Meet First Female Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital-Professor Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu
By:Douglas Ogbankwa Esq. @douglasogbankwa@gmail.com
Professor Idia Nibokun Ize -Iyamu, the quiet Professor of Orthodonics , a Branch of Dentistry, is a quintessential depiction of the English aphorism that "Still Water Runs Deep".The suave but spartan elegant intellectual enigma , avoids the spotlight as much as possible, but in her quiet moments, the Professor has achieved alot , so much so that the Federal Government of Nigeria , could not resist her intimidating curