FIC Report (Edo State) – Benin City — Today, August 18, 2015 marked a momentous milestone in the history of Nigeria’s Healthcare Sector as the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) officially transitioned to new leadership in a ceremony filled with anticipation, pride, and hope. The Event was not only a Formal Handover but also a celebration of progress, diversity, and a shared commitment to advancing healthcare standards across the Nation.
The Occasion was highlighted by the Formal Handing Over Of Office to, Dr. Ize-Iyamu as the hospital’s First Female Chief Medical Director (CMD). Her appointment represents a groundbreaking achievement for UBTH, which has operated for over five decades. During the Ceremony, Dr. Ize-Iyamu delivered an inspiring speech that reflected her vision to steer the hospital into a future characterized by excellence, inclusivity, and innovation. She became the First Woman, the First Dentist, and the first Orthodontist to ascend to this prestigious Leadership position in UBTH’s history—a historic first that resonated deeply with attendees.
In her heartfelt address, Dr. Ize-Iyamu expressed gratitude to God for guiding her to this moment and acknowledged the support of Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, GCFR, alongside key stakeholders. She emphasized her unwavering commitment to the hospital’s ‘Renew Hope’ initiative, a National effort aimed at reforming Nigeria’s healthcare system by making quality services accessible, affordable, and patient-focused. Her strategic vision, encapsulated in the CARES framework—Care, Revitalization, Employee welfare, and Sustainability—aims to enhance clinical excellence, upgrade infrastructure, and foster a compassionate hospital environment.
She passionately called for unity among staff, emphasizing that UBTH’s strength lies in its people—doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, administrators, support staff, and most importantly, the patients. Her leadership philosophy centers on transforming healthcare through compassionate, modern, and efficient practices, ensuring emergencies are swiftly managed, clinical standards are elevated, and infrastructural upgrades are prioritized. She also underscored her dedication to mentoring future female leaders, affirming that no obstacle is insurmountable for women striving for excellence.
Beyond her personal achievement, Dr. Ize-Iyamu’s appointment carries a powerful message to women across Nigeria: that barriers are meant to be broken, and dreams are attainable with perseverance and dedication. She pledged to champion gender diversity and to serve as a role model for aspiring female professionals in the health sector and beyond.
The ceremony also featured reflections from the outgoing CMD, Professor Obaseki, who expressed Pride in witnessing this historic transition. He recounted UBTH’s storied past, noting that this is the first time in its history that a substantive CMD has been handed over to a Successor, symbolizing stability and a forward-looking vision. Professor Obaseki praised the hospital’s community for their support and highlighted the importance of documentation and strategic planning, including a comprehensive handover package with detailed reports, departmental analyses, and a publication chronicling the Hospital’s achievements over recent years.
He lauded the Incoming CMD’s trailblazing status and urged Staff and Stakeholders to support her leadership. Her appointment signifies not just a change in leadership but a renewal of the hospital’s mission to deliver exemplary healthcare, foster innovation, and serve as a model for other institutions in Nigeria and across Africa.
In her response, Dr. Ize-Iyamu pledged to uphold UBTH’s legacy of excellence while pushing forward with her vision of transformation and Inclusivity, Patient-centered care. She called on all staff and partners to work collaboratively to ensure the hospital remains at the forefront of medical innovation and community service.
The event concluded with the official signing and presentation of the handover documents, symbolizing a seamless transfer of responsibilities. This transition is seen as a pivotal step toward a brighter future for UBTH, one rooted in hope, diversity, and a shared commitment to health excellence.
As UBTH embarks on this new chapter, the message is clear: with visionary leadership, collective effort, and unwavering dedication, poised to build on the foundation laid by their predecessors, ensuring that the hospital will continue to serve as Nigeria’s beacon of hope in healthcare, inspiring generations to come.
Signed
Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO.
FIC Benin.
August 18th, 2025.
