By Genesis Ogiri
Castle Park University, Missouri, United States, has promoted 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 on July 30, 2026, was approved by the University Council following what the institution described as Moriah’s sustained excellence in teaching, research, professional practice and service to society.
In a 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 Moriah’s distinguished career in medical emergency response, occupational health advisory services, disaster risk management, workforce wellbeing, first aid education and public health leadership.
The university highlighted his scholarly work in 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.
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. He has also championed workplace health promotion, emergency preparedness and first aid capacity building.
Reacting to the promotion, 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, while acknowledging his family, mentors, colleagues, students and professional associates for their support.
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 also acknowledged Moriah’s extensive international professional certifications and memberships in organisations across occupational health, disaster management, healthcare quality, education and strategic management, noting that his professional engagements had enhanced his international profile.
The University Council, Senate, Management, staff and wider academic community congratulated Moriah on the achievement, 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.