The University of Port Harcourt has declared 5 days of mourning on the death of Professor Nimi Briggs.
In a statement by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Owunari Georgewill, stated that all UNIPORT flags on campus are to fly at half mast during the period.
The statement reads, ”University declares 5 days (MONDAY 10- Friday 14 April 2023)of mourning on the death of Professor Nimi Briggs the 5th Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt 2000-2005.
”All UNIPORT flags on campus to fly at half mast, condolence register to be opened in the office of the Vice Chancellor, the entrance into senate building and at the College of Health Sciences.
”We urge all staff, students and stakeholders to pray for the repose of our 5th Vice Chancellor and for strength for his family to remain strong.
”God rest the soul of Emeritus Professor Nimi D Briggs and the souls of all the faithful departed in Jesus Mighty name Amen”.
A close family source told our reporter that Prof. Briggs, who was also a Pro-Chancellor of Bayelsa Medical University died in the early hours of Monday.
Prof. Nimi Briggs is a Nigerian academic, scholar an Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He served as Vice-Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt twice, from 1995 to 96 and 2000 until 2005. He is former Chairman Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities and the Chairman of the Board of the National Hospitals. Between 2007 and 2008. He was Pro-Chancellor Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike. He is Chairman, Board of Sports Institute, University of Port Harcourt.
He received a National Service Act of Bravery Award for his Military duty during the Nigerian civil war. He “fought” for the unity of Nigeria during the 30-month long Nigerian Civil war, when he served as a Field Captain (Medical Officer) with the Nigerian Army at the 3 Field Ambulance of 3 Division, Nigerian Army. His publications and academic contributions are uncountable. To name but a few, his Professional and Academic achievements include: Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, London (MRCOG), Fellow of the Nigeria Medical Council in Obstetrics and Gynecology (FMCOG), Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS), Fellow of the International College of Surgeons (FICS), Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, London (FRCOG), Fellow Nigerian Academy of Science (FAS).
He has over 50 honours, distinctions, scholarships and awards, over 50 career positions/appointments, important services to tertiary educational and health institutions and management organizations. He has over 47 external examination/evaluation, full registration as a Medical Practitioner General Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), over 50 professorial inaugural lecture and valedictory lectures, over 18 books published, over 39 Consultancy to Government and Non-Governmental Organizations.
He has contributed to National Development with the treatment of patients with Vesico-Vaginal Fistual (VVF) and pioneering the campaign for Safe Motherhood in Northern Nigeria, 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.
The pro-chancellor acts as a deputy to the chancellor and as practical chairman of the university council. He also carries out formal and informal functions, such as presiding over conferment of degrees, regulatory oversight of the university, facilitating partnership or relationships.
