Professor Ogechukwu Ukandu Bags New Professorial Award in Occupational Health and Safety

In a significant milestone for academia and occupational health, Professor Ogechukwu Ukandu has been officially conferred with the prestigious Academic Professorial Chair in Occupational Health and Safety.

The event, held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Guest House, was a testament to his dedication and pioneering work in the field.

This distinguished honour was awarded by Highstone Global University, Texas, USA, in conjunction with the International Association of Universities and Colleges, representing a global recognition of Professor Ukandu’s contributions.

Professor Ogechukwu Ukandu Bags New Professorial Award in Occupational Health and Safety

Professor Ogechukwu Ukandu was awarded this prestigious title following an evaluation by Highstone Global University, Texas, USA, in conjunction with the International Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (QAHE), representing a coalition of experts from the USA, Canada, the UK, and Asia.

He has now been recognized as a Professor of Occupational Health and Safety.

Professor Ogechukwu Ukandu Bags New Professorial Award in Occupational Health and Safety

This accolade not only marks him as the first-ever Ph.D. holder and Professor in his community of Amoji – Imenyi, in Bende Local Government, Abia State, but also underscores his vital role in advancing the discipline of safety in the workplace.

Professor Ogechukwu Ukandu Bags New Professorial Award in Occupational Health and Safety

Prior to this recent honour, Professor Ukandu has served on roughly thirty conference and workshop program committees and was the Conference Paper Reviewer Committee Chair for the American Society of Safety Professionals-Nigeria Chapter.

Currently, he is a Technical Publications Advisory Committee Member of the American Society of Safety Professionals.

During his tenure as the President of the ASSP Nigeria Chapter, he introduced the ASSP global standard of Professional Development Conference to the chapter, earning him a Platinum award as the Best President for 2022–2023.

Professor Ogechukwu Ukandu’s academic journey is equally remarkable.

He had his primary, secondary, and technical education at Basawa, Zaria, and Ahiara Technical College, Ahiara Mbaise.

He then proceeded to the School of Biomedical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, where he obtained a Diploma in Biomedical Engineering Technology, followed by his first degree at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He obtained a Master’s degree from Rivers State University and another Master’s degree in Software Engineering from the University of Liverpool, London. Thereafter, he proceeded to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he earned his academic doctorate degree.

Professor Ogechukwu Ukandu was proudly accompanied to the podium by distinguished members of his community to receive the prestigious award.

Professor Ukandu’s recognition is not just a personal triumph but a beacon for his community and for Nigeria’s growing influence in the global discourse on occupational health and safety.

His famous words, “You are your own last line of defense in safety,” continue to resonate with professionals and scholars alike.