How Integrity, Service Earned Dr Paul Hassan Akpa National Recognition

By Archibong Esuene

In the contemporary time when public confidence in leadership and institutional management is increasingly tied to transparency and accountability, recognition often comes to those whose professional conduct and personal values leave lasting impressions on both institutions and communities.

Such recognition recently came the way of the Bursar of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), Benue State, Dr Paul Hassan Akpa, who was honoured with a Special Award of Excellence by KGA Media Services, publishers of KGA NewsPoint Magazine, during a ceremony held in Abuja.

The award, according to the organisers, was in recognition of Dr Akpa’s contributions to financial governance, leadership, education and community development, areas they said have defined his years of public service.

The event attracted media practitioners, traditional rulers, professionals, education stakeholders and associates from different parts of the country, many of whom described the honour as a reflection of Dr Akpa’s longstanding commitment to integrity and service.

Presenting the award, the Editorial Consultant of KGA NewsPoint Magazine, Mr Archibong Esuene, who represented the Special Project Editor, Mr Ingji Gukas, said the honour was designed to celebrate individuals whose contributions continue to impact society positively.

Esuene described Dr Akpa as a distinguished accountant and administrator whose leadership style has remained rooted in accountability, professionalism and human development.

“Dr Paul Hassan Akpa is a model of excellence whose contributions to institutional growth and societal advancement continue to inspire confidence among stakeholders,” he stated.

For many who spoke at the event, Dr Akpa’s recognition was not merely about his office as bursar, but about a career built on consistency and credibility.
Before his appointment at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Dr Akpa served as Bursar of the Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, where he completed a successful five-year tenure marked by prudent financial administration and institutional stability.

Those familiar with his professional journey say his ability to combine financial discipline with effective human relations has distinguished him within the accounting and public administration sectors.

The organisers noted that Dr Akpa’s professional attainments extend beyond administrative experience. He holds academic qualifications in Accountancy, Accounting and Finance, and is a Fellow of several professional bodies, including the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), and the African Institute of Public Administration.

Beyond the boardroom and institutional environment, speakers at the event also highlighted his humanitarian and community development efforts.
According to the citation presented during the ceremony, Dr Akpa has supported youth and women empowerment initiatives, educational development programmes and humanitarian causes across communities without regard to ethnic, religious or social differences.

The organisers further described him as a respected cultural leader and holder of the traditional title of Omachi Ata’Igala-Ika (Waali), noting that he has continued to promote cultural values while embracing modern standards of governance and accountability.

President of the Coalition of Northern Youths Forum of Nigeria, Amb. Iliya Danladi, described Dr Akpa as a man whose life reflects humility, sacrifice and compassion.

Danladi particularly commended his educational investments through Living Winners Model Schools, saying the initiative has contributed to shaping the future of young people and expanding access to learning opportunities.

Also speaking, Mr Adaji Habib of the Igala Heritage Foundation praised Dr Akpa’s leadership at FUHSO, where he said the bursar has demonstrated transparency, visionary leadership and administrative excellence.

For observers at the event, the testimonies from different speakers painted the picture of a public servant whose influence extends beyond official responsibilities into social development and mentorship.

Responding after receiving the award, Dr Akpa described the recognition as evidence of God’s kindness and a reward for years of diligence, integrity and selfless service.
He said the honour would further encourage him to remain committed to service, institutional growth and humanity.

In her vote of thanks, his wife, Mrs Ojomachewn Akpa, expressed appreciation to the organisers and guests for recognising her husband’s contributions, describing him as a humanitarian and leader whose life continues to inspire others.

As tributes continued from associates, family members and professional colleagues at the ceremony, one message remained consistent – that integrity, accountability and service still command respect in public life.

For many attendees, the recognition of Dr Paul Hassan Akpa was not just an award presentation, but also a reminder that ethical leadership and commitment to humanity remain valuable assets in nation building.