Ex-FUHSO VC Announces Retirement, Acknowledges Och’Idoma’s Support

Prof. Innocent Ujah (right) with Och’Idoma, HRM Dr John Elaigwu Ogbodo, during the visit
The immediate past pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Professor Innocent Achanya Otobo Ujah, has formally informed the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Dr. John Elaigwu, CON, of his retirement from the university system. During a visit to the paramount ruler’s palace in Otukpo on Monday, Ujah expressed gratitude for the royal support, guidance, and prayers he received while overseeing Nigeria’s first Federal Government-owned medical university.
Prof. Ujah described his visit as a gesture of respect and appreciation. He credited the Och’Idoma for his support during his tenure, which he said was critical to the university’s growth. Ujah also highlighted the importance of value re-orientation among the Idoma people.
Reflecting on his leadership, the former Vice Chancellor noted that while he advanced FUHSO’s development, internal opposition emerged. “Some trusted allies turned into adversaries, sowing seeds of discord to sabotage my efforts. Yet, by God’s grace, I was vindicated,” he said.
Reflecting on his leadership, the former Vice Chancellor noted that while he advanced FUHSO’s development, internal opposition emerged. “Some trusted allies turned into adversaries, sowing seeds of discord to sabotage my efforts. Yet, by God’s grace, I was vindicated,” he said.
Professor Ujah lamented that the challenges facing the Idoma community stem from internal divisions, including envy and jealousy, rather than external forces. He further criticized the actions of certain individuals, including the second Pro-Chancellor, whom he accused of derailing FUHSO’s progress by obstructing course accreditation and staff integration into the Integrated Personnel Payment Information System (IPPIS).
Despite these setbacks, Ujah expressed relief that peace had returned to the university. He extended his gratitude to key stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, former presidents Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, and Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, Senator David Mark, GCON, and various institutions and individuals for their continued support.
In his response, the Och’Idoma, Dr. John Elaigwu, commended Professor Ujah for his exceptional service, describing him as a trailblazer who had written his name in gold. Holding the traditional title of Ogwu’ Agba K’Idoma (Mighty and Powerful), the monarch praised Ujah’s contributions to elevating the Idoma people and Nigeria at large.
The Och’Idoma condemned those who orchestrated crises at FUHSO and urged them to seek forgiveness and reform to avoid repercussions. He lauded Ujah’s leadership, which saw the university progress from its Otada campus to a near-completion permanent site in Akwete-Akpa, featuring world-class facilities such as a College of Medicine, Senate building, and student hostels.
Dr. Elaigwu prayed for higher opportunities for Ujah, pointing out his lasting legacy as a leader, medical expert, and philanthropist.