Updated CV

NAME:                                       BRIGGS, Nimi Dimkpa

 

SUMMARY OF APPOINTMENTS:

 

1. Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Council. Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, 18^th May 2020 – 10th April, 2023.
2. Pioneer Pro chancellor and Chairman of Council, Bayelsa University of Medical Sciences.2019
3. Distinguished Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (DFMC).2018
4. Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Federal University, Lokoja, Nigeria. February 2016
5. Member, Court of Governors, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, October 2015 for four years.
6. Chairman, Board of Sports Institute, University of Port Harcourt. March 2013 to date.
7. Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Port Harcourt, April 2012 for life.
8. Chairman, Board of University of Port Harcourt Foundation. 2012 till date.
9. Chairman: Board of Management, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Feb. 2009 – March 2011.
10. Chairman, National Universities Commission Institutional Accreditation Team to the University of                                                                                                                                                        Nov. – Dec. 3, 2011
11. Member, Federal Ministry of Education Visitation Panel to the University of Benin March 2009.
12. Chairman, Rivers State Economic Advisory Council, Nov. 2007 – May.2015.
13. Chairman, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Nov. 2007 – Nov. 2011
14. Chairman: Rivers State Community Foundation, 2007 – 2015
15. Director: Centre for Health and Development. University of Port Harcourt, 2008 till date
16. Chairman: Board of the National Hospital, Abuja, 2006 -2007
17. Scholar with Nigerian Permanent Delegation at the UNESCO Headquarters.   France 1 October 2005 – September 2006.
18. Chairman: Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities (CVC) August 2004 -July 2005.
19. Chairman: Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) August 2004 to July 2005.
20. Member of Council. Association of Commonwealth Universities, 2004-2005.
21. Vice-Chancellor: University of Port Harcourt From 10 July 2000 to 9 July 2005 Acting: Jan. 1995 – March 1996, Jan. 2000 – July 2000.
22. Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology University of Port Harcourt 10 January 1990.
23. Provost College of Health Sciences University of Port Harcourt. 1 October 1993 to 29 January 1995 and then 21 March 1996 to 10 November 1998.
24. Head: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology University of Port Harcourt September 1980 to September 1993 (Acting Sept. 1980-Sept. 1990)

 

DATE OF BIRTH:                                   22nd February 1944

SEX:                                          Male

PLACE OF BIRTH:                              Port Harcourt, Nigeria

ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE:           
P. O. Box 1829, Mile One Diobu Port Harcourt Nigeria. (by post)

OR    

No. 1 Arochukwu Street
Off Nzimiro Street
Amadi Flats, Old GRA
Port Harcourt, Nigeria. (by hand delivery or courier)

 

HOME ADDRESS:                        
(Not for correspondence) 
NIKIBO House
Bestman Compound
Abonnema/Obonoma Road
Abonnema Rivers State Nigeria.

                                                                       

E-MAIL, WEBSITE, TEL:
 nimi@profbriggs.net; www.nimibriggs.org   +2348033229388; +2349093030779.

 

PARENTS:                                      FATHER (deceased 1993)

                                                            Rt. Rev Dimkpa Tobin Briggs

                                                            Formerly, Bishop in-charge, Nyemoni Church,

                                                           Abonnema, Nigeria

 

                                                            MOTHER (deceased 2009)

                                                            Lady Esther V. T. Harry

                                                            Mother of Peace

                                                                                   

MARITAL STATUS:                       Married to Lady Data Nimi Briggs (nee Ogi)

                                                                       

CHILDREN:                                 Three – One male, Two females (five grandchildren)

                                                           

RELIGION:                                  Christianity (Anglican faith)

 

EDUCATION:

General

Nyemoni School Abonnema Nigeria                                            1949-1956

Baptist High School Port Harcourt Nigeria                                   1957-1961

Government College Umuahia Nigeria                                         1962-1963

           

University

College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria                                     1964-1969

 

 Professional /Postgraduate

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London        1972- 1975

 University of Lagos                                                                   1975 -1980

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. General:
   1. December 1956 – First School Leaving Certificate
   2. December 1961 – West African School Certificate
   3. December 1963 –            
      1. Cambridge Higher School Certificate. Physics, Chemistry, Zoology.
      2. London GCE ‘A’ Levels: Physics, Chemistry & Zoology.

 

1. Undergraduate:
   1. June 1969 – Bachelor of Medicine. Bachelor of Surgery (MB.BS), University of Lagos. Nigeria

 

1. Postgraduate: Professional and Academic
   1. September 1970 – Passed the examination of the Educational Council for Foreign                 Medical Graduates in the United States of America (ECFMG-USA).
   2. December 1974 – Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London (MRCOG).
   3. March 1978 – Fellow of the Nigeria Medical Council in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FMCOG).
   4. September 1979 – Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS).
   5. January 1981 – Fellow of the International College of Surgeons (FICS).
   6. January 1983 – Doctor of Medicine (MD). University of Lagos.       
   7. June 1988 – Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists,      London (FRCOG).
   8. 2004 – Fellow Nigerian Academy of Science (FAS)         

 

 

HONOURS, DISTINCTIONS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS:

 

1. Before my years at College of Medicine University of Lagos/Lagos University Teaching Hospital (CMUL/LUTH)

                        1.1       1956   Passed First School Leaving Certificate with distinction.

                        1.2       1964

                        1.2.1                Gained admission into University of Ibadan to study Medicine.

                        1.2.2                Gained admission into University of Lagos Medical School to study Medicine.

                        1.2.3                Won Federal Government Scholarship Award to study Medicine.

                        1.2.4                Won Niger Delta Special Area Scholarship Award to study Medicine.

                        1.2.5                Won Eastern Nigeria Scholarship Award to study Medicine.

 

2. During my years at CMUL/LUTH:

                        2.1       1969

                        2.1.1                I was top of my class in the mock final MB, BS examination in

                                                Surgery.

                        2.1.2                Passed final MB, BS examination with distinction in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

•    Won the University of Lagos Prize for the best student in Paediatrics – Gold medal.

                        2.1.4                Won the University of Lagos prize for the best student in Obstetrics and Gynaecology – cash prize.

                        2.2       1972

                        2.2.1                Won Federal Nigerian Government Postgraduate Scholarship Award to specialise in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the United Kingdom.

                        2.2.2                Won the British Commonwealth Scholarship award to specialise in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the United Kingdom.

 

3. After my years at CMUL/LUTH:

                        3.1       1979   Won British Council Grant-in-aid to enable me conclude research for my doctorate thesis at the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of London.

3.2         1981             Had financial support from Pathfinder organisation to participate in a course on Supervision and Evaluation at Washington D.C., USA.

                        3.3       1984   By invitation, attended a course for academic staff of medical schools at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution in Baltimore, USA.

                        3.4       1985   Won a six- month British Council Fellowship in Gynaecological Oncology tenable at the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of London; the Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London.

                        3.5       1987   Had financial support from Pathfinder to attend a six- week course on Microcomputer Based Information Systems at the Management Sciences for Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

                        3.6       1988  

                        3.6.1                Won Glaxo Nigeria Ltd. Travel Fellowship to attend the XIIth World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

                        3.6.2                Elected Secretary – General of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON); affiliated to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO)

 

                        3.7       1989   By invitation, attended a four -week course in Nairobi, Kenya under the auspices of Family Planning Association of Kenya and Association for Voluntary Surgical Contraception in order to gain experience in mini-laparotomy technique under local anaesthesia.  

                        3.8       1991   Won Pfizer Travel Award Fellowship to attend the 1992 XIII World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Singapore.

3.9       1992   By invitation and sponsorship from the American College of

Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, attended the 1992 Annual Clinical Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists at Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, April 26-30.   

                        3.10       1993

                        3.10.1               University of Lagos Alumni Association (Rivers State Chapter)

                                                Distinguished Merit Award Winner.

                        3.10.2              Appointed International Adviser to Annals of Tropical Medicine

                                                and Parasitology published by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.           

                        3.11    1994

•     Member- The New York Academy of Sciences.
•            Won Association of Commonwealth Universities/Carnegie

Corporation’s.Senior Fellowship tenable at St. Georges Hospital

                                                Medical School, Tooting, London and Louisiana State University

                                                Medical Centre, New-Orleans, Louisiana – USA.

•    Won Smithklime Beecham Travel Fellowship to attend the XIV World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) at Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

3.12      1995 Horatio Oritshejolomi Lectureship Award.  Literacy and Reproductive Performance.  Bassir-Thomas Foundation.  University of Ibadan.

                        3.13     1996  

                        3.13.1              Won Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (London) Travel Fellowship to attend the second International meeting of the College at New Delhi, India.

3.13.2              Appointed Justice of the Peace (JP), Rivers State of Nigeria

• Elected Chairman, Faculty of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Post Graduate Medical College of Nigeria and Member of its Governing Board.

3.14     1999

3.14.1              Won the Department for International Development (DFID) London sponsorship to attend the third International meeting of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, in Cape Town, South Africa.

                        3.14.2              Was part of a delegation by the Rivers State Government of Nigeria that visited Kansas City Missouri, USA, to sign an agreement on Port Harcourt/Kansas City Missouri, Sister City relationship.

                        3.14.3              Elected Treasurer, National Post Graduate Medical College of Nigeria.

3.15     2000

3.15.1              Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt

• 2001

3.16.1              Distinguished Alumnus of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos

3.16.2              Commendation by the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt for the quality of service being provided as vice-chancellor of the university.

• 2002

3.17.1              Won Shell Petroleum Development Company support to participate in 3^rd World Education Market in Lisbon Portugal.  21-24 May 2002

• Top Achievers Award. Alumni Association of the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos.
• Ford Foundation support to attend workshop on Globalisation at University of Larval, Quebec – Canada.
• Paul Harris Fellow. Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

3.18     2003

3.18.1              Obtained financial support from Ford Foundation to visit Universities of Witwatersrand (Johannesburg), Cape Town and Natal (Durban) in South Africa.

3.18.2              By invitation, was a participant at the Global Health Research Initiative in Toronto Canada under the auspices of the Canadian Institutes of Health.  3 – 6 June 2003.

3.19       2004

3.19.1                 By invitation, Represented Nigeria at 29^th National Conference of Blacks in Higher Education at Washington D.C, USA,

March 3-6, 2004.

• Knighthood of St. Christopher (Anglican Faith) 11 April 2004
• Participated at 3^rd International Consultation on Incontinence Paris, France 26-29 July 2004.
• July 2004. Merit Award.  National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
• Member of Council. Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
• August 2004. Elected Chairman, Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities (CVC).
• August 2004. Elected Chairman, Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU).
• 14 December 2004. The Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt of which I was vice-chancellor adjudged the best Governing Council by the National Universities Commission for the year 2003 in the Nigerian Universities System.
• 16 December 2004. Awarded the National Honours of Officer of the Order of    Niger (OON) by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR.
• Appointed Fellow, Institute of Petroleum Studies (FIPS)

3.20        2005

• Elected member of the Federal Government delegation to the National Political Reform Conference to represent academicians.
• Appointed member of Working Group for Nigeria for the African Peer Review Mechanism for NEPAD.

 

3.21          2007

3.21.1                   Appointed Chairman by the World Bank to oversee a Rivers State Community Foundation established by it

3.21.2                 Appointed Chairman Rivers State Economic Advisory Council

3.21.3                   Appointed Chairman Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission

 

3.22         2009

3.22.1                Appointed Chairman, Project Implementation Committee, Proposed American University of Medical Sciences, Abuja.

3.22.2                Appointed Member of a Federal Ministry of Education Visitation Panel to the  University of Benin to cover the period 2004-2009.

3.23          2010

3.23.1                Appointed Board Member Treasure Energy Resources Ltd

3.24          2011

3.24.1                Appointed member, National University Accreditation Committee to the University of Uyo.

3.24.2                Appointed Board Member TechDev Energy Ltd

3.24.3                Appointed Chairman of a National Universities Commission Institutional Accreditation Committee to the University of Ibadan.

3.25          2012

3.25.1                Appointed Chairman Board of the Centre for Health and Development, University of Port Harcourt

3. 25.2 Appointed Chairman, Board of the Centre for Malaria and Phytomedicine, University of Port Harcourt
4. 25.3 Appointed Patron, Cambridge University Nigeria Society.
5. 25.4 Appointed Trustee of Steve Sandie Foundation for the promotion of awareness on caesarean section.
6. 25.5 Appointed Patron, Association of Nigerian Authors, Rivers State Branch     
7. 25.6 Appointed Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Port Harcourt.

3.26         2013

3.26.1                Member, University of Port Harcourt Foundation

3.27         2014

3.27.1                Participated in Training Programme. Public Procurement Workshop, International Training Centre, International Labour organization, United Nations, Turin, Italy. 10 February 2014-21 February 2014.

3.27. 2               Rivers State Government names a 100-bed hospital after me.

3.27. 3               University of Port Harcourt names Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences and Students Hostel of the Institute of Petroleum Studies after me.

3.28          2015

3.28.1                Member, Court of Governors, College of Medicine, University of Lagos.

3.28.2                Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Lagos.

3.28.3                Distinguished Service Award, the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) in commemoration of its 50^th anniversary.

3.29          2016

3.29.1                Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Council. Federal University, Lokoja.

3.29.2                Chairman, Staff House Ownership Committee, College of Medicine, University of Lagos.

3.29.3                Trustee, Association of Deans of Faculties of Dentistry, Nigerian Universities.

3.30          2017

3.30.1                Appointed member of federal government team to renegotiate agreements with university unions.

3.30.2                Appointed member of education experts to prepare a federal government retreat on education.

3.31          2018

3.31.1                Appointed member Strategy Advisory Committee of the National Universities Commission to advice the Executive Secretary of the Commission on a wide range of issues concerning the Nigerian University System.

3.31.2                   20^th. Sir Samuel Manuwa Memorial Lecturer at the 58^th Annual Conference of the West African College of Surgeons. Banjul Gambia.

3.31.3                Appointed Chairman of Endowment Fund Board of Trustees, West African College of Surgeons.

3.31.4                Appointed Chairman Fund raising Committee. West African College of Surgeons.

3.31.5                Appointed Trustee, Nigerian Academy of Medicine.

3.31.6                 A standard text book in Obstetrics and Gynaecology: OBGYN STEP BY STEP. 2018. Publisher: University of Port Harcourt Press. Eds. Odidika U.J. Umeora, Ngozi C. Orazulike et all. dedicated to my honour and that of Professor Eugene Okpere as Pioneers, Sublime Teachers, Mentors and Role Models.

                       3.31.7                  Received the Distinguished Fellowship Award of the National Post Graduate Medical College of Nigeria (DFMC)

                     3.32      2019

                      3.32.1   Appointed pioneer Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Council, Bayelsa University of Medical Sciences.

                      3.32.2                   September 2019 Keynote Speaker at the Silver Jubilee Celebration of the  National Postgraduate Medical College.

                      3.32.3                  Appointed Chairman of an Administrative Audit Panel On the African  University of Science and Technology (AUST) by the Federal Ministry of Education

                    3.32.4                 Appointed by ECOWAS COMMISSION as a member of the seven-man international jury for the assessment of projects for the Research and Innovation Support Programme (PARI) in Accra, Ghana.

                   3.32.5                 Received the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation Award as a Role Model for outstanding contribution in the field of education

                   3.32.6                  Keynote speaker at the maiden retreat of Senate of the University of Ibadan.

                     3.33   2020

                     3.33.1               Resource Person. Workshop of African Quality Assurance Network (AfriQAN). Quality Assurance for Higher Education Leaders (QAHEL) Abuja Nigeria.2-4  March 2020

                      3.33.2              Appointed Member, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Standing  Committee on Research and Development

                     3.33.3                Facilitator. Lagos State University African Centres of Excellence ITSE for  Advanced Trends in Science Education

                     3.33.4             Pro-chancellor and   Chairman of Council, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ebonyi state

                     3.33.5              Chairman Palliative Committee for COVID 19 for Abonnema by the Amayanabo of Abonnema.

                   3.33.6           Appointed coordinator of 1 Health Subcommittee of the TETFund National Standing committee on R and D..

                   3.33.7       Keynote Speaker OB Fubara Memorial Gold Lecture series.

 

 

        CAREER POSITIONS/APPOINTMENTS

1. July 1969-June 1970            Pre-registration House jobs at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital under Professors H. O. Thomas, U. Lister and G. L. Monekosso.

2. June 1970-July 1972 Senior House Officer posts at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital under Professors E. Ade Elebute, P. Omodare and O.Akinla.

3. August 1972-September 1975 Commonwealth Scholar at the United Kingdom. During this time, I held various posts at the Chester Maternity and Women’s Hospitals and also Birmingham Maternity and Women’s Hospital, comparable with that of a Registrar in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

4. September 1975-September 1976 Senior Registrar in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ahmadu Bello University Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria, under Professor A. Harrison.
5. October 1976-September 1979 Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ahmadu Bello University Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria and honorary consultant to its Teaching Hospital.

6. October 1979-September 1980 Senior Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and honorary consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist to its Teaching Hospital.

7. September 1980-Sept. 1987     Senior Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Port Harcourt and honorary consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist to its Teaching Hospital.

8. September 1987-January 1990 Reader in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
9. January 1990             Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
10. January 2009 Chairman, University of Benin Teaching Hospital Board

12 February 2009                                 Retirement from the services of the University of Port Harcourt

17 April 2012                                       Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

 

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

1. University Undergraduate Level:

Full time since 1975, first at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and later at the University of Port Harcourt

2. Postgraduate/Professional Level:

Since 1975, to residents preparing for various professional examinations under the auspices of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria and the West African College of Surgeons. Also, to post graduate students at the University of Port Harcourt and through many invited lectures.

 

3. Others:

3.1         1964              Taught ‘O’Level Physics, Chemistry and Biology at Nyemoni Grammar               School, Abonnema.

3.2.      1974                Taught Obstetrics to Midwifery students at Birmingham Maternity

                                    Hospital, Birmingham, England.

3.3.      1975-1980       Taught Gynaecology to student nurses at Ahmadu Bello

University Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria.

 

 

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

1. September 1988-September 1993-Secretary-General. Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria; affiliated to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
2. Honorary Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist to various University Teaching Hospitals since 1976 up to my retirement in 2009.
3. Membership of professional organisations:

            Nigerian Medical Association,

            Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria,

            British Medical Association.

4. Assistant editor, Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

 

 

IMPORTANT SERVICES TO TERTIARY EDUCATIONAL AND HEALTH INSTITUTIONS AND MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONS

1. Head, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Port Harcourt, Sept. 1980 – Sept. 1993.
2. Member, University of Port Harcourt’s College of Health Sciences’ Appointments and Promotions Committee, 1980 to 2000.
3. Member, University of Port Harcourt’s Appointments and Promotions Committee, Academic, 1983-1984.
4. Chairman, University of Port Harcourt’s Housing Committee, 1982-1984.
5. Member, University of Port Harcourt’s Governing Council, 1984-1986.

6. Member, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital Management Board:

            6.1.      1986-1987, as representative of the Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt.

            6.2.      1987-1989, as Senate representative, University of Port Harcourt.

• 1989-Sept 1992, as representative of the Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt.

6.4.      1992-1998, as Provost, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt.

7. Chairman, Postgraduate Committee of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, 1986 to 1992.
8. Chairman, Ethical Committee of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, 1985 to 2001.
9. University of Port Harcourt’s Public Orator, 1992
10. Member, Board of Management, Federal Medical Centre (Queen Elizabeth Hospital) Umuahia, 1993-1996.
11. Chairman, University of Port Harcourt Housing Loan Committee-1993.
12. Provost, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, 1993 to 1998.

            (Acting 1992-1993).

13. Acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Jan. 1995 to March 1996 and then from January 2000 to July 2000.
14. Member, Faculty Board, Faculty of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West African Post Graduate Medical College, 1998 –2000.
15. Member, Governing Board, National Post Graduate Medical College of Nigeria, 1996 – 2002.
16. Chairman, Faculty Board of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.  1996 – 1999.
17. National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.  1999 – to 2002
18. Vice-Chancellor University of Port Harcourt. July 2000 to July 2005.
19. Member, Governing Council Nigerian Institute of Management. 2004-2005.
20. Chairman, Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities – August 2004 – July 2005.
21. Chairman, Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) August 2004 – July 2005.
22. One- year Sabbatical Leave with Nigerian Permanent Delegation at the UNESCO Headquarters.   France.  Effective 1 October 2005.
23. Chairman, Board of Management, National Hospital, Abuja, 2006 -2007
24. Have supervised the theses/dissertations of 52 candidates for the fellowship examinations of the West African College of Surgeons and the Nigerian National Postgraduate Medical College. A number of these persons have become Professors in various Medical Schools. Furthermore, I, as Provost, College of Health Sciences established the academic post-graduate programme of the College (MD degree) and successfully supervised the first candidate for that degree – then Dr. Patrick Igbigbi, now Professor and one-time Provost of the College of Medicine, Delta State University, Abraka. The title of his Thesis was Dermatoglyphics of Sub Saharan African Subjects. This seminal research has since found application locally and internationally in the area of forensic investigations.
25. Chairman, Board of Management, University of Benin Teaching Hospital Board, 2009 – 2011
26. Others:

• External examiner to all but two medical schools in Nigeria and the University of Ghana, 1985-2012
• Consultancy services to many Nigerian Universities and their affiliated teaching hospitals as well as the National Universities Commission on visitations to universities, accreditation of Universities and accreditation of Programmes in Universities.
• 2009 Member, NUC Visitation to University of Benin
• 2010 Member, NUC Visitation to the University of Uyo
• 2011 Leader, NUC Institutional Accreditation to the University of Ibadan
• 2011 Commissioned by UNESCO (Bamako) office to produce Module for Teaching and Learning in Medical Sciences to be used by Universities in Africa
• 2011 to date: Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.

27. Chairman of Board. University of Port Harcourt Foundation. 2014.
28. Chairman of Board, University of Port Harcourt Sports Institute. 2014.
29. Member, Court of Governors, College of Medicine, University of Lagos. 2015
30. Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Council, Federal University, Lokoja. 2016
31. Member Federal Government of Nigeria/ University Unions Negotiating Committee. 2017
32. Member, Strategy Advisory Committee of the National Universities Commission of Nigeria 2018
33. Distinguished Fellowship of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria 2018

 

NATIONAL SERVICE

 

1. In 1983, I was appointed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, to serve as a member of a body to advise the President on the formation of a National Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

 

2. From September 1969 – February 1970, during the Nigerian Civil War, I served as a Field Captain (Medical Officer) with the Nigerian Army at the 3 Field Ambulance of 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt. At the request of the Nigerian Army, I was seconded to this assignment by my employers – The Lagos University Teaching Hospital.  My service areas included Port Harcourt, Olakwo, Chokocho and Owerri.  At the end of the war in January 1970, I was the only Medical Officer with the Federal Nigerian Army at Owerri which was then serving as the Capital City of the war affected parts of the country and so, the lot of supervising the arrival of various cadres of medical personnel from the war zones, naturally fell on me.

 

3. February 2005. Appointed one of two members of academic staff of Nigerian Universities to represent academics at a National Political Reform Conference.  The Conference was convoked by the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, to find solution to the many problems that beset the nation.

 

 

EXTERNAL EXAMINATION/EVALUATION

I have served as external examiner to the following Universities and Postgraduate Colleges:

1. University of Lagos. MB, BS, 1987-1988.
2. University of Calabar. MB,Bch, 1987-1988. 1990 – 1993.
3. University of Ilorin. MB, BS, 1987.
4. University of Maiduguri. MB, BS, 1988 to 1994.
5. University of Jos. MB,Bch, 1988 – 1994.
6. University of Ibadan. MB, BS, 1990 – 1993.
7. University of Benin. MB, BS, 1990 – 1993.
8. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, MB,Bch, 1990 – 1993.
9. University of Nigeria, Nsukka, MB,Bch, 1992 – 1994.
10. University of Ghana Medical School, Accra. MB, BS, 1993-1995.
11. West African College of Surgeons:
    • Primary Examinations in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1982- 1985.
    • Parts I and II examinations, 1989 – 1999.
    • Part II Examinations only, 2000 till 2006.

12. National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria:

12.1. Primary examinations, 1983-1985; 1988-1992.

12.2. Part I Fellowship examination, 1985 – 1999.

12.3. Part II Fellowship examination 1988 – 1999.

13. Assessor of candidates seeking appointments at the rank of professors for various Nigerian Universities.
14. Assessor for funding of Projects by Birthright, Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, London.

15. Assessor – articles for publication in various medical journals including The Lancet.
16. External Assessor of candidates for appointment to the position of vice-chancellors of universities – University of Lagos (2018), Tai Solarin University of Education (2018).

 

 

REGISTRATION AS A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER

Fully registered by:

1. General Medical Council of Great Britain.
2. Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
3. Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), United States of America.
4. Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, USA 1994.

HOBBIES

1. Games – Lawn and Table tennis. I was captain of my house in the two games at Government College, Umuahia.
2. Music – Highlife, Reggae and Christian Songs.

 

 

PROFESSORIAL INAUGURAL LECTURE      

“CANCER: WHY ARE WE SO HELPLESS?”        20 FEBRUARY 1992

The lecture indicated that our unsatisfactory treatment of most cancers in the 20^th century stemmed from our incomplete knowledge of the true nature of cancer and the factors that are responsible for its initiation. The situation was worsened in developing countries like Nigeria by the fact that many patients, desperately ill with advanced cancers, often reported very late to health institutions, where there were inadequate infrastructural and organisational arrangements to treat such advanced cancers.

 

VALEDICTORY LECTURE                                                               

“WOMEN’S HEALTH: A NATION’S WEALTH”   23 FEBRUARY 2009

In this Lecture, I reflected on the issue of gender-based discrimination against women and drew a parallel between Women’s Health and a Nation’s Wealth. I averred that women contribute substantially to national development and wealth creation in nations where they are regarded as important members of society and consequently, their peculiar health needs, especially those associated with their reproductive life, taken seriously. In such societies, I indicated, women are usually assimilated into the mainstream of the body polity of the communities and they are not made to suffer much discrimination on account of their gender.  

 

OTHER PUBLIC AND INVITED LECTURES

 

1. “Problems of Adolescent Pregnancies”. At a Lecture organised by the Women of University of Port Harcourt – 16 July 88

 

2. “That they may not die” At Annual Meeting in Port Harcourt of Chief Medical Directors of all Teaching Hospitals and other tertiary hospitals –  15 Jan. 90

 

3. “The Caesarean Operation Its Myth and Power” At a Public Lecture organised by the Post Graduate Committee of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. – 19 July 94

 

4. “Medical Education in Port Harcourt”  At the celebration of the 21^st anniversary of the University of Port Harcourt – 1998

 

5. The HIV/AIDS War. We Will Win At the Marshall National Workshop on Public Health Management and HIV/AIDS University of Benin –  6 Sept. 2001                   

 

6.   “Scourges in our Universities” At a Public lecture organized by Ahmadu Bello University Alumni Association in Port Harcourt – 2 Nov. 2001                                              

 

7. “Human Cloning” what would Felix Dosekun have said about it?  First Felix Oladejo Dosekun Memorial Lecture at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos – 21 Nov. 2001

.                                  

