FIC Report (Edo State) – The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Dean, School of Dentistry, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof. (Mrs.) Idia Ize-Iyamu, has admonished alumni of the institution to rededicate themselves to the development of their alma mater as a way of giving back to society.
Prof. Ize-Iyamu made the remarks in Benin while delivering the opening address at the 14th Annual Scientific Conference, 10th Distinguished Lecture Series, and Alumni Reunion of the School of Dentistry, University of Benin (UNIBEN), with the theme “Oral Health in Africa: The State of Affairs, Emerging Trends, and Future Prospects.”
Prof. Ize-Iyamu, who stressed the need for research and funding in the health sector, said that research plays a significant and major role in any university.
“To inculcate a culture of research, prizes have been instituted for research, diligence, and specialty in our annual scientific conference, namely the Prof. Obuekwe Prize for both undergraduate and postgraduate research, with a prize award of $100, and the NDA Award for the best case report in Dentistry, with a prize of N100,000,” Prof. Ize-Iyamu stated.
Prof. Idia N. Ize-Iyamu, in her address, said: “This year’s Programme, which is my first as the current Dean of the School of Dentistry, commenced on the 13th of August 2025 with the Commissioning of a renovated and fully equipped Dental Clinic in the University’s Health Centre Complex. A landmark project to commemorate the 10th Edition of the Distinguished Lecture Series, its theme was carefully chosen to embrace the Community, in collaboration with a notable alumnus, and was graciously named after her late husband, Dr. Victor Ovbiagele, a renowned Dental Surgeon in Edo State. She further appreciated an alumnus, Prof. Christopher Okunseri of Marquette University, USA, for his unwavering support for the university and the School of Dentistry over the years.”
In her address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba B. Omoregie, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration, Prof. Christopher Osubor, noted that the School of Dentistry’s three key Programmes—comprising the Distinguished Lecture Series, the Annual Scientific Conference, and the Alumni Reunion—aim to promote dental health awareness, academic discourse, research, and alumni connections through knowledge sharing, collaboration, and mentorship.
In his submission, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi, Esq., represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, commended the leadership of the university and the School of Dentistry for sustaining the intellectual tradition, which has become a platform for knowledge sharing, professional development, and Academic excellence. In her words, “The theme and focus of this year’s lecture are timely, as dentistry and indeed the entire health profession play a crucial role, not only in physical Well-being but also in the holistic development of our Communities.”
Hon. Bisi Idaomi asserted that her ministry recognizes health as vital to human development and strives to improve health outcomes. While maintaining that access to quality oral healthcare significantly impacts overall quality of life, productivity, and dignity, she added: “At the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, we understand that health is an indispensable pillar of human capital development, and we are deeply committed to initiatives that improve the Health Outcomes of our people, especially women, children, and other vulnerable groups.”
Also Speaking, Prof. Christopher Okunseri outlined that Oral Health remains a low priority in many African Countries, which undermines prevention, treatment, and oral health promotion. According to him, half of the countries in the region do not have oral health policies or documents.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Vice-Chancellor of UNIBEN, Prof. Edoba Omoregie (SAN), represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Christopher Osubor; the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Wilson Sadoh; and the Commissioner of Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Ihensekhien, among others.
Signed
Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO
FIC, Benin
August 16th, 2025.
