The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has elected Bala Muhammad Audu, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology as its new president following its annual delegates meeting held in Calabar, Cross Rivers State.
Audu will lead a new team of leadership drawn from across the country for the next two years, the association announced on Sunday.
Handing over to Audu, Uche Ojinmah, the immediate past president of the association encouraged him to discharge his duties effectively.
The new president will work with Benjamin Olowojebutu, as first vice president, Usha Anenga as second vice president, Ben Egbo as secretary general and Wale Lasisi, as deputy secretary general.
In addition, Celestine Ugwoke will act as treasurer, Harrison Omokhua as financial secretary and Manir Bature as national publicity secretary.
Who is Audu?
Audu’s educational journey began with a Medical degree from the University of Maiduguri in 1988.
He furthered his studies by earning an MSc from the University of London in 1994 and becoming a fellow in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1997.
His academic pursuits continued with a certificate in Hospital Administration and Health Services from the National Institute of Public Health, Japan in 2008, and he obtained an MD in 2021.
Before assuming the role of provost at The College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi in 2017, professor Audu served as a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Maiduguri for over ten years.
During his tenure, he held positions such as head of Department of obstetrics and gynecology at UMTH from 2004-2007 and deputy chairman of the Medical Advisory Council (CMAC) at UMTH.
He has mentored numerous doctors in obstetrics and gynecology, guiding them to the rank of professors. His research focuses on cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment, as well as endometrial and ovarian disorders, including infertility and maternal mortality prevention in Nigeria.
Currently, he leads a significant CZI research grant with the University of Miami on the African Ancestry Single-Cell Network.
He secured a grant from Emory University, USA, in collaboration with the University of Calabar to establish Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, just before his appointment as vice-chancellor of Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare.
With over 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences, professor Audu is actively engaged in advancing medical knowledge.
His professional affiliations include memberships in organisations such as the Nigerian Medical Association, Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians in Nigeria, Gynecology Oncology Society of Nigeria, International Gynecological Cancer Society, European Society of Gynecological Oncology, European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, American Society of Reproductive Medicine, and International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy.
