Tinubu Announces Ize-Iyamu as Chief Medical Director at UBTH (University of Benin Teaching Hospital)
Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu Appointed as First Female Chief Medical Director of UBTH
Professor Idia Nibukun Ize-Iyamu has been appointed as the first female Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), effective August 18, 2025. This landmark appointment marks a significant milestone in the hospital's 52-year history.
Professor Ize-Iyamu, a globally trained specialist and craniofacial orthodontist, has spent decades honing her skills and expertise. Her advanced training includes a stint at Oxford University, and she is also a Commonwealth Fellow. These credentials underscore her international recognition and expertise in her field.
Within UBTH, Professor Ize-Iyamu has risen through the ranks since joining as a Junior Registrar in 1997. Her dedication, leadership, and contributions to medical education and patient care have been recognised, culminating in her becoming an Honourary Consultant in 2005.
Her exceptional leadership qualities and pioneering contributions to the Nigerian health sector have earned her this prestigious appointment. Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, who issued and signed the appointment letter on August 8th, 2025, congratulated Professor Ize-Iyamu and urged her to consolidate and improve the state of the hospital towards realizing its mandate as a Teaching Hospital.
In her current role as Dean of the School of Dentistry at the University of Benin, Professor Ize-Iyamu has been celebrated as one of the institution's most effective Deans. She has attracted public-private partnerships, mobilized resources, and significantly improved infrastructure, staff welfare, and student training.
Professor Ize-Iyamu is also a renowned teacher and trainer, having mentored and developed generations of doctors who have risen to become consultants and are practicing successfully in leading medical institutions across the world.
The appointment terms and conditions for Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu are as provided by the authority establishing the University Teaching Hospitals, or as may be specified by the Government in the future. As CMD, Professor Ize-Iyamu is expected to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that the hospital continues to deliver quality healthcare services.
Her work has contributed meaningfully to evidence-based health policy and research, making her a fitting choice for this role. The appointment of Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu as CMD of UBTH is a testament to her integrity, deep institutional knowledge, and results-driven leadership.
- As CMD of UBTH, Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu will aim to collaborate with stakeholders, ensuring the hospital continues to deliver quality healthcare services.
- The appointment of Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu as the first female CMD of UBTH in Nigeria is a significant milestone, marking her contributions to the Nigerian health sector.
- With her appointment, Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu joins the ranks of medical professionals across the world, having successfully groomed numerous doctors as consultants in various leading institutions.
- Beyond healthcare, Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu's achievements extend to her role as Dean of the School of Dentistry at the University of Benin, where she has attracted public-private partnerships and improved infrastructure and student training.
- In addition to her accomplishments in healthcare and education, Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu's expertise also encompasses medical research and policy, contributing significantly to evidence-based health policies.
- Despite UBTH's 52-year history, the appointment of Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu as CMD represents a turning point in the fight against medical conditions like cancer and chronic diseases, embodying the hope for health and wellness in Nigeria.
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