Our Facilitators

Prof. Bernadine Nsa Ekpenyong

Prof. Bernadine Nsa Ekpenyong, an esteemed academic, editor, and researcher, boasts over two decades of expertise in Optometry and Public Health Epidemiology. A Professor of Public Health Epidemiology and currently Head at the Epidemiology, global health and biostatics unit, Department of Public Health, University of Calabar (UNICAL). Her academic journey began with a Doctor of Optometry degree from Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria, followed by M.PH and PhD degrees in Public Health (Epidemiology) from the University of Calabar. As a Fellow of the Nigerian Optometric Association (FNOA), Fellow of the Nigeria Post Graduate College of Optometrists (FNCO), Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) and certified clinical investigator, Dr. Ekpenyong has received accolades for her impactful research, securing many awards and research grants locally and internationally. She is a member of many local and international Associations. In addition to her academic roles, she holds leadership positions, including Chairman of Faculty Postgraduate Committee, College of Postgraduate Studies UNICAL, Chairman of the Research committee of the Nigerian Optometric Association and the Department of Public health, UNICAL. Serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Nigerian Optometric Association from 2016 to 2023, she led a team of editorial board that increased the visibility and impact of the NOA Journal. Dr Ekpenyong is an Editor of the Journal of Epidemiological Society of Nigeria and the Assistant secretary of the Society. As a certified Publons reviewer, she reviews for many Journals. Prof. Ekpenyong contributes significantly to scholarly publications in public health and vision health, with over 70 peer-reviewed publications and numerous scientific presentations at prestigious conferences worldwide. Engaging in global research collaborations, Prof. Ekpenyong has played pivotal roles in initiatives such as the Center for Eyecare and Public Health Intervention Initiative (CEPHII) and the African Transitional Research Group (ATRG). She has supervised over 23 Master of Public Health degree theses and 3 PhD dissertations as chief supervisors and 5 PhDs as second supervisor. Her contributions, including notable work on the COVID-19 pandemic published in high-impact journals and as a book, exemplify her dedication to advancing Optometry and Public Health. Prof. Bernadine Nsa Ekpenyong is happily married with three children.

Dr Yusuf Ibrahim Kana

Yusuf Ibrahim Kana is a Senior Research Fellow at the Global Health and Infectious Diseases Control Institute, Nasarawa State University, Keffi. He also serves as the Acting Director of Linkages and Collaboration at the Nasarawa State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Keffi. His work sits at the intersection of Digital Health and communicable disease research, where he focuses on how technology and data can improve disease surveillance, prevention, and public health responses. Over the years, he has been involved in teaching, research, and several collaborative health initiatives aimed at strengthening public health systems and supporting the next generation of health professionals in Nigeria.

Dr Peter Enyievi

Peter Enyievi is a distinguish Nigerian scholar, creative thinker, with an excellent passion of getting task accomplished before deadline. This health-oriented phenomenon holds a Diploma in Information Technology with a bias in computing from Pacific Computers and Management College, Calabar in 2004 and a degree in Biochemistry from the Cross River University of Technology, Calabar. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the prestigious University of Calabar, another Master’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Cross River State, Calabar – Nigeria, and a Ph.D. in Public Health, University of Calabar. Huge academic credentials from a near-perfect gentleman. His voluntary role with the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Cross River State Ministry of Health has propelled his passion for community services as evident in several program implementation with both local and international health organizations such as Helen Keller International, United Nation Humanitarian Commission for Refugees, E- Health African, Jhpiego to mention a few. He has several honourary awards to his name and had served in several capacities with the most recent been the immediate past Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Cross River State on Public Health, former Special Adviser/Head of Laison to the Hon. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria. He is a recipient of the 2017 World Bank Youth and Women Empowerment Grant and the 2022 McGill Global Child Health Program Grant and The 2024 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene grant. Peter Enyievi is a youth leader and a community mobilizer. He is a Pro-Socratic and strongly believed that “an unexamined life is not worth living”

M Check Isho

Msughaondo Check Isho is the Executive Director, Shape Society Health Initiative. He is a dedicated public health professional with academic training and extensive experience in health research, community engagement, and leadership. He completed specialised training in Global Health and Tropical Medicine at the University of Ghana Medical School in 2024. His expertise spans data analysis, research writing, project management, and health education. He has delivered and contributed to multiple conference presentations at national and international platforms, including the APHTReS International Public Health Conferences and ICASA, focusing on HIV/AIDS, antimicrobial resistance, disease prevention, and health system strengthening. Msughaondo has led and contributed to diverse public health projects, including HIV treatment adherence studies, antimicrobial resistance awareness campaigns, and community health interventions across Nigeria. He has also served in technical and facilitation roles with the Ondo State Ministry of Health, the NYSC Medical Group, and the Global Shapers Community. Recognised for his service and leadership, he has received multiple awards, including commendations from the NYSC, Association of Public Health teaching, Research and Service, and the National Association of Public Health. He is affiliated with several professional bodies, such as the Association of Public Health Training, Research and Service, the Department of Public Health, UNICAL, the Ministries of Health, Cross River and Ondo State, the Systematic Reviews Network and the International Association of Public Health Logisticians.

Kanu Prosper

Kanu Prosper Ayenmo is the M&E Director, Shape Society Health Initiative. He is an experienced and impact-driven Public Health Professional with over six years of dedicated service in the field of community health development, public health research, and youth-led advocacy. With a B.Sc. in Public Health from the University of Calabar, Nigeria, he has established himself as a passionate change-maker who combines academic excellence with field expertise to advance health equity and empower underserved populations. Throughout his career, Prosper has demonstrated a consistent commitment to designing, implementing, and evaluating programmes that address some of the most pressing public health challenges, including infectious diseases, poor hygiene practices, drug abuse among youth, and limited access to health education. His journey began with volunteering, where he worked closely with Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), leading peer-driven drug awareness campaigns and harm reduction trainings that reached over 1,000 young people across Calabar Metropolis. In his current role as Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at Shape Society Health Initiative (SSHI), Prosper plays a key leadership role in programme planning, implementation, and impact measurement. He has led several high-impact campaigns, such as tuberculosis sensitisation for over 500 youth, personal hygiene education in three secondary schools, and the successful commemoration of World AIDS Day at the University of Calabar, where over 800 students were tested and sensitised on HIV/AIDS prevention.

Odachi Judith

Judith Odachi is the Director of Research, Shape Society Health Initiative. She is a passionate public health professional committed to advancing healthcare access, education, and impact at the grassroots level. With experience spanning malaria prevention, hepatitis B awareness, immunization campaigns, and community outreach, I have served both in field and administrative roles. My work focuses on health education, field research, and mobilizing underserved communities toward healthier living. I believe in people centered care, data driven solutions, and the power of empathy in transforming public health outcomes. Every project I take on is driven by purpose, clarity, and a deep commitment to creating lasting change.