8. “Towards a Culture of Peace in the Rivers State”. A Seminar Organized by the Centre for Promotion of Tourism, Arts and Culture in Nigeria – 10 April 2002 

 

9. “The Nigerian Child and the Health Care Delivery System”. A lecture delivered to the Participants at the Senior Executive Course No. 24 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos – 26 June 2002

 

10. “The Nigerian Child and the Health Care Delivery System”. A lecture delivered to the Participants at the Senior Executive Course No. 25 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) – 8 May 2003

 

11. “Life Depends on Birth weight” Keynote Address in Honour of Late John Bateman Lawson at the 36^th Annual Conference of the Society of Gynaecology Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) –  2003                                                                                     

 

12. “The contributions of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, College  of Medicine, University of Lagos and Lagos University Teaching Hospital to Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Nigeria and Internationally.”  – 26 April 2004                         

 

13. “Internationalization of Higher Education in Africa: University of Port Harcourt as a Case Study” (Maiden edition of Special Lecture Series of the National Universities Commission – Nigeria) Kuru, Jos –  13 Oct; 2004

 

14. “Cultural Diversity: A True Source of Unification in a Pluralistic Society” A paper presented at the International Conference on The Cultural Heritage and its Diversity at the origin of Creativity. Losinj, Croatia. 27 Aug. 2006                                        

 

15. “MDG5: What Path Leads to its Achievement in Nigeria?”A Guest lecture delivered on the occasion of the 7^th International Conference of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) –  22 Nov. 2006

 

16. “Where Do We Go From Here?” A Public Lecture delivered in Commemoration of the Retirement of Professor Christian Anah from the Services of the University of Port Harcourt –  3 Aug. 2007

 

17. “Internationalization of the Professional Training of Petroleum Engineers in Nigeria”. Abuja Petroleum Round Table. Abuja Nigeria – 9 March 2007

 

18. “Change in Lifestyle as Antidote to Emerging Diseases. 13^th. Abimbola Awoliyi   Memorial lecture. Delivered at the 2007 Biennial Conference of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria –  20 Sept. 2007.

 

19. “Violence in the Niger Delta: Health and Economic Implications for Nigeria and Nigerians”. Guest Lecture. 2008 Annual Conference of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) –  26 Nov. 2008

          

 

20. “Child Development and Developmental Disorder in Nigeria” Keynote Address at Congress of the Association of Child Development and Communication Disorders, Nigeria –  23 June 2008

           

 

21. “Why Do Many Women Still die in Child Bearing in Nigeria”  The 2008 Annual OK Ogan Memorial Lecture, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Nigeria –  14 Oct. 2008

        

22. Poor Health as an Index of Human Insecurity in Africa. Paper presented at the first biennial Conference on Human Security in Africa. Olusegun Obasanjo Library, Abeokuta – 5 March 2009

 

23. “FULFILLING THE MANDATE: RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY” 24th Convocation Lecture – 3rd May 2012

 

24. ACHIEVING SAFE DELIVERY THROUGH MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE. Guest Lecture. 2nd Annual Scientific Conference. League of Obstetric Anesthetists of Nigeria   (LOAN) – 3rd Sept. 2012

 

• MAKING MOTHERHOOD SAFE IN NIGERIA. HOW FAR HAVE WE GONE? Keynote address. 46th Scientific Conference of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria – 22 Nov. 2012

  

• AN OVERVIEW OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION AND ADMINISTRATION IN NIGERIA Keynote address at the Retreat organised for members of the Governing Council of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology Port Harcourt. – 23 Jan. 2013

     

27. CULTURE, EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY: ALL TO WHAT END? A keynote address delivered at the 2013 Convention of Wakrike in USA, Houston, Texas. – 25 May 2013

 

28. UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE. Paper presented at the 2-day retreat for newly inaugurated members of Governing Councils of Federal Government-owned Universities as a resource person – 8 July, 2013

 

29. University Advancement in Nigeria in a globalised World.  28th Annual Conference of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (ACVNU). Federal University of Technology, Akure – 7 Oct, 2013

 

30. Environmental Health: A pillar of General Medical Practice. 24th. Samuel Etim Andem-Ewa Memorial Lecture. 36th Annual Conference of the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN) – 3 April, 2014

 

31. From University Advancement to University of Port Harcourt Foundation. Two Days Retreat. Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt – 14 May, 2014

 

32. Radiology and Universal Health Coverage. Guest Lecture. Association of Radiologists of West Africa (ARAWA). Port Harcourt, Nigeria  26 June, 2014

 

33. University Advancement and Financial Management. 2015 Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities Executive Education Programme for Chairmen and members of Governing Councils of Nigerian Universities at Uyo. – 28 Jan, 2015

 

34. 40 and On. Determined to Do Better. Presentation on behalf of College of Health Sciences at the 40^th Anniversary celebrations of the University of Port Harcourt – 28 April, 2015

 

35. The Making of a Good Medical School. 10^th. Dean’s Lecture. Faculty of Clinical Sciences. Niger Delta University. Ammasoma. Bayelsa State. Nigeria – 12 Nov, 2015

 

36. Keeping Healthy Rather than Treating Diseases. A keynote address to the Akuku Toru Local Government Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs. Annual Conference on Peace and Development. Abonnema –  19 Dec. 2015

 

37. The Imperatives of Excellence in Medical Education. Keynote address delivered at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria – 11 Feb,  2016

 

38. Enlightenment Talk on the Prostate Gland. Kengema Mina Ogbo of Abonnema-  27 Aug,2016
39. Internship is an Important Component of Medical Education. 2^nd Linus Ajabor Lecture Series. Delivered at the 2016 Annual Conference of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON). – 7 Oct 2016

 

40. Revitalizing the university through research and advancement. Paper presented at Executive Development Programme for Council Members of Nigerian Universities. Ikeja Lagos – 2 Nov. 2016

 

41. Quality Assurance as an Imperative for Sustainability in Higher Education in Africa. Keynote Address. 9^th International Conference and Workshops on Quality Assurance in Higher Education in Africa. Accra Ghana – 19 Sept, 2017

 

42        Academic Corruption as depressant of Quality in the attainment of the SDGs: Crushing the Octopus.   Joint presentation with Peter Okebukola. 9^th International Conference and workshop on Quality Assurance in Higher Education in Africa, Accra, Ghana:   19 Sept. 2017                                                                                             

 

43       Private Wealth for Public Good. How does it benefit childbearing? 1^st Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele Lecture in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. University of Lagos – 10 Oct 2017

 

44        Resources and the Prospects of Development in Nigerian Universities. 2^nd Convocation Lecture. Federal University Lokoja – 2 Nov 2017

45        In Pursuit of Justice and Equity: Rooting for the Health of the Poor. 20^th Sir Samuel Manuwa Memorial Lecture 58^th Annual Scientific Conference of the West African College of Surgeons. Banjul, The Gambia. –  27 Feb. 2018

 

46         Keynote Speaker. 7^th Valedictory and Graduation Ceremony. Bloombreed High School. Port Harcourt – 14 July 2018

          

47. Education For Political Stability in Nigeria. Keynote Address. 2018 Annual Conference of the Philosophers of Education Association of Nigeria.   – 24 Oct. 2018

 

48. Creating World Class Universities For a Vibrant Nigerian Economy and Sustainable Democracy. 24th Convocation Lecture. University of Uyo –  2 Nov. 2018

 

49. Sustaining University Academic Culture and Tradition: Towards an Ideal Convocation Ceremony. High Level Executive Development Programme (HEDP) for Council Members. Committee of Pro-chancellors of federal Universities. Kano. Nigeria – 9 April 2019

52. Quality Assurance: A Transformational Strategy. Keynote Address at the Meeting of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities at the University of Ibadan – 26^th August  2019
53. 50 Years of Postgraduate Medical Education in Nigeria. Keynote Address at the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. International Conference Centre, Abuja – 18 September 2019
54. Expectation for UI Senate at 70. Keynote address at the maiden retreat of the Senate of the University of Ibadan. Friday 6 December 2019
55. The Key role of the higher education leader in assuring quality on campus. Resource person at the Quality Assurance workshop for higher education leaders. African Quality Assurance Network. Abuja, Nigeria, 2 March 2020.
56. International Accreditation for African Universities – Ranking. Resource person at the  Quality Assurance workshop for higher education leaders. African Quality Assurance Network. Abuja, Nigeria, 3 March 2020.
57. Recent Advances in Medical Sciences. Implication for Stem Education. LASU-ACEITSE on-line courses. Advanced Trends in STEM education 812/912 3 June 2020
58. Character and Responsibility of a Ph.D. holder in Community Service Activities. LASU-ACEITSE Character training programme Wednesday 18 June 2020
59. Health Issues after COVID 19. 4^th Emmanuel Egbogah Legacy Webinar Series. Thursday 9^th July 2020.
60. Reflections: Character and Responsibility of a Fellowship Holder. Niger Delta Medical Journal, September 2020
61. Community Development. The Way Forward. Keynote address Inaugural OB Fubara Memorial Gold lecture series by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. Wednesday 23 December 2020.                                                                                                                                                       

 

SOME PAPERS READ AT CONFERENCES/CONFERENCES ATTENDED.

1. 1. The contribution of malposition to birth injuries in the young. Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria. Kano 16/8/80.
   2. Malaria as a cause of megaloblastic anaemia in pregnancy: protection associated with sickle cell trait. Joint meeting of the 18th Congress of the International Society for Haemotology, the 16th Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion, Montreal Quebec, Canada, August 16-22, 1980.
   3. Anaemia and its prevention in primigravidae in Zaria. Annual Conference of Nigerian Society for Haemotology and Blood Transfusion, Zaria, 1-3 April 1984.
   4. Easy vaginal deliveries with occipito-posterior positions. Annual Conference of the West African College of Surgeons, Abidjan, Ivory Coast, January 29, 1985.
   5. Maternal Mortality. 20th Annual Scientific Conference of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), Jos Nigeria, September 7, 8 and 9 1988.
   6. Technology and Obstetric Outcome. The 8th Annual Congress of the Confederation of the African Medical Associations and Societies (CAMAS). 2-8 December 1990, Accra, Ghana.
   7. Safe Motherhood Initiative Nigeria 1990. XIII World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), Singapore. September 1991.
   8. Adolescent Sexuality and its Problems in an African Society (Nigeria). XIII World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). Singapore, September 1991.

