Nimi Dimkpa Briggs Legacy Lecture of the University of Port Harcourt is a lecture delivered annually in recognition of the man who was twice Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt from January 1995 — March 1996 and January 2000 — July 2000, after which he was appointed Vice Chancellor of the University from I0 July 2000 to 9 July 2005.
During his time as Vice Chancellor, the University was ranked FIRST from 25th” among 36 Federal and State Universities by the National Universities Commission (NUC) after he had served for just two years as its Vice Chancellor.
Professor Emeritus Briggs was a doctor, teacher, researcher, mentor, ace university administrator, moralist, shrewd philosopher, philanthropist, community and church leader, statesman and exemplar. His life attests to these assertions.
He graduated from the University of Lagos with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB, BS). Amongst accolades he earned were a distinction in Obstetrics and Gynecology, overall best in final MB, BS examination in Surgery, and the gold medal prize as the best student in Paediatrics,
He was a Fellow of the Nigeria Medical Council of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FMCOG, 1978); the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS, 1979); the International College of Surgeons (FICS, 1981); the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRCOG, 1988); the Nigeria Academy of Science (FAS, 2004) and Foundation Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Medicine (2021).
Prior to his role as Vice Chancellor University of Port Harcourt, Nimi was Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (1990); Provost, College of Health Sciences (1993 — 1996), Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (2012).
In the capacity as Chairman, Nimi was the Chairman of various Institutions, Boards, Foundations and Committees. Some of these were;
- Chairman, Committee of Pro-Chancellors (CPC) of Nigerian Federal Universities (2021 -2023)
- Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Council, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State (2020-2023)
- Pioneer Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Bayelsa University of Medical Sciences (2019 — 2023)
- Member, Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities
in Nigeria (COPSUN 2019 -2023) - Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Federal University, Lokoja,
Nigeria (2016-2020) - Chairman, Board of Sports Institute, University of Port Harcourt
(2013-2023) - Chairman, Board of University of Port Harcourt Foundation (2012 —
2023) - Chairman, Board of Management, University of Benin Teaching
Hospital (2009 — 2011) - Chairman, Rivers State Economic Advisory Council (2007-2015)
- Chairman, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (2007 —
201T) - Chairman, Rivers State Community Foundation, (2007-2015)
- Chairman, Board of the National Hospital, Abuja (2006 — 2007)
- Chairman, Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Federal
Universities (CVC 2004 – 2005) - Member of many strategic committees too numerous to mention
Nimi, though his lifetime garnered a plethora of awards, some of which were;
- Distinguished Alumnus of the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos
- Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Lagos
- Distinguished Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College
of Nigeria - Recipient of the National Award of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)
- Recipient of the Hallmarks of Labour Award for Outstanding Contributions in the field of Education
- Recipient of the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris
Causa) by the University of Port Harcourt. - Knight of Saint Christopher
Professor Emeritus Nimi Briggs was married to Lady Data Nimi Briggs (Nee Christopher Tom Ogi), for fifty-one (SI) years. Their union is blessed with three (3) children – Ninah, Kika and Boma and five grandchildren.
In his lifetime, there were seven areas close to his heart, which are;
- Women’s Health
- Medical Education
- University Administration
- The Electoral Process and Politics
- Abonnema
- Leadership
- National Development and Health
These legacy lectures will ensure that the memory of Professor Emeritus Nimi Dimkpa Briggs will continue to impact future generations as a lasting memorial to his great legacy. As in his own words, ‘Excellence lasts forever’.
Nimi Briggs, Professorial Chair of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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 Professor Emeritus 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.
The position of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Development was vacant for some time, thus Professor Emeritus Briggs managed the Chair; 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, Professor Emeritus Briggs had given over 60 lectures and keynote addresses, including more than 50 workshop conferences and related field activities. With his sudden demise on the 10th of April 2023, and the subsequent activities rolled out to mourn his painful passing, a decision was made by his mentees headed by Professor Ajienka to activate the Chair so as to immortalise his legacies
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 — 22 February, 1944. This commendable idea was endorsed by the Family and approved by our Vice Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill.
Previous Activities
Legacy Lecture Series
The First Nimi Dimkpa Briggs Legacy Lecture series held on 22″
February, 2024.
The Guest Lecturer was Professor Peter Okebukola, the former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC). He delivered a sterling lecture titled: “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)”. The book was expertly reviewed by Professor Nwajiuba, the former Vice Chancellor Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ebonyi State.
Copies of the books were donated to the Nigerian Universities Commission and some University libraries.
Future Plans
Legacy Lecture Series
The Second Nimi Dimkpa Briggs Legacy Lecture is scheduled for 27th” February, 2025 to be delivered by Dr Ibrahim Wada, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NISA Medical Group, and a protegee of Emeritus Professor Briggs. It is titled: The Longevity of Man.
Research
Source for donor-funded programmes and research grants:
A Tertiary Education Trust fund (TETFUND) Research Grant to carry out a high-impact research has been secured and the focus is on mental health. It is titled: “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.”
Community Development
Organisation of free surgical outreaches to communities in Rivers State. This will start with the people of Abonnema in Akuku Toru Local Government Area (Professor Briggs’s hometown).
Strategic Partnerships
Leverage on existing partnerships and develop new ones with stakeholders, corporate bodies and other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The aim of which is to garner resources with which to improve women’s health and university education, some causes which the late Professor Emeritus Nimi Briggs was passionate about all through his very engaged professional and public service career.
We look forward to exciting partnerships in the near future to perpetuate the great legacies of Professor Emeritus Nimi Dimkpa Briggs and continue to place the Unique University of Port Harcourt on the world’s radar.
Professor Ngozi Clare Orazulike
MBBS (Nigeria), Msc (Oxon), FWACS, FICS
Chair Occupant
Email: Ngozi.orazulike@uniport.edung
Phone number: +2348033048050
Citation
Dr. Ibrahim Wada oon, FRcoc, FWACS, MBA
Dr. Ibrahim Wada, CEO of Nisa Medical Group, is a distinguished gynaecologist and fertility expert whose work has profoundly impacted healthcare delivery in Nigeria. A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zatia (MBBS, 1980), he is a Fellow of both the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRCOG), UK, and the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS).
Dr. Wada received advanced training in the UK, including serving as an IVF Research Fellow at MFS BUPA Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital, Manchester (1989-1992). He later became a Consultant Gynaecologist at the renowned Bourn Hall Clinic, Cambridge, where he trained under IVF pioneer Professor Bob Edwards,
Upon returning to Nigeria in 1994, Dr. Wada made history by achieving the first government verified IVF live birth at Nisa Premier Hospital in 1998. Since then, he has overseen over 5,000 successful IVF births. In 2018, he introduced Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), leading to Nigeria’s first sickle cell-free birth to carrier parents.
Dr. Wada serves as the lead trainer for the IVF and Infertility sub-specialization program of the West African College of Surgeons and has revolutionized managed healthcare through public private partnerships, notably transforming Garki Hospital Abuja into a model healthcare facility.
Under his leadership, Nisa Premier and Garki Hospitals have become premier centres for post fellowship IVF training, residency programs, and allied health professional development. He has mentored numerous healthcare professionals who now serve in institutions across Nigeria and beyond.
Dr. Wada is also an Associate Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology on contract with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi. He has published over 20 articles in peer-reviewed journals, both locally and internationally, and is the author of two books.
Honoured as an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Dr. Wada also holds the traditional title of Talban Jiwa, FCT, and is an avid golfer.