Prof. Chris Akani Bows Out After Decades of Distinguished Service to Uniport and UPTH
The University of Port Harcourt and the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) have officially marked the retirement of one of their most accomplished medical scholars and administrators, Professor Chris Akani, JP, DSSRS, a renowned authority in Fetomaternal Medicine and Chair of the Safe Motherhood Programme.
Prof. Akani, who holds an MBBS from the University of Ibadan and multiple fellowships including FWACS, FMCOG, FICS, FnAMED, and FWASOG, retired from active service on June 9, 2025, after an illustrious career dedicated to advancing maternal and fetal health, medical education, and institutional development.
In recognition of his immense contributions, a formal send-forth ceremony is being held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital Auditorium. The event has drawn members of the academic community, healthcare professionals, mentees, colleagues, and well-wishers to celebrate the life and legacy of a man who has profoundly shaped the landscape of maternal healthcare and medical training in Nigeria.
Prof. Akani’s service to the University has been defined by excellence, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to safe motherhood. His work continues to inspire a generation of healthcare professionals and scholars within and beyond the University community.
The University of Port Harcourt expresses its profound gratitude to Prof. Chris Akani for his decades of service and wishes him a fulfilling and rewarding retirement.
CITATION
PROF. CHRIS AKANI JP, DSSRS.
Chair, Safe Motherhood, Professor of Fetomaternal Medicine
MBBS Ibadan, FWACS, FMCOG, FICS, FnAMED, FWASOG
Chris Acho Akani was born into the Royal family of Ohia Chi- Eni of Rumuola and Madam Grace Wuchegbulem Akani in Aba on the 9th of June, 1955.
He obtained His First School Leaving Certificate with distinction from the famous St Michaels Boys School, Aba. He had his Secondary Education at Enitonna High School, Port Harcourt, where he obtained the West African School Certificate – Division. He won the first price at all shell national secondary school essay competition in 1974.
He obtained Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery in 1981 from the University of Ibadan Medical school.
He is a distinguished Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the College of Health Sciences, and Honorary Consultant in Fetal Medicine and Reproductive Health at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. He has deep interest in pediatric and adolescent Gynaecology. He has contributed immensely in reducing maternal and perinatal mortality.
Prof. Chris Akani pioneered and directed the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV in the South South Nigeria and supervised the post abortion care activities in the Niger Delta region.
These attracted many development agencies and encouraged numerous academic publications on PMTCT, HIV, FETOMATERNAL INFECTIONS, and UNSAFE
ABORTIONS, and informed the citing of some development agencies in Rivers State.
He has served as principal investigator and collaborator on various research projects with University of Columbia, Global Funds, FHI.
Prof. Chris Akanni has served the University in various capacities. He was elected the pioneer deputy provost of the College of Health Sciences and Faculty representative to University Senate, He was appointed Head Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2008 and elected the fourth Dean of the faculty of Clinical Sciences later.
He was elected substantive provost in 2011-2015. He served the University in various capacities.
He was a member of the Governing council Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Calabar, Member National Board for Technology Incubation, Member Rivers State Heath Management Board, Chairman Allied Health Professional of Rivers State. Chairman World Bank Committee for Grant 2012, Member Rivers State Free Medical Board.
He is a distinguished Obstetrician, a fellow of the West African College of Surgeons, a fellow of the National Post Graduate Medical College of Nigeria, Faculty of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fellow of the International College of Surgeons, a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Medicine, a fellow of International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fellow International Federation of Paeditric and Adolescent Gynaecology, Fellow in Fetal Medicine Foundation, Fellow International Stillbirth Alliance, Fellow International Federation of New Born Health. Member of International Aids Society, He has over 180 publications in peer Review Journals and Chapters in Books. He is a stern advocate for safe birth.
He has supervised several fellowship and doctoral students and continues to play key roles in medical education in Nigeria.
His impact in the society has earned him several recognitions including; the Students Union Government award of excellence of the University of Port Harcourt 2012. He has the Rumuola Community Honors Award, the distinguished award of excellence of Ogbakor Ikwerre ethnic nationality and the Apara clan recognition award of excellence. He is posted on the hall of fame of the West African College of Surgeons and above all He was awarded a distinguished service star of Rivers state by the Rivers state government.
He served as one time chairman NMA Rivers State.
Prof Chris Akani is an ardent believer and a preacher of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is happily married to his friend of about 50 years and they are blessed with four(4) children.
He is a consummate teacher, a trainer of trainers, a mentor of mentors and an excellent academic.
