professor. In the years I have worked with him, I have seen a man of immense influence who continues to impact society positively. I am not surprised that NMA found him worthy of this honour.
“He leads one of Nigeria’s fastest growing public medical universities and continues to set the pace. We are grooming a new generation of medical and dental professionals who will break records worldwide," she said.
Earlier in his remarks, the NMA Chairman, Ebonyi State branch, Dr. Charles Maduba, commended the resilience of members and awardees, praising their efforts to reposition the medical profession to meet societal needs.
He also lauded Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for his support toward healthcare development, including the approval of the 2025 CONHESS structure, recruitment of medical personnel, and provision of operational vehicles to enhance service delivery.
Several goodwill messages were delivered by key DUFUHS officials, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Clementina Igwe Bike-Ossi; Registrar Mr. Vitalis Ofor; Dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Prof. Laura C. Okpara; Director of the Institute of Molecular Microbiology Research, Dr. Enyi Amos; Director of ICT, Dr. Kingsley Igboji; and Director of International Institutes and Centres of Excellence, Dr. Richard Nnabu, among others.
They unanimously described Prof. Uneke as an accomplished researcher and administrator whose leadership brilliance has strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration and significantly advanced national health priorities.
The speakers noted that the honour reflects Prof. Uneke’s selfless service, far-reaching influence, and contributions that extend beyond the walls of the university shaping policies, touching lives, and reinforcing the nation’s healthcare system.
“Prof. Uneke does not believe in interprofessional rivalry. His selfless posture has earned him recognition from Dentistry, Optometry, Public Health associations, as well as from the National Assembly and now the NMA,” one of the speakers added.
The event concluded with a celebration of all awardees whose efforts continue to uplift the medical profession across Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large.
