BENIN, Nigeria – Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu on Monday formally assumed office as the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), pledging to deliver patient-centred reforms and strengthen the institution’s legacy of excellence.
Taking over from her predecessor, Professor Darlington Obaseki, Prof. Ize-Iyamu promised to drive the hospital’s growth in line with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” Agenda.
“We shall pursue this vision through excellence in clinical care, relentless research, and the nurturing of future healthcare leaders,” she told jubilant staff during the handover ceremony.
Outlining her immediate priorities, the new CMD pledged to reduce waiting times, ensure safer surgeries, maintain cleaner facilities, and improve staff welfare. She also committed to strengthening UBTH’s infrastructure and expanding collaborations with government, academia, industry, and the diaspora.
“Each of you built bridges that brought UBTH to where it stands today. It is now my responsibility to strengthen those bridges and build new ones toward a future of greatness,” she declared.
Prof. Obaseki, while commending the hospital community for their warm reception of his successor, urged staff to rally behind her leadership.
He described her assumption of office as a new chapter for UBTH and praised her record as a Professor of Orthodontics and administrator.
With her historic appointment now in effect, Prof. Ize-Iyamu begins her tenure at a time when Nigeria’s healthcare sector faces mounting pressure to expand access, improve quality, and embrace innovation.
