Posted on: Fri 20-02-2026

Renowned Nigerian midwifery scholar, Faith C. Diorgu, was yesterday officially honoured as a 2026 WASOT Fellowship Award recipient at the prestigious WASOT 13th International Conference and Annual Meeting.

The ceremony took place at the University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, where distinguished academics and professionals gathered to celebrate innovation, scholarship, and transformative impact across disciplines.

A Landmark Achievement for Nigeria

Professor Diorgu holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s first and only Professor of Midwifery and the country’s first Doctorate degree holder in Midwifery, awarded by the University of Chester, United Kingdom. She also earned advanced midwifery qualifications from the University of Nottingham.

Her academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Ibadan, alongside Masters and Doctorate degrees in Educational Psychology from the University of Port Harcourt. She further obtained MSc and PhD degrees in Midwifery in the United Kingdom, cementing her reputation as a leading authority in maternal and reproductive health education.

Currently serving as Professor of Midwifery and Postgraduate Programme Coordinator at the University of Port Harcourt, she previously led the Department of Nursing Science for two tenures. She is presently on sabbatical appointment as Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical and Allied Sciences at the Nigerian British University.

Transforming Midwifery Education in Nigeria

At the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Diorgu established Nigeria’s first and only Master’s and PhD degree programmes in Midwifery, as well as the first Master’s degree in Fertility Nursing. Through her visionary leadership and mentorship, numerous nurses have successfully earned advanced degrees, significantly strengthening midwifery scholarship and professional capacity in Nigeria.

Her influence extends internationally, as she serves as a visiting lecturer in midwifery and developmental psychology across institutions.

Innovation for Safer Childbirth

Beyond academia, Professor Diorgu is the inventor of the “F. Birthing Chair,” an innovative childbirth support device designed to enable upright positioning during labour. The device is registered with the Nigeria Copyright Commission and holds a patent certificate from the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).

Her groundbreaking work continues to shape maternal health practice and policy both nationally and internationally.

Other Distinguished Honourees

Also honoured at the 2026 WASOT Fellowship Awards were:

• Kingsley C. Patrick-Iwuanyanwu
• Ejeatuluchukwu Obi
• Zelinjo Nkeiruka Igweze
• Bolaji Benard Babatunde
• Emmanuel Temiotan Ogbomida

Yesterday’s recognition marks a proud milestone for Nigeria’s nursing and midwifery profession, reaffirming Professor Faith C. Diorgu’s enduring legacy as a pioneer, innovator, and global leader in maternal health education.

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