Professor Bala Audu, a distinguished figure in obstetrics and gynaecology, has been elected as the President of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) during the association’s annual delegates meeting held in Calabar, Cross Rivers state.
Audu, a 1988 medical graduate from the University of Maiduguri, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He obtained his master’s degree from the University of London in 1994 and became a fellow in obstetrics and gynecology in 1997. Additionally, he holds a certificate in hospital administration and health services from the National Institute of Public Health, Japan, earned in 2008.
Prior to his election, Audu served at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and was appointed as the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, in 2017. He later assumed the role of Vice-Chancellor at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, in Bauchi state.
Throughout his career, Audu has made significant contributions to medical education and research. He has trained numerous young doctors in obstetrics and conducted extensive research on cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.
The newly elected leadership of the NMA, which includes Benjamin Olowojebutu as Vice President, Usha Anenga as Vice President 2, Ben Egbo as Secretary-General, Wale Lasisi as Assistant Secretary-General, Celestine Ugwoke as Treasurer, Harrison Omokhua as Financial Secretary, and Manir Bature as the National Publicity Secretary, reflects the diverse expertise and experience within the medical community.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the NMA emphasized that the new leaders were chosen from branches across the country and will steer the association’s activities from 2024 to 2026.