Ize-Iyamu makes history, assumes office as first female CMD of UBTH
Newly appointed Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, has formally taken charge of the hospital.
She took over from Prof. Darlington Obaseki, whose two tenure of eight-year ended on Sunday, August 17.
The professor of dentistry and orthodontics, made history when she became the first female and the first dentist to hold the position in the 52-year history of the institution.
In her inaugural address, Ize-Iyamu described her appointment as a “dawn of new possibilities”.
She pledged to anchor her leadership on compassion, innovation, and excellence in healthcare delivery.
“As the first female to serve as CMD of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, I stand not as an exception, but as an example of what is possible when merit is sought and when opportunity meets with preparedness.
“My vision is clear that UBTH CARES,” she declared, unveiling an acronym she said would guide her tenure.
According to her, C stands for Care, A for Advancement, R for Revitalisation, E for Employee welfare, and S for Sustainability.
The new CMD emphasised that her leadership would prioritise patient dignity, staff welfare, infrastructure renewal, digitisation of records, and partnerships with government, academia, and the private sector.
“UBTH is more than a hospital. It is a sanctuary of healing, a fountain of learning, a citadel of research, and above all, a beacon of hope for millions who look to us for care,” she said.
Prof. Ize-Iyamu also acknowledged her predecessors for building the foundation she intended to strengthen.
She also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for her appointment as well as the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, for recommending her.
Earlier in his farewell address, the outgone CMD Prof. Obaseki, described the event as historic, noting it was the first time UBTH would witness a proper transition between substantive heads.
He hailed Ize-Iyamu as a “history maker” for breaking barriers in the institution.
“This morning as I came to the office, I looked at the pictures. Between 1970 and now, this is the first proper transition we are doing.
“Today I am handing over to a substantial CMD. That is historic and symbolic,” he said.
“You are the first female CMD in the history of UBTH. You are the first dentist to be CMD. This, I believe, is the first of many firsts,” he said, urging the hospital community to rally behind her.
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