President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Prof Idia Nibukun Ize-Iyamu as the new Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Her tenure takes effect from August 18, 2025, succeeding Prof Darlington Obaseki, whose term has ended.
Prof. Ize-Iyamu has served at UBTH for over 27 years. She joined in 1997 as a Junior Registrar, became an Honorary Consultant in 2005, and spent more than a decade as Head of Department, earning a reputation for integrity, deep institutional knowledge, and impactful leadership.
A Commonwealth Fellow and Craniofacial Orthodontist, she trained at the Oxford University Teaching Hospital, UK, and the University of Washington, Seattle, USA. Her global exposure is expected to bring innovative practices and international standards to UBTH.
Currently the Dean of the School of Dentistry at the University of Benin, Prof. Ize-Iyamu has been credited with attracting partnerships, mobilising resources, improving infrastructure, and enhancing staff and student welfare. She has authored over 55 publications in reputable local and international journals.
Her vision as CMD focuses on patient-centred service delivery, modernised facilities, expanded specialist services, stronger accountability, and technology-driven solutions. She also plans to deepen community outreach and foster partnerships that ensure accessible and sustainable healthcare.
The Edo State Government has expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for an appointment based on merit and commitment to healthcare excellence. The Honourable Minister of Health was also commended for facilitating a smooth leadership transition.
Governor Monday Okpebholo was praised for creating an enabling environment for quality healthcare through infrastructure upgrades, expanded service access, and human capital development—efforts aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
With Prof. Ize-Iyamu’s leadership, backed by state and federal support, UBTH is set to consolidate its position as a hub for advanced medical care, training, and research in Nigeria.
