Birth anniversary is very special day in the lives of men who have made significant impacts in the lives of men and I think Justin Udie has touched my life and that of many others and so he deserves to be celebrated.
On this auspicious day of his birth anniversary, I feel it is proper to make frank attempt to chronicle a brief profile of one of Obudu born Nigerian whose life is an inspiration to me and a lot of Nigerian Youths globally.
Before the long storyline, let me a very warm happy birthday wishes to a brother, friend, associate and mentor, pray that God almighty continue to bless and grant him good health and the very best in all his Undertakings.
To the best of my knowledge, Dr Justin was born in Kakum town, Obudu LGA. As it is the case with most Obudu families to ensure children receive the required education, Justin started his educational pursuit at St Theresa’s Primary School, Ipong, Obudu LGA, where he obtained his FSLC before proceeding to Government Science School, Ipong and later Government Science School, Akamkpa where he sat for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in 2001.
Justin was admitted into the University of Calabar to study for a Bachelor of Science (BSC) degree in Genetics and Biotechnology, where I met him. He mentored me and many other students.
At the completion of his degree in Unical, he was mobilised and called-up to participate in the one year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and posted to Niger State in 2010. While in Niger, he embarked on and discharge several personal Community Development Service projects to the benefit of his host community and Nigeria in general. As a result, he was nominated and screened for the President’s NYSC Honours Award. As part of the award, Justin and a few other youths who demonstrated excellence in community development received a Presidential handshake, a medal of honour, cash prize, automatic employment into the Federal Civil Service and a joint post graduate scholarship for master’s and doctorate from President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR).
In line the award, Justin proceeded to the United Kingdom where he obtained a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Oil and Gas Management from Coventry University in 2013 and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in in Climate Change from the Institute of Sustainable Development, De Montfort University, respectively.
Dr Justin also obtained a second Bachelor’s of Art (BA) degree in Global Business Management from Bournemouth University, UK. As part of his professional development, Dr Justin obtained a postgraduate diploma in Academic Professional Apprenticeship, Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, offered by Advance HE, UK. He also obtained a professional certificate in Strategic Business Management as part of his professional development endeavour from Harvard University Extension School, Boston, USA.
Dr Justin Udie has contributed his knowledge in some agencies both in Nigeria and in the UK. He was first recruited into the Nigerian Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), as an Assistant Route Commander (ARC); an appointment he would later resign to pursue the packages of his NYSC award. As a result, he joined the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, as Scientific Officer.
In the UK, Justin was Lecturer at Leicester Castle Business School, before resigning to join Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University, as Lecturer and later Senior Lecturer in Management.
Dr Justin has relentlessly continued to transition both in academics and career pathways in search of whatever inspires him. He recently resigned his Senior Lecturer role with Nottingham Trent University to join ATKINS Global as Senior Consultant, Climate and Net Zero Advisory – Atkins SNC-Lavalin, London. One of the global leaders engineering, design, project management and consulting company, based in London.
Undobtably, Dr Justin is also putting his entrepreneurial skills to work across different sectors. He is the Founder of Nottingham Development College (NDC), Nigeria and Global Entrepreneurship Hub (GEHUB), UK, and acccording to him, these are consultancy and training platforms aimed at advancing the development of students, graduates, and early career’s professionals.
As earlier mentioned, Justin effectively participated in the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Minna, Niger State where he received a traditional Chieftaincy title from the Nupe Community as – DAN WAKILI NUPE, for Exceptional Community Development Service in April 2010. This is an interesting part of Justin’s life that should inspire a lot of youths globally.
During the one year mandatory NYSC, Justin undertook the following projects that has become pivotal to his formation and improved the living condition of Nigerians in Minna. These include:
Renovation of borehole and building of water tap in Kwangila, Minna at the peak of dry season that plunge the community into water crisis. He sponsored the registration and birth certification of about 250 children with the National Population Commission, to support Niger State Government planning. Initiation of the formation of NYSC Sanitation Club in Kwangila. The club engaged in monthly sanitation exercise in the community for eight (8) months. Intensive sensitisation of the people on healthy living and the need for positive response to government sanitation initiative. Donation of working tools to sanitation club to facilitate and sustain the sanitation exercise, and liaise with Niger State Environmental Protection Agency (NISEPA) for waste evacuation from Kwangila.
Acquired and distributed disposable waste bags as a more sustainable means of waste disposal.
Carried out a sensitization program on “Fire and Fire incidence Management at the Niger State Hospital Management Board, General Hospital, Minna where experts demonstrated practical firefighting approach in a hospital setting.
Donated a 2kg gas refillable fire extinguisher to the hospital as a means of sustaining firefighting programme.
Donated food items, detergents and writing materials to the children at the Government Orphanage Home, Minna.
Designed a bespoke handout on Computer Appreciation and trained 9 children of the Orphanage in ICT from February to April 2011.
Organised a sensitisation campaign on the “Dangers of Social vices and Examination Malpractices” for SS III students at Government Day secondary School ‘A’ & ‘B’ sections and donated one hundred copies of a book “Campus Nightmares” to the students and the school libraries. Organised free practical biology lesson for and guided the SS III students at Government Day Secondary School ‘B’ section till the commencement of their WAEC examination in May 2011.
Justin authored a book titled Contemporary Issues on HIV/AIDS & Health Education during the 12 months of the NYSC scheme to the shock of the leaders of the scheme. With the book, he staged a public campaign against HIV/AIDS in public Schools in Minna. It is on record that about one thousand (1000) copies of this book were distributed free to vulnerable students at most major secondary schools in Minna. No wonder he was nominated for the President’s NYSC Honours Award.
Interestingly, Justin is a corporate trainer, facilitator and a keynote speaker with rare wisdom to dissect the most complex topics in the simplest way that wows your audience, leaves them impacted, well satisfied, and increase your corporate and personal brand influence and value.
Dr Justin is a family man and reserve person. He is married to his beautiful wife, Eucharia and their union is blessed with children.
On the occasion of his 40th anniversary, I feel really proud to wish him a pleasant birthday celebration and ask for more blessings.
Elijah Ugani
