APHPN Commends UNIMAID VC Over Historic Hosting of 42nd Annual Scientific Conference

The Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN) has formally commended the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele, and the university management for their pivotal role in hosting the association's 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference. 

The National President of APHPN, Professor Tarfa Kenne, presented the commendation during a courtesy visit on February 10, 2026, at the Muhammadu Buhari Senate Building. 

The conference marks a significant milestone as the first time in 50 years that the APHPN has held its national gathering in Borno State. 

Theme: "Healing in the Crossfire: Delivering Health Services in Conflict and Crisis".

Location: The event is being held at the Mohammed Indimi Conference Centre, University of Maiduguri.

Dedication: The 42nd edition is dedicated to the memory of the late Emeritus Professor Umaru Shehu, a pioneer of public health in Nigeria and the first chairman of the APHPN Board of Trustees. 

Professor Kenne praised the university's leadership for its resilience and support of the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine. He also lauded the university's recovery efforts following the recent Borno flood disaster and invited the institution to adopt a model Primary Health Care (PHC) initiative to strengthen local health systems. 

In his response, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammed Laminu Mele described the conference theme as exceptionally timely for the region. He reaffirmed UNIMAID’s commitment to academic and community service, assuring the association of the university's continued support for initiatives that bridge health gaps in fragile settings. 

The conference, which officially runs from February 9 to February 13, 2026, has brought together public health experts, researchers, and humanitarian actors to develop strategies for resilient healthcare delivery in crisis-prone environments.