    

   9. Epidemiology of Induced Abortion. International Seminar on the Prevention of Abortion-related Morbidity and Mortality in Nigeria at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Wednesday, 4 December 1991.
   10. Intensive Care in Obstetric Practice: The Case of the Unbooked Mother. 32nd Annual Conference of the West African College of Surgeons, Banjul, Gambia. 2-9 February 1992.
   11. Management of malaria in Pregnancy. 17th Annual Scientific Conference of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria. Port-Harcourt, 15/10/92.
   12. Counseling for Contraception in General and Private Medical Practice. Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners. 1993 Annual Conference Port Harcourt. 19/3/93.
   13. Perinatal Mortality Rate at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. 1992 Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria.  Lagos, Nigeria.
   14. Maternal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa; The problems and leads to Prevention. 13th Meeting of the South to South Co-operation on Reproductive Health in Developing Countries. 10-11 May 1993, Lagos, Nigeria.
   15. AIDS: Keeping Rivers State Protected.  A guest lecture delivered at a seminar organised by Nigeria Medical Association (Rivers State branch) Wednesday, 22 September 1993.
   16. Epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases in developing countries (excluding HIV/AIDS) paper read at the XIV World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  24-30 Sept. 1994.
   17. Sexually Transmitted Infections in Nigeria. 2^nd International Conference of RCOG London in New Delhi, India, March 1996.
   18. Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Nigeria. Symposium on better approaches to Reproductive Health Care.  Ghent Belgium Sept. 1997.
   19. Babatunde SB, Ikokwu-Wonodi C, Odu NN, Briggs ND, Obunge OK, Ikimalo J, Dollimore N, Brabin L, Kemp J. Strengthening adolescent reproductive health service delivery in Port Harcourt through a network of functional programme linkages. Proceedings of the 2nd European Congress on Tropical Medicine, 14 -15 September 1998, Liverpool, UK
   20. Maternal Mortality in West Africa. 39^th Annual Conference. West African College of Surgeons, Conakry. Guinea. Feb. 1999.
   21. Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Nigerian Women. An information sharing meeting of partners on health research activities in Nigeria.  FOH, Abuja. March 1999.
   22. Difficulties with Syndromic Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections at PHC level. 3^rd International Conference of RCOG London in Cape Town, South Africa. September 1999.
   23. Maternal Mortality, Maternity Services and Safe Motherhood. Annual Conference of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria. Lagos. November 1999.
   24. Incontinence in Developing Countries. 2^nd International Consultation on Incontinence.  Palais des Congres, Paris – France July 1-3, 2001.
   25. Ethno-cultural imperatives and breast-feeding Information Packaging: A community-based study.  The 23^rd International Congress of Pediatrics Sept. 9-14, 2001 Beijing. 
   26. Some fundamental consideration and Breast-feeding options among mothers in Rivers State. Paper presented at the 33^rd Annual General Meeting of the Paediatirc Assocation of Nigeria (PANCOF) Asaba, Nigeria, January 2002.
   27. Brabin, P Bos, P.Thomas, S Babatunde, C Ikokwu-Wonodi, O Obunge, J Ikimalo, N Briggs. Consequences of High Risk Behaviours and Lifestyles of Young Nigerian Males. Third European Congress on Tropical Medicine and International Health, September 8 – 11, 2002, Lisbon, Portugal.
   28. Urban Rural dichotomies in Developing Economies and their influence on Infant feeding practices. Some lessons from a Community Based Study in Nigeria.  Paper presented at 6^th Commonwealth Congress on Diaorhoea and Malnutrition.  Drakensburg Mountains, South Africa.  19-21 May 2003.
   29. Life Depends on Birthweight. A Keynote Address delivered at the 36^th Annual General Meeting of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigerian (SOGON).  Port Harcourt, Nigeria, November 2003.
   30. HIV Prevention of mother to Child Transmission. A symposium held at the 53 Annual Scientific Conference of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PANCOF), Zaria-Nigeria. January 2004.
   31. HIV Peer Education and VCT Intervention at the 2004 Nigerian Universities Games in Port Harcourt Nigeria. Presentation by Babatunde S, Wowo S, Lawson B, Ikimalo J, Briggs N. XVI International AIDS Conference Toronto Canada 13-18 August 2006
   32. Learning from routine service data. Preliminary results on HIV/TB coinfection at TB/DOTS clinic in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. AIDS 2010. Vienna Austria. Presented by S Babatunde, PE Nngeri, IN Amechi, A Yamoshuk, T Myers, D Zakus, O Wiwa, ND Briggs
   33. A Needs Assessment for HIV/AIDS Research Utilization and Training within the Department of Nursing, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Paper presented at the 20^th Annual Canadian Conference on HIV/AIDS Research, Toronto, Canada, April 14-17, 2011. Presentation made along with Allman D, Babatunde S, Nwaobia P, Yarmoshuk A, Akani CI and Myers T.
   34. Yarmoshuk, A., Babatunde, S., Allman, D., Myers, T., Briggs, N. D. Establishing the Centre for Health and Development at the University of Port Harcourt: successes and challenges of a partnership between the University of Toronto and the University of Port Harcourt. 16th International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 4-8 December 2011.
   35. United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development – Rio+20. Rio De Janiero, Brazil, June 2012 Attended. Made a Poster Presentation: The Green Niger Delta Initiative.
   36. XX World Congress of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Rome, Italy. October 2012 Attended. Did not read a paper.
   37. Babatunde S, Myers T, Allman D, Akani C. Chinenye S, Yarmoshuk A, Marlatt F, Sandstrom P, Brooks J, Igbigbi E, Obunge O, Briggs ND, and Silverman M. Prevalence of HIV-2 in HIV Positive Adults, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. AMMI (Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases). Quebec City, Canada, April 5, 2013. Abstract 0086
   38. First International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics in Africa conference held in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, 2-5 October 2013. Maternal and Perinatal mortality from Eclampsia revisited: A Case for renewed emphasis on training and retraining of health workers in peripheral units. Authors Okpani AU, Ugboma HAA, Harbor EE, Orazulike NC, Ogu RN, Nyeche S, Alegbeleye J, John CT and Briggs ND.
   39. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecology Conference 2015. Brisbane Australia, April 12 -15. Attended and contributed to various discussions.
   40. 8^th International Conference on Quality Assurance in Higher Education in Africa (ICQAHEA) on multidimensions of innovation in Higher Education in Africa. Windhoek, Namibia, 20-23 September 2016. Chaired two sessions and contributed to many discussions.
   41. 9^th International Conference on Quality Assurance in Higher Education in Africa (ICQAHEA) in Accra Ghana September 19-21, 2017
   42. 10^th International Conference on Quality Assurance in Higher Education in Africa (ICQAHEA) in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Sept. 17-21, 2018
   43. Study visit to Egypt, September 24, 2018 to October 6, 2018. Visited:
       1. Supreme Council of universities
       2. National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE)
       3. Cairo University
       4. Al-Azhar University
       5. Kafrelsheikh University
   44. Study visit to the United Kingdom, October 9, 2018. Quality Assurance Agency of the United Kingdom. London, UK.
   45. 2019 Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) Conference. Washington DC, January 28-30
   46. 2019 CHEA International Quality Group Meeting, Washington DC. 30-31 January 2019
   47. Going Global 2019. Conference for Leaders of International education. Berlin Germany 13-15 May 2019

 

 

 

PUBLICATIONS IN NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES:

1. A Million Thanks, Captain X.

The Guardian Newspaper, Friday, January 12, 1990, Page 9.

2. Sap and Running Temper

            The Guardian Newspaper, Monday, February 19, 1990, Page 10.

3. Reflections on Babatunde Jose.

            The Guardian Newspaper, Thursday, January 17, 1991, Page 9.

