Dr. (Mrs.) Nancy Chidi Nwankwo Shares Her Inspiring Journey of Service and Impact
As the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) celebrates 45 years of excellence, we honor the stories and sacrifices of those who laid the foundation for compassionate patient care and social service. Among these trailblazers is Dr. (Mrs.) Nancy Chidi Nwankwo, one of the pioneer members of the Medical Social Services Department, whose journey embodies dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to humanity.
Dr. Nwankwo began her remarkable journey in December 1982, joining the department as a clerk under the leadership of the late Mrs. Gladys Nyekerema Kukigam — a woman she fondly remembers as intelligent, disciplined, and deeply rooted in the principles of social work. Guided and mentored under her, Dr. Nwankwo quickly developed a passion for serving patients with empathy and professionalism.
Her career took a defining turn when she was sponsored by the hospital to pursue further studies at the University of Benin, where she earned a Diploma in Social Work — marking the beginning of a lifelong mission to enhance patient welfare and mental health support.
“Whatever I am today, she played a major role,”
Dr. Nwankwo recalls with heartfelt gratitude.
From the humble beginnings of a three-person department, she witnessed and contributed to its remarkable growth — expanding to 36 dedicated professionals by the time of her retirement in 2017 as the Assistant Director and Head of Medical Social Services.
Throughout her career, Dr. Nwankwo was instrumental in pioneering several life-changing initiatives, including counselling programs, behavioral modification sessions, follow-up therapies, empowerment training, and her personal passion project — sex therapy and rehabilitation support. Her leadership fostered a department that not only addressed patients’ physical needs but also prioritized their emotional and social well-being.
Reflecting on her years of service, she emphasizes the importance of “de-linking and debunking sad feelings” through self-affirmation and positive transformation — a philosophy she both practiced and taught.
“You affirm in yourself what you ought to be and strive to become that which you ought to be,”
she says, echoing the therapeutic wisdom that has touched countless lives.
As she looks back with gratitude, Dr. Nwankwo acknowledges the visionary leaders she served under — from Dr. Long John to Prof. Suboma, whose dedication continues to strengthen UPTH’s mission.
“I am indebted to UPTH. Whatever concerns the hospital concerns me. I still follow up, I still visit. It’s more than a workplace — it’s home.”
Today, as UPTH marks 45 years of impact, Dr. (Mrs.) Nancy Chidi Nwankwo’s story stands as a powerful testament to the values of service, compassion, mentorship, and growth. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of medical social workers and healthcare professionals who strive daily to bring hope and healing to others.
💙 UPTH @45 — Celebrating Our Pioneers. Honoring Our Legacy. Inspiring the Future
