FIC Report (Edo State) – Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Idia Nibukun Ize-Iyamu as the new Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), effective August 18, 2025. The appointment underscores the Government’s commitment to strengthening Healthcare standards nationwide.
Professor Ize-Iyamu brings over 27 years of experience at UBTH, having risen from a Junior Registrar in 1997 to Honorary Consultant in 2005 and serving as Head of Department for more than a decade. Renowned for her integrity, leadership, and mentorship, she has trained numerous medical professionals now serving globally. Her international training includes fellowships from Oxford University and the University of Washington, equipping her with innovative skills to modernize UBTH.
Currently, she is the Dean of the School of Dentistry at the University of Benin. Her tenure there has seen successful Partnerships, Infrastructure development, and enhancements in Staff and Student Welfare. An accomplished scholar with over 55 Publications, she emphasizes evidence-based medicine and health policy.
The Appointment was announced in the presence of Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Minister of Health, who represented President Tinubu and lauded the selection as a strategic move to elevate Nigeria’s healthcare system. Minister Pate emphasized the importance of leadership that combines clinical excellence with innovative and community-oriented approaches.
Her leadership is expected to usher in a new era at UBTH, focusing on patient-centered care, technological advancement, and strategic collaborations. With her extensive experience and International exposure, Professor Ize-Iyamu aims to position UBTH as a Premier Medical and Research Institution in Nigeria.
The Appointment has garnered praise from both federal and state leaders. Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo highlighted his Government’s efforts to improve Healthcare Infrastructure and capacity, aligning with National Reform Initiatives. Supported by Federal Policies and Hospital Leadership, her appointment signals a promising future for UBTH as a center of Medical Excellence and Innovation in Nigeria.
Signed
Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO
FIC, Benin
August 8th, 2025