4. A Tribute to my teacher, Olikoye Ransome-Okuti

            The Guardian Newspaper, Saturday June 11, 2003, Page 21

 

 

BOOKS:

1. A Handbook for House Officers.D.O. Mangete and K.EO. Nkanginieme (editors). Publishers: Uniport Medical Educators, 1991. Chapters 8, 9 and 10.
2. The current status of Gynecology and Obstetrics Vol.6 General Gynecology. Ed. Eng-Soon Teoh, S. Shan-Ratnan and Sir Malcom Macnaghton Section B. Section on Adolescent Sexuality. The Parthenon Publishing Group.
3. A History of The University of Port Harcourt. 1977-1998. EJ Alagoa (Ed). The chapter on College of Health Sciences.
4. Incontinence. Paul Abrams, Linda Cardozo, Saad khoury and Alan Wein eds 2002, The Chapter on Urinary Incontinence in the Developing World:The Obstetric fistula
5. Turning the Tide. Nimi D Briggs (ed). 2006.Spectrum Books Publishers
6. Nimi D Briggs: Thoughts on Univeristy Education in Nigeria. Williams Wodi (ed) Spectrum Books Publishers.
7. Contemporary Obstetrics and Gynaecology for Developing Countries. Friday Okonofua and Kunle Odunsi: Publishers: Women’s Health and Action Research Centre. Chapter on Mechanism of Normal Labour .Onyema Research Publishers.
8. Port Harcourt at 100.Past, Present and Future Edited by EJ Alagoa and Judy Nwanodi. Wrote chapter on the Economic Growth of the city of Port Harcourt.
9. The Economic Development of Rivers State. Edited by Nimi Briggs, Willie Okowa, Ozo-mekuri Ndimele. Wrote the chapters on General Introduction, The future Rivers Sate Economy, the Founding and Development of Port Harcourt and bringing it all together. Onyoma Research Publishers
10. ECONOMIC BLUEPRINT OF RIVERS STATE IN THE NIGER DELTA. Edited by Nimi Briggs, Ozo-Mekuri Ndimele, Joe Akpa
11. NIMI BRIGGS AT 70. Selected Writings and Addresses (2006-2013) Onyoma Research Publishers.
12. Towards a New Dawn in Nigeria Post 2015. Edited by Olusegun Obasanjo, Akin Mabonguje and Peter Okebukola and published by Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Centre for Human Security. Wrote Chapter 29. Exploiting Science and Technology: The Way Towards A New Dawn in Nigeria Post 2015.
13. Towards a New Dawn For the Health Sector in Nigeria Post 2015. Edited by Olusegun Obasanjo, Akin Mabonguje and Peter Okebukola and published by Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Centre for Human Security. Was co-chairman of the group that wrote the book and wrote Chapter 3: Governance of the Health Sector and Enhancement of Productivity.
14. Anthology of Exemplary Practices of Heads of Department and Deans of Faculities.2016. Edited by Peter Okebukola. Contributed cases.
15. Anthology of Exemplary Practices of Vice-Chancellors. 2016. Edited by Peter Okebukola. Contributed cases.
16. Internationalization of Higher Education at Home by Joseph Ajienka et al. I wrote the Foreword to this book which is currently in print.
17. Walking the Vision. Rahamon Adisa Bello by Lucian Chukwu et al. I did the review of this book. University of Lagos. October 2017
18. The Role of the Registry in Promoting Good Governance in the Nigerian University System by Victor Onuoha et all (2018). Served as Technical Adviser.

WORK IN PROGRESS

1. Universities in Developing Economies.
2. University Advancement.

 

TECHNICAL REPORTS

1. “ELSSI” Expanded Life Saving Skills Initiative Manual for Doctors. FMOH WHO.

ND Briggs and Adenike Grange.

 

2. Making the Votes Count

Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission 2010

 

3. Enhancing the Electoral Process

Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission 2011

 

4. Briggs ND, Babatunde S, Ikimalo J, Obunge OK, Wonodi C, Odu NN. Baseline Status of Human

Health and Health Infrastructure in the Niger Delta Region: Final Report. The Niger Delta

Environmental Survey (NDES) Ltd/GTE, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 2000.

 

5. Babatunde S, Briggs ND, Ikimalo J, Obunge OK, Wonodi C, Odu NN. Baseline Study on Status of Women in SPDC-East Operational Area: Final Report. Women’s Development Programme (RCE-

DEVG), Shell Petroleum Development Company, Port Harcourt. March 2001.

 

6. Babatunde S, Ekine D, Ogboma TCB, Ikimalo J, Obunge OK, Wonodi C, Odu NN, Briggs ND, Johnnie P. A Study of the Social Structure of SPDC-Host Communities: Final Report. Shell Petroleum Development Company [PRE-CRL, SPDC], Port Harcourt. December 2001.

 

7. Babatunde S, Ikimalo J, Obunge OK, Wonodi C, Odu NN, Briggs ND. Health Impact Assessment of Greater Port Harcourt Swamp Line Major Trunk-line Replacement Project: Draft Report. Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC-East), Port Harcourt. July 2004.

 

8. Babatunde S, Ikimalo J, Obunge OK, Wonodi C, Odu NN, Briggs ND. Health Impact Assessment of Trans-Niger Pipeline Major Trunk-line Replacement Project: Draft Report. Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC-East), Port Harcourt. January 2005.

 

9. Nimi Briggs, Ozo-Mekuri Ndimele, Joe Akpa. Reports and Recommendations of the Rivers State      Economic Advisory Council (RSEAC, 2007- 2014)

 

 

 

 

ARTICLES IN LEARNED JOURNALS:

1. Briggs, N.D. (1977) ‘retained Placenta – a comparison between “early” and “late” cases’, Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Developing Countries, Proceedings of An International Conference, Ibadan, Nigeria, 319-322.
2. Adeboye, D.S., Briggs, N.D., Lister, U. (1979) ‘Cultural Examination of Female Outpatients in Zaria, Nigeria’, Nigerian Medical Journal 9, 675-678.
3. Briggs, N.D. (1980) ‘Granulosa cell tumour of the ovary: a Nigerian experience’, West African Journal of Surgery, 4, 35-38.
4. Briggs, N.D. (1981) ‘Engagement of the fetal head in the Negro Primigravidae’, British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 88, 1086-1089.
5. Fleming, A.F., Briggs, N.D., Harrison, K.A. (1984) ‘Sickle cell trait and Malaria in Pregnancy’, Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 4, (2) 5-7.
6. Fleming, A.F., Harrison, K.A., Briggs, N.D., Attai, E.D.E., Chatoura, G.B.S., Akintunde, E.A. and Shah, N. (1984) ‘Anaemia in Young Primigravidae in the Guinea Savannah of Nigeria: Sickle Cell Trait Gives Partial Protection Against Malaria’, Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, 78, 395-404.
7. Briggs, N.D. (1984) ‘Carcinoma of the Cervix Coexisting with Carcinoma of the Corpus’, West Africa Journal of Medicine, 3, 277-280.
8. Harrison, K.A., in collaboration with Rossiter, C.E., Chong, H., Lister, U.G., Bano, Q., Briggs, N.D., Ewempu, C.C. and Member, M.T. (1985) ‘Antenatal care, formal education and childbearing’, in Harrison, K.A. ‘Childbearing, Health and Social Priorities: A Survey of 22774 Consecutive Hospital Births in Zaria, Northern Nigeria’, British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 92, Supplement number 5, 14-22.
9. Harrison, K.A., in collaboration with Rossiter, C.E., Chong, H., Lister, U.G., Bano, Q., Briggs, N.D., Ekwempu, C.C. and Memberr, M.T. (1985) ‘The influence of maternal age and parity on childbearing with special reference to primigravidae aged 15 years and under’, in Harrison, K.A. ‘Childbearing, Health and Social Priorities: A Survey of 22774 Consecutive Hospital Births in Zaria, Northern Nigeria’, British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 92, Supplement number 5, 23-31.
10. Harrison, K.A., in collaboration with Fleming, A.F., Briggs, N.D., Rossiter, C.E. (1985) ‘Growth during pregnancy in Nigerian teenage primigravidae’, in Harrison, K.A. ‘Childbearing, Health and Social Priorities: A Survey of 22774 Consecutive Hospital Births in Zaria, Northern Nigeria’ British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 92, Supplement number 5, 32-39.
11. Fleming, A., Harrison, K.A., Briggs, N.D. (1986) ‘The Prevention of Anaemia in Pregnancy in Primigravidae in the Guinea Savannah of Nigeria’ Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, 80, 2, 211-233.
12. Briggs, N.D. (1988) ‘Maternal death in booked and unbooked patients: University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital Experience’, Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Special Edition, 1, 26-29.
13. Harrison, K.A., Briggs, N.D., John, C.T., Memberr, M.T.B. and Lololmari, D. O. (1988) ‘Growth during early teenage pregnancy’, The Lancet,8596, 1, 1226-1227.
14. Brambiafa, N., Briggs, N.D. (1988) ‘Role of the Prostaglandin F₂alpha in Corpus Luteum Regression’, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of East and Central Africa 7, 31-33.
15. Briggs, N.D., Katchy, K.C. (1988) ‘Brenner Tumour as encountered in a Southern Nigerian Hospital’, International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 27, 312-314.
16. Briggs, N.D. (1989) ‘Outcome of labour in occipito posterior positions in an African population’, British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 10, 1234-1236.
17. Briggs, N.D., Katchy, K.C. (1990) ‘Pattern of Primary Gynaecological Malignancies as seen in a tertiary Nigerian hospital’, International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 31, 157.
18. Briggs N.D. (1990) ‘Does Contracted pelvis cause malposition?’, African Journal of medicine and Medical Sciences 6; 234-237.
19. Briggs, N.D. (1990) ‘Pelvic measurements of Northern Nigerian Women’, Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 10, 24-27
20. Briggs, N.D. and Oruamabo, R.S. (1991) ‘Technology free Obstetrics’, The Lancet, 337, 553.
21. Harrison, K.A., Briggs, N.D. and Oruamabo, R.S. (1991) ‘Technology free Obstetrics’, The Lancet, 338-383.
22. Briggs, N.D. (1991) ‘Safe Motherhood Initiative Nigeria’, The Lancet, 338, 504.
23. Ogunbode, O., Otubu, J.A.M., Briggs, N.D., and Adeleye, J.A. (1992) ‘Chemiron- A new hematinic preparation. How effective during pregnancy?’, Current Therapeutic Research, 51, 1, 163-173.
24. Briggs, N.D. (1992) ‘Nigeria Safe Motherhood Initiative’, Contemporary Reviews in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 4, 127-131.
25. Briggs, ND (1993) Maternal Health. Illiteracy and maternal Health: educate or die. The Lancet. Editorial Commentary. 341, 1063-1064.
26. Briggs, ND, John, CT., and Ufomadu, L. (1993) “Is Fibroid familial” Tropical Doctor. 10. 181.
27. Briggs ND (1994)   “Long-term use of the Lippes Loop.   Experience of a Nigerian Teaching Hospital”. Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 6, 14-15
28. Briggs ND (1994) “Common Gynaecological Tumours” Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 6, 27-31
29. Loretta Brabin, Julia Kemp, Orikomaba K Obunge, John Ikimalo, Nicola Dollimore, Ngozi N Odu, C. Anthony Hart, Nimi D. Briggs (1995). “Reproductive tract infections and abortions among adolescent girls in rural Nigeria”. The Lancet (4) 300-304.
30. Loretta Brabin, Julia Kemp, Sheila Maxwell, John Ikimalo, Orikomabe Obunge and Nimi D Briggs (1995). “Protecting adolescent girls against tetanus”.  BMJ 311: 73-4.
31. L Brabin, J Ikimalo, N Dollimore, J Kemp, C Ikokwu-Wonodi, S Babatunde, O Obunge and N Briggs (1997). “How do they grow?  A study of South – eastern Nigerian adolescent girls”.  Acta Paediatrica Scandinivica 86:1114-20
32. Fiona Barr, Loretta Brabin, Shola Agbaje, Fiekumo Buseri, John Ikimalo and Nimi Briggs (1998). Reducing iron deficiency anaemia due to heavy menstrual blood loss in Nigerian rural adolescents.  Public Health 1 (4), 249-257.
33. Ikimalo, OK Obunge, S Babatunde, C Ikokwu-Wonodi, ND Briggs, J Kemp, N Dollimore, L Brabin, O Agbaje and CA Hart (1999). “Sexually Transmitted infections among Nigerian adolescents school girls”.  Sexually Transmitted Infections. 75, (2) p.121.
34. Brabin, B.J., Agbaje, Sof., Ahmed, Y., and Briggs, ND. (1999). A birthweight normogram for Africa, as a malaria-control indicator.  Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology.  93, S43-S57.
35. Loretta Brabin, Gambriella Fazio- Terrozo, Shagiba Shakid, Olorunsola Agbaje, Stella Maxwell, Bobin Broadhead, Nimi Briggs, Benard Brabin. Tetanus Antibody Levels among adolescent girls in developing countries. The Transactions of the Royal Scociety of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Vol. 94, Issue 4, Pages 455-459. July 2000.
36. Morton Beiser, Owens Wiwa, Sylvia Adebajo. Human initiated disaster, Social disorganization and post-traumatic stress disorder above Nigeria’s oil basins. Social Science and Medicine 71 (2010) 221-227. My contribution to this original research work was acknowledged.
37. OK Obunge, L Brabin, N Dollimore, J Kemp, C Ikokwu Wonodi, S Babatunde, S White, ND Briggs and CA Hart. A flowchart for Managing Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Nigerian adolescent females. Bulletin of WHO, 2001, 79: 301-305
38. Nimi D. Briggs. (2015) 40 and on. Determined to do better. Port Harcourt Medical Journal. Vol. 9, Supplement, December 2015, 9-21.
39. Nimi Briggs (2016). Reflections of An Obs/Gyn Icon. Women’s Health Watch. A News and Features Communication of Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), Eastern Sector. Vol.4, 2 July – December 2015. 16-17.
40. Briggs ND (2020) Publication of Invited Lecture. Private Wealth for Public Good. How does it benefit Childbearing? Nig. Del Med J 2020; 4(1) 9-18.
41. Nimi Briggs (2020) Publication of Invited Lecture. Keeping Healthy Rather than Treating Disease. Nig Del Med J 2020: 4(2):15-19.

