FIC Report (Edo State) – With his tenure nearing completion, Professor Darlington Obaseki, outgoing Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), hosted an exclusive facility tour for members of the press. The engagement provided a comprehensive overview of the hospital’s evolution under his eight-year stewardship—spotlighting major infrastructural upgrades, medical innovations, and transformative reforms that have repositioned UBTH as a leading center of excellence in healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
Professor Darlington Obaseki, the departing Chief Medical Director of UBTH, hosted journalists on an exclusive tour of the facility on August 7th, 2025. The visit showcased the remarkable progress, innovations, and enduring efforts that have characterized his eight years of leadership.
The tour began with visits to some of the hospital’s key and newly completed units, such as the Emergency Unit, Delivery Ward (42-bed ward) for antenatal patients and delivery by surgery, ICU for premature babies, Sports Complex, and Water Facility Storage (145,000 meters). These visits provided journalists with rare insights into tangible signs of institutional reform.
A key highlight was the fully equipped Oncology (Cancer Treatment) Centre, which is set to begin operations in September. This facility represents a beacon of hope for thousands of patients in the South-South region and beyond. Obaseki emphasized that the project fulfilled a vital promise, noting, “Our people deserve quality cancer care close to home, without the burden of traveling to Lagos or Abuja.” The centre plans to treat patients in phases and is already considering acquiring a second treatment machine to expand capacity and ensure sustainability.
Journalists were also shown the premium ward, a modern section designed to attract high-paying patients and help subsidize healthcare costs for less privileged patients. Obaseki explained that this model fosters inclusivity by balancing revenue generation with public healthcare needs, describing it as a “sustainable equity model.”
The tour also featured the renovated mortuary unit, now upgraded with modern facilities and linked to Nigeria’s first School of Mortuary Science. The school was established to promote professionalism, eliminate informal practices, and uphold dignity in handling deceased patients.
Obaseki highlighted some ongoing challenges his team faced, such as monthly electricity bills exceeding ₦200 million. He described maintaining hospital operations as a “daily battle,” emphasizing that electricity is vital for life support, not luxury. Despite these difficulties, UBTH has continued functioning round the clock, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, without any unit shutdown.
The tour concluded at the hospital’s research and diagnostic laboratories, where innovative work is underway on diseases like dengue fever and genetic cancer studies among African populations. These research projects, often conducted in collaboration with global institutions like the Morehouse School of Medicine, are saving lives and advancing medical knowledge—even if they seldom make headlines, according to Obaseki.
Following the tour, Prof. Obaseki held an open Q&A Session with Journalists, discussing topics such as Patient Care, Hospital Pricing, Brain Drain, and Public perception. He clarified misconceptions about the hospital being “expensive,” noting that despite rising logistics costs, UBTH continues to subsidize services, with consultations costing just ₦2,500.
He also announced the upcoming launch of his book, Reform by Design: How to Transform Teaching Hospitals in Africa – The UBTH Model, scheduled for August 15. He described the book as a practical guide documenting his leadership experience and strategies for Health System reform across Africa, rather than a memoir.
As Professor Obaseki’s tenure concludes, both the UBTH Community and Stakeholders reflect on his dedication and the lasting improvements he has driven. It’s evident that he is leaving behind more than just a position—he is leaving a significant legacy.
Signed
Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO,
FIC, Benin
August 7th, 2025
