The University of Nigeria Medical Students’ Association (UNMSA) on Saturday, May 16, 2026, hosted its landmark 40th Annual Health Week Intellectual Day at the CBN Auditorium, UNEC, drawing an impressive gathering of students, medical professionals, academics, and distinguished guests.
The intellectually stimulating event, held within the University of Nigeria community, was designed to celebrate excellence, encourage academic engagement, and promote holistic development among medical students. It featured a rich lineup of activities including quiz competitions, guest lectures, scholarship presentations, panel discussions, musical performances, and award ceremonies.
From the outset, the atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as participants engaged in competitive academic exercises that tested their knowledge and critical thinking. The quiz competition, one of the highlights of the day, showcased the intellectual depth and preparedness of the students, reinforcing the association’s commitment to academic excellence.
A defining moment of the event was the recognition and celebration of OneHopeChildren Foundation, the sponsor of the quiz competitions, Scholarship to indigent students at the event and overall longstanding contributions to education and humanitarian service were acknowledged by the association. The foundation, known for its impactful scholarship programmes and life-changing interventions, was specially honoured for its commitment to nurturing future leaders across Nigeria.
Delivering the keynote address, the founder of OneHopeChildren Foundation, Rev. Fr. Prof. Felix Ugwuozor, shared a deeply inspiring message that resonated with the audience. Reflecting on his academic journey, he stated that he completed his undergraduate studies in Nigeria before pursuing postgraduate education in the United States. He noted that he came back to Nigeria after is further studies to contribute to the national development. “I am currently in the Department of Education at the University of Nigeria where I teach Philosophy of Education to undergraduate students, Logic and teach, philosophy of mind and contemporary philosophy of education to postgraduate students ,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to giving back through teaching and mentorship.
Expressing his joy at the occasion, Fr. Felix announced the inclusion of two students from the university into the OneHopeChildren Foundation scholarship programme, further expanding the foundation’s impact within the institution.
He explained that the foundation, which was established few years after his ordination, has grown significantly over the years and currently supports about 226 students under its regular scholarship scheme. According to him, the programme spans multiple centres across Nigeria, including Maiduguri, Jos, Port Harcourt, and several locations in the South-East. Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about extending the scholarship initiative to accommodate more students from the University of Nigeria, reinforcing his dedication to educational empowerment. Delivering a message anchored on perseverance, Rev. Fr. Ugwuozor drew inspiration from Albert Einstein, quoting: “It’s not that I’m so smart. It’s just that I stay with problems longer.”
Building on this principle, he urged students to remain steadfast in their pursuits. “Always be attentive. Keep going. Whether you are a student, a future healer, or whatever you aspire to become, stay on course and never give up,” he advised. Addressing the realities of medical training, he acknowledged the demanding nature of the profession, noting that it requires sacrifice, resilience, and endurance. He reminded students that challenges such as rigorous examinations and personal struggles are inevitable but are also the very moments that shape greatness. “You are not just students of medicine,” he said. “You are men and women preparing to carry the weight of human life and the burden of critical decisions. Stay with your studies, stay with your patients, and stay with your purpose.”
He extended heartfelt appreciation to Msgr. Ron Rozniak and the parishioners of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Ridgewood, New Jersey, whose consistent support has remained a strong pillar in the foundation’s humanitarian outreach. With deep sincerity, he acknowledged the generosity and commitment of numerous benefactors and friends, including Paul and Becky Simpson, Ceyan, Celine, Christian Clement Birney and his late wife Cynthia-Grace Samson Birney, Becky and John Jordan, James and Janice Mazzo, Ed McCabe, Monica and Ed McCabe, Claire Simpson, Martin Gutierrez and Kathy Hilburn, Mr. Terry Meehan and Dr. Montie Mills Meehan, Adrian and Christina Jones, Brendan McCabe, Mary Czubakowski, Joan Lalonde, David and Frances Romano, James and Susan Swartz, Elaine St. Denis, John Edwards, Claire and Tim Cullen, Mark Mulvey, Kenneth and Lorraine Schmidt, Margaret and Christopher Sullivan, Thomas and Louise Lewis, Connie Hambos, Luis and Susan Taite Malone, Kristin Harvey, Nelson and Diana Torna, Lawrence Mondi, Michael & Colleen Donoghue Mary Hallahan, Martin Mauro, Mark Mansbach, John and Chrissy Gunther, Christine Morin, Kristina Tarabokija, Callaghan-Pierog Family Foundation, Dave Deluca, Dan and Heather Venezia, Thomas Margaret DeVita, Marion Constanza, Ann E. Weaton and Lawrence Mondi, Michael and Nina Conn, Ramon Hache, Diana Pallikaropolous, Bernadette Testa, Christopher Nizza, Joseph Broderick, Francis Callaghan, Jeanne Rothermich, Gregory Viggiano, as well as the board members of the Ridgewood YMCA, members of the Wyckoff/Midland Park Rotary Club, Vincent Egbe, and GB Foods.