 

 

1. THESIS:

Briggs, N.D., 1983. Occipito Posterior Position: Predictive indices on the outcome of labour. This thesis which was the result of a major research on mechanical difficulties in labour, was commenced in Zaria, under Professor K.A. Harrison and concluded at the University of London under the supervision of Professor Sir Jack Dewhurst.  It consists of 8 chapters, 11 appendices and a total of 226 pages. In recognition of the contribution made by this work to knowledge in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the University of Lagos awarded me the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 1983.

 

CONSULTANCY TO GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS:

1. Pathfinder Organisation             –           1986-1989
2. Africare             –           1988
3. Association for Voluntary Surgical –           1989-1994

            Contraception (AVSC)

4. International Projects Assistance –           1988-1991

            Services (IPAS)

5. Margaret Sanger Centre of New York –           1990-1992
6. MacArthur Foundation –           1992
7. Carnegie Corporation of New York –           1992-1994
8. Overseas Development Administration –           1992-1999

            (ODA) of United Kingdom Now Department

            for International Development (DFID)

9           National Universities Commission (NUC)            –           1990 – to date

10.  Shell Petroleum Development Company             –           1998
11.   Ford Foundation                                               –           2012
12.  Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library            –           2011 -to date
13.   Federal Ministry of Education                –           2017 to date

14        Economic Commission for West African States

             ECOWAS                                                                     2019 to date

 

 

MY IMPORTANT  CONTRIBUTIONS TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

 

1. TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH VESICO-VAGINAL FISTUAL (VVF) AND PIONEERING THE CAMPAIGN FOR SAFE MOTHERHOOD IN NORTHERN NIGERIA.

In some parts of Nigeria, girls, not infrequently, are given out in marriage at very tender ages.  As a result, such girls may begin childbearing at an age when their pelvic bones are not sufficiently developed to allow for the easy passage of fully-developed babies.  Obstruction may occur in labour and the urinary bladder may get trapped between the bones of the baby’s head and mother’s pelvis and so become devitalized.  Tissue death may then occur leading to the sloughing-off of portions of the bladder with the formation of a hole which connects the bladder to the vagina.  This hole is known as Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) and females with this dehumanizing condition constantly leak urine. They are found in many parts of Nigeria, more so, in Northern Nigeria.  They are often rejected by society as they have very offensive smell.

From 1975 to 1979, I taught, researched on and practised Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.  In the course of my job at the Teaching Hospital of the University, I encountered and treated several patients with VVF.

In 1979, I transferred my services to the University of Port Harcourt where I was appointed the pioneer Head of the Institution’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.  There also, I encountered some patients with VVF.  So, I set up a Unit at the Teaching Hospital of the University of Port Harcourt for fistula repair.

I can therefore be counted as one of Nigerian medical Professors who has treated a good number of patients with VVF – an aspect of patient care which many doctors loath on account of the offensive smell of the sufferers.

I did not just stop at treating the patients with fistula when I worked in Northern Nigeria.  The people needed to be educated on how VVF came about and how it could be avoided.  So, working under the supervision of Professor Kelsey A. Harrison, an internationally renowned Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, and Una lister, a Briton who served Nigeria meritoriously, we instituted educational programmes to discourage girls from early commencement of childbearing.  And so began the precursor of today’s Safe Motherhood and other Campaigns, which are being promoted by the World Health Organization and its specialized agencies like UNICEF and other non-governmental organizations – all designed to improve maternal and child health, especially in developing countries.  In appreciation of this and other services to the people of Northern Nigeria while serving as a staff of the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, the Authorities of the University commended me very highly when they wrote in support of my transfer of service to the University of Port Harcourt in 1979.

 

2. REACTIVATION OF HEALTH SERVICES AT KEGBARA DERE

As part of my research activities, I established a rural research station at the Health Centre in Kegbara Dere in Ogoni land of Rivers State.  This was at a time when the Ogoni people had suffered tremendous losses in men and materials as a result of the immense political upheavals of the early 1990s.  The Health Centre, which served as the focal point for Health Care Delivery in that part of the country, was desolate and abandoned.  I raised a team from the University which offered a-round-the clock health care, free of charge.  Through the effort of Professor Kelsey Harrison, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, England, collaborated with me and my team to extend support to the Centre. Five persons obtained their PhDs working in that Centre of which two were staff of the University of Liverpool. Also, the research findings from the Centre have been published in some of the leading medical journals of the world including the LANCET.  Additionally, the activities at the Centre spread rapidly and the Centre became the nucleus from which medical services in Ogoni land were reactivated.  In appreciation of this selfless service to the Ogoni people of Nigeria, the people of Kegbara Dere of Ogoni, invested me with the chieftaincy title of Mene-na-le of Kegbara Dere which translates as “the Chief that does good”. The Centre now serves as a major academic outpost for the University of Port Harcourt. It is used in the training of medical students on rural medicine and for community based research.

3. ADVISER TO PRESIDENT SHEHU SHAGARI ON THE FORMATION OF THE INSTITUTE OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY

One important feature of Nigeria’s health indices is the high maternal mortality rate of about 1,000/100,000 live births (in the 1970s) which successive governments have expressed the desire to reduce.  During the Presidency of Alhaji Shehu Shagari, on advice from the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), Mr. President accepted that one way of doing this, was to establish an Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Nigeria, which was to be given the mandate to conduct research into all aspects of the health of women, including those factors that contribute to maternal deaths.  A team of ten Obstetricians and Gynaecologists was put together with Late Professor T. Belo-Osagie, then President of SOGON, as leader, to advise Mr. President on the formation of this Institute.  I was one of the ten.  The team worked for about nine months and put an excellent report together which was submitted to President Shehu Shagari.

