By Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
In recognition of his unwavering commitment to the development of medical education in Nigeria,the Nigerian Medical Association(NMA), Ebonyi State branch has honored the Vice Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences,Dist.Prof.Jesse Uneke with “Distinguished Service Award” in recognition of his unwavering commitment and dedication to the development of medical education in Nigeria.
The event, which took place at Re-meritona hotel, Abakaliki, during the 2025 Physicians’ week was well attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, who came to celebrate with the awardees.
Receiving the award,the Vice Chancellor of DUFUHS,Dist.Prof.Jesse Uneke appreciated the association for the special recognition, reiterating his commitment to service to humanity and the welfare of members as well as training of students that will beat world record.
The Vice Chancellor, who was ably represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor-Administration,Prof.Mrs.Nkiruka Folaranmi lauded the organizers of the 2025 Physicians’ week for the great honor, saying that she is delighted to receive the award unbehalf of the Vice Chancellor,who is unavoidably absent because of the ongoing NUC accreditation.
Prof. Folaranmi further stated that the award is well deserved, because DUFUHS VC as a Distinguished Professor is blazing the trail in the medical profession and has impacted greatly to the growth and development of the society.
Prof.Uneke is an accomplished Dist.Professor.In the few years I was privileged to work with him,I saw a man who is renowned in our time and has great impact and influence in our society. I am not surprised that NMA deemed it feat to honor him.He is the Vice Chancellor of the fastest growing, public medical University in Nigeria, where he is blazing the trail..He couldn’t be here because of the ongoing accreditation in our school.
`We are training a new set of Dental and medical professionals that will break records worldwide.This award in honor of Dist.Prof.Jesse Uneke is well deserved, because he has done something great in our profession ‘,Prof. Folaranmi said.
Earlier in his address, the chairman of NMA, Ebonyi State branch,Dr.Charles Maduba appreciated members of the association and the awardees for their resilience and dogged efforts to reposition the profession in order to meet the needs of our society.
He extolled the good virtues of governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and massive support ttowards the profession, noting that he has approved 2025 CONHESS, employed many doctors and nurses with SUV cars in order to ensure an efficient healthcare delivery across the state.
In their separate goodwill messages,the Deputy Vice Chancellor–Academics,Prof.Clementina Igwe bike-Ossi;the University Registrar,Mr.Vitalis Ofor; the Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences,Prof.Laura C.Okpara;the Director, Institute of Molecular Microbiology Research, DUFUHS/Consultant medical Microbiologist,Dr.Enyi Amos;the Director of ICT,Dr.Kingsley Igboji; the Director of International Institutes and Centres of Excellence,Dr.Richard Nnabu,Dr.Chukwu Onyedika,among others all described Prof.Uneke as an accomplished researcher, whose track records and leadership ingenuity has inspired collaboration across disciplines, advanced national health priorities, and fostered an environment where both staff and students thrive.
