Emeritus Professor

The Nimi Briggs Professorial Chair of Obstetrics and Gynaecology was endowed in 2015 during the tenure of Professor Joseph Ajienka as the 7th Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt. The Chair was endowed in recognition of Emeritus Professor Nimi Dimkpa Brigg’s academic excellence, mentorship and meritorious services to the academia, medical profession and humanity.

The Professorial Chair is dedicated to High Impact Research and Development in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and for the promotion of the University. The Nimi Briggs Chair is run by the University of Port Harcourt Management Committee under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Research and Development. The heir of the Briggs’ Family, Architect Ninah Briggs represents the family on the Committee.

The Chair Occupant is responsible to the Vice Chancellor through the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Development for its day-to-day running. Professor John Ikimalo, served as the first Chair Occupant. Professor Ngozi Orazulike the second Chair Occupant was appointed to the position by the 9th Vice Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill in August 2024.

While still alive, Emeritus Professor Briggs pretty much was the ‘Chair Occupant’ himself; what with his numerous activities that energised his subordinates to recognise and buy into his vision. He was characteristically very impactful as a doctor, teacher, researcher, mentor, advocate, administrator per excellence and public speaker. At the time of his unfortunate demise, Emeritus Professor Briggs had given over 60 lectures and keynote addresses, including more than 50 workshop conferences and related field activities. With his sudden demise on 10th April 2023, and the subsequent activities rolled out to mourn his painful passing, a decision was muted by Professor Ajienka to activate the Chair so as to immortalise the legacies of our late erudite Emeritus Professor. 

The Management Committee midwifed the birth of the Nimi Dimkpa Briggs Legacy Lecture Series in perpetuity under the Chair to be held as close as possible to his birthdate – 22nd February, 1944. This commendable idea was endorsed by the Family and approved by our Vice Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill.

ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT SO FAR

The First Nimi Briggs Legacy Lecture series held on 22ndFebruary, 2024.

The Guest Lecturer was Professor Peter Okebukola, the former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC). He delivered a sterling lecture entitled: The Nimi Briggs Effect, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Quality University Education in Nigeria.

A prodigious book written by the enigmatic doctor and teacher himself, but which could not be published in his lifetime, was presented at the momentous occasion. The book is titled, ‘Nimi Briggs At 80: Selected Writings and Addresses (2014 – 2023).

FUTURE PLANS 

Second Annual Legacy Lecture scheduled for 27thFebruary, 2025 to be delivered by Dr Ibrahim Wada,OON – Associate Professor of Obstetrics andGynaecology; Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NISA Medical Group, and a protegee of Emeritus Professor Briggs entitled: The Longevity of Man. 

Sources for donor-funded programmes and research grants: 

We have already secured a TETFUND Research Grant to carry out a high impact researches entitled: Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program in Promoting Mental Well-being and Resilience among University students at the University of Port Harcourt.

Free Surgical outreach to the people of Abonnema in Akuku Toru Local Government Area.

Collaboration with stakeholders, corporate bodies and other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to garner resources with which to improve feto–maternal health and university education, causes which the late Emeritus Professor Emeritus Nimi Briggs was passionate about all through his very engaged professional and public service career. 

Professor Ngozi Clare ORAZULIKE 

MBBS (Nigeria), MSc (Oxon), FWACS, FICS

Chair Occupant