 

4          NATIONAL SERVICE:  ACT OF BRAVERY

MILITARY DUTY DURING THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR

Without a formal commissioning into the army, I “fought” for the unity of Nigeria during the 30-month long Nigerian Civil war, when I served as a Field Captain (Medical Officer) with the Nigerian Army at the 3 Field Ambulance of 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, at a time when the former President of the country, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, was General Officer Commanding the 3^rd Marine Commando.  At the end of the war in January 1970, I was the only Medical Officer with the Federal Nigerian Army at Owerri, which was then serving as the de facto headquarter of the war affected parts of the country.  So, the lot of supervising the arrival of various cadres of medical personnel from the war affected zones, naturally fell on me.  This establishment of some order among the medical personnel as they emerged from the war affected parts of the Country by me then, was the commencement of the re-activation of medical services in those parts of the country after the war!

 

5. VICE-CHANCELLOR, UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

I served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt from July 2000 to July 2005.  During that period, the university attained spectacular growth and achievements in all aspects of its operations.  I attracted large amount of funds from governments, corporate as well as philanthropic organizations into the University for its Development.  Additionally, I launched a Silver Jubilee Endowment Fund and wrote personal letters to all the staff of the university (over 3,000) and implored them to make contributions voluntarily. Over 1000 staff responded and contributed handsomely.  Academic standards improved as a result of a more business-like posture of Senate.  In 1999, before I became the Vice-Chancellor of the University, the Institution was ranked 25^th among 36 Federal and State Universities by the National Universities Commission (NUC) “based on the quality of academic programmes”.  However, following the November 2002 “accreditation re – visitation of programmes with denied accreditation status” exercise, the University was then ranked FIRST along with the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, after I had served for just two years as its Vice-Chancellor.  Furthermore, fake students were de-registered; cultism was drastically reduced and new specialized courses that are critical to the nation’s economy, like those in Gas and Environmental Engineering, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences were introduced. I established  institutions that endured like the Institute of Petroleum Studies and the Centre for Health and Development, where I was  and where active research work is currently going on. In February 2013, the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) strongly congratulated me and the University of Port Harcourt for the achievement of this centre. Furthermore, I vastly expanded the opportunities for staff and students to undertake study visits to Universities abroad under Exchange/Linkage Programmes of the University’s Advancement Centre, which was established by me.  Problems of utilities, infrastructure and security were tackled vigorously.  I secured the hosting rights for the University for the Nigerian Universities Games, NUGA 2004 Games. The university hosted the Games in November and December 2004 in such a remarkable manner, that the 2004 Games are now considered to be the best ever staged in the Nigerian University System.  Under my leadership the university constructed a modern Sports village for the Games which is now acclaimed to be the best in the Nigerian University System.  The Olympic size swimming pool in the village which is built by the Mythra Technology is reported to be one of the best ten in the world.  The University’s performance in sporting activities during my tenure as Vice-Chancellor was excellent.  It ranked first on the medal list at the West African Universities Games which were held in 2003 at Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso and also first at the NUGA 2004 Games.  At the NUGA Games 2000 and 2002 at the Ahmadu Bello University and University of Ibadan respectively, the university placed second on both occasions. On account of the excellent sporting facilities which I established in the university when I was in charge of the affairs of the institution, University of Port Harcourt has come first on the overall medal list at the NUGA from 2004 till date (2016) – several years of unbroken superiority that has never been the case before now. The Sports Institute at the university now offers post graduate programmes in various sporting arena.

Prior to my substantive appointment in July 2000, I had been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor on two different occasions by the Federal Government:  January 1995 – March 1996 and January 2000 – July 2000.  The acting appointments were all made at periods during which the University of Port Harcourt was going through tremendous administrative difficulties.  It was felt that I had the administrative capability that would enable me to return the University back to a path of rectitude on both occasions.  So, I currently have in my possession, three letters of appointment as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt – two in acting capacities and one in a substantive capacity.

Partly on account of these achievements, my colleagues, Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities, elected me as their Chairman in July 2004 for a period of one year.  Subsequently, the Vice-Chancellors of all Universities in Nigeria – Federal, State and Private, also elected me as Chairman in August 2004 and I served in these capacities for one year.  I also served as a member of the Governing Council of the Association of Commonwealth Universities with Headquarters in London.  In addition, the National Universities Commission (NUC) picked the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt as the best Governing Council for the year 2003 and myself, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, as the second-best Vice-Chancellor for the year.  Finally, “in recognition of my (your) outstanding virtues and in appreciation of my (your) service to our country, Nigeria”, other than the many commendations from the Governing Council and Senate of the University, the National Universities Commission, as well as the General Public, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, conferred on me the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on Thursday 16 December 2004.

 

Realising the pivotal role of research in national development, I established a Centre for Health and Development in 1995 when I was serving as the Vice-Chancellor of the University, in collaboration with the University of Toronto and the Association of Canadian Colleges and Universities. Even after my retirement, I remained the Principal Investigator of the Centre which I am till this day. With me in that capacity, the Centre has carried out several research works in collaboration with the University of Toronto, Association of African Universities and Bill Clinton Foundation especially in HIV/AIDS. It is therefore not unlikely that the current reduction in prevalence rate of the disease that is being noticed, in Nigeria, may, in part, be due to the application of research findings emanating from the centre. 

 

Partly in appreciation of my meritorious services to the University of Port Harcourt, including those as its Vice-Chancellor, the serving Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ajienka described me as “a gift to the University of Port Harcourt” during my investiture as an Emeritus Professor of the university in April 2012.

 

Furthermore, the university has named the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences block and the Students Hostel of the Institute of Petroleum Studies which are both under construction, after me.

 

6. Appointed member of a 10 persons Strategy Advisory Committee (STRADVCOM) to assist the National Universities Commission in its determination to urgently revitalize the Nigerian Universities System. A document for this purpose was completed in 2018 and due to be launched in 2019.
7.  
8. OTHERS

The many other ways in which I have contributed to national development include:

• As Chairman of the National Hospital, Abuja, I ensured that the hospital established the first ever invitro fertilization (Test Tube baby) unit in a public Health Institution in Nigeria.
• Under my leadership of the Board as its Chairman, the Board of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and the Hospital Management, in collaboration with the Swedish Government established a Stem Cell Transplant Unit – the first of its kind in sub Saharan Africa. Some patients with Sickle Cell Disease has been successfully treated at the Unit.
• As Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, I conducted credible general (state-wide) elections on two occasions which have enhanced the democratic process in the state, and ipso facto, in the country. Two books emanated from this exercise – Making the Votes Count and Enhancing the Electoral Process which are significant contributions to the existing body of knowledge on the electioneering process in Nigeria and beyond. I received high commendation from the Rivers State Government on the performance of my Commission.
• As Chairman of the Rivers State Economic Advisory Council – the Think Tank of the Rivers State Government, I have led my Council to give advice which have contributed to the good governance for a better governance of Rivers State. At the last count, we had given a total of 289 such pieces of advice to government.
• In June 2011, i.e. after my retirement, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) commissioned 19 senior academics in Africa to produce Modules, as gold standards, for recommendation to Universities in Africa for teaching and learning in various disciplines. I am one of the 19 so selected. I wrote Module 15 which addresses the issue of Teaching and Learning in the Medical Sciences. The Module attracted very favourable comments which were posted anonymously on the internet.
• Despite my other commitments outside the university following my retirement, I have not abandoned my academic work at the University of Port Harcourt and in the Nigerian Universities System in consonance with my new status as PROFESSOR EMERITUS. I still mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students of the University of Port Harcourt, vet research proposals, get involved in research activities, make publications and deliver addresses at scientific professional fora.
• In July 2013, the National Universities Commission held a 2-day retreat for newly appointed Chairmen and members of the Governing Councils of all Federal Government-owned Universities in the country (40 of them) and Vice-Chancellors from some other universities. I was one of the 14 resources persons who were invited from across the country to address the Chairmen and members of Council. I spoke on the topic: University Governance.
• Speaking at a book launch on Ist. March 2014 to mark my 70th. birthday anniversary, the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi announced that in appreciation of my meritorious serves to the country and Rivers State in particular, the Government has decided to name the 100 bed hospital it is currently constructing after me as PROFESSOR NIMI BRIGGS HOSPITAL (PNBH). This hospital was finally commissioned by His Excellency, President – Elect Muhammadu Buhari in Port Harcourt on 26 May 2015.

 

• Regarding Tertiary Health Care and Tertiary Education, I have served as follows:
• Tertiary Health Care
  • Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
  • Chairman, Board of National Hospital, Abuja.
  • Chairman, Board of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City
• Tertiary Education
  • Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Provost College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt.
  • Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt
  • Chairman, Committee of Vice- Chancellors of All Nigeria Universities.
  • Chairman, University of Port Harcourt Foundation.
  • Several visitation exercises to various universities on behalf of the National Universities Commission either as Chairman or Member.
  • Member, Court of Governors, College of Medicine, University of Lagos.
  • Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Federal University, Lokoja.
  • Association of Deans of Dentistry Faculties, Nigerian universities.
  • Academy of Medicine of Nigeria.
  • Chairman, fund raising committee West African College of Surgeons.
  • Chairman Board of Trustees. Endowment Fund. West African College of Surgeons.
  • Member, Federal Government Team for the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement with university unions
  • Member, Strategy Advisory Committee of the National Universities Commission for the revitalization of the Nigerian University System.