He also recognized the invaluable support of Frank Del Vecchio, Frank Skuthan, Jim Blottman, Mitch and Judy Santlofer, Peter and Celeste O’Malley, Steven and Leah Sonnick, Joanne DePaul, Greg and Elizabeth Jasinski, Rosa & Rich Sautner and their daughters, Mary and Elizabeth, whose contributions, donations and prayers have strengthened the foundation’s reach and effectiveness.
Further appreciation was extended to friends and supporters from St. Elizabeth in Wyckoff, New Jersey, and across the state, including Brendan. King. Nanette and Sidney Harris, Sally, Mark, Laura, Philip and Sachiko Calandra, the late Tom Madigan, Lidia and Danilo Tramontozzi, Dolores Caradori, James and Ivette Santoro, Dr. Geraldine Gibbia, Gail and Michael DeVito, Angela and Paul Zapka, Dan and Laurie Kocher, Julia Plunkett, Evan and Cynthia Polihrom, Erik & Elvie Broekhuizen, Luke Scoropanos, Liliana Silevi, Dan and Erin Kirchhoff, Margaret Petkuh, James and Ivette Santoro, James McDermott Jr., Maria and John Jensen, Cynthia O’Brien, Barbara Cheng Kiernan, Maureen Ivers Bolduc, Gina Campanella, Dr. Alba and family, Amal-Amy Salameh, CorCor and family, Danny and Lorraine, Brian & Diane Lynn, Athena & Family, Knight of Columbus of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Ridgewood, Men’s cornerstone of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Ridgewood and many other friends whose names could not be mentioned due to space.
OneHopeChildren Foundation was honoured with an award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, mentorship, and academic excellence during the event. The scholarship presentation segment of the programme was met with excitement and gratitude. One of the beneficiaries, speaking on behalf of the awardees, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the organizers and pledged to remain dedicated to academic excellence and personal growth.
In addition to the two medical students who were newly inducted into the scholarship scheme at the university, OneHopeChildren Foundation also maintains a strong presence within the institution through its support for other beneficiaries studying Medical Laboratory Science, Architecture, and Radiology, reflecting its broad commitment to nurturing academic excellence across diverse professional fields. The event equally hosted eminent contributors to knowledge, including a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Professor Obiora Kingsley Chukwu Episteme, whose insightful engagement further elevated the intellectual depth and academic richness of the programme.
Another guest speaker at the event, Dr. Vincent Ubochi charged students to pursue not only academic success but also discipline and leadership. He emphasized that the medical profession demands a balanced blend of knowledge, character, and responsibility, urging students to remain focused and committed to their calling. The event also featured a vibrant panel session that encouraged interactive engagement among participants, alongside musical performances that added a celebratory tone to the occasion. Othet distinguished speakers, including Dr. Jide Izoigwe and David Ejere, contributed valuable insights, enriching the intellectual discourse of the day. Awards were presented to notable dignitaries in recognition of their contributions to education, healthcare, and societal development, further underscoring the event’s theme of excellence and service.
The 40th Annual Health Week Intellectual Day concluded with the presentation of certificates, group photographs, refreshments, and networking sessions, providing participants with opportunities to connect, reflect, and build lasting professional relationships.