US University Elevates Nigerian Public Health Expert Moriah to Professor

By Genesis Ogiri

ABUJA, August 1, 2026 — Castle Park University, Missouri, United States, has elevated Nigerian public health expert and occupational health specialist, Professor Daniel Jokpoghene Moriah, to the rank of Professor of Public Health (Disaster and Emergency Health) in recognition of his distinguished contributions to public health scholarship, disaster risk management, occupational health practice and emergency health systems.

The promotion, which took effect from July 30, 2026, was approved by the University's Council following what it described as Professor Moriah's sustained excellence in teaching, research, professional practice and service to society. According to the institution, the appointment reflects his exceptional scholarly achievements and enduring commitment to advancing public health, occupational health, disaster and emergency health management, community resilience and health promotion.

In the promotion letter jointly signed by the President of Castle Park University, Prof. Hart Jones, Ph.D., and the Head of Academic Affairs, John Stone, the University commended Professor Moriah's distinguished career in medical emergency response, occupational health advisory services, disaster risk management, workforce wellbeing, first aid education and public health leadership. It noted that his expertise has continued to shape professional practice while contributing to policy development in public health and occupational safety.

The University also highlighted Professor Moriah's growing body of scholarly work, describing it as a significant contribution to addressing emerging public health challenges. His research has focused on occupational health and safety, climate change and environmental health, disaster risks and sustainable development, emergency preparedness, community-based disaster risk management, first aid education, environmental impact assessment, workforce management and the application of artificial intelligence in digital forensics.

Among his notable publications are studies on climate change and increasing disaster risks in Nigeria, community-based disaster risk management in flood-prone communities, the effectiveness of first aid education, occupational health and safety, environmental health, and strategies for strengthening emergency preparedness and resilience. The University said these contributions have enriched academic discourse and provided practical insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals and disaster management practitioners.

Professor Moriah currently serves as Occupational Health Lead at Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO), where he leads medical emergency response planning, occupational health surveillance, workforce wellbeing initiatives and health performance programmes. Over the years, he has championed workplace health promotion, mental health awareness, emergency preparedness and first aid capacity building, earning recognition as one of Nigeria's leading voices in occupational health and disaster management.

Reacting to the promotion, Professor Moriah described the recognition as both a profound honour and a renewed call to greater service. He expressed gratitude to Almighty God and thanked the University Council, Senate and Management of Castle Park University for the confidence reposed in him. He also appreciated his family, mentors, colleagues, students and professional associates for their steadfast support throughout his academic and professional journey.

He pledged to continue advancing evidence-based research, promoting occupational health and safety, strengthening disaster preparedness and emergency health systems, and mentoring the next generation of public health professionals. "As our world continues to confront emerging health emergencies, climate-related disasters and complex humanitarian challenges, I remain committed to advancing innovative solutions, building resilient communities and supporting policies that improve public health outcomes in Nigeria, Africa and across the globe," he said.

Castle Park University further acknowledged Professor Moriah's extensive international professional certifications and memberships in leading organisations across occupational health, disaster management, healthcare quality, education and strategic management. It noted that his global professional engagements have enhanced both his international profile and the University's academic reputation.

As part of his new responsibilities, Professor Moriah will provide academic leadership in teaching, postgraduate supervision, curriculum development, interdisciplinary research, mentorship, academic administration and strategic collaboration with governments, healthcare institutions, development partners and international organisations. The University expressed confidence that his wealth of experience would further advance excellence in disaster preparedness, emergency health systems, occupational health policy and public health research.

The University Council, Senate, Management, staff and the wider academic community congratulated Professor Moriah on the milestone, describing the promotion as a fitting recognition of a career dedicated to advancing knowledge, strengthening health systems and preparing communities to respond effectively to public health emergencies and disasters. They expressed confidence that his scholarship, leadership and professional expertise would continue to make significant contributions to public health development in Nigeria, Africa and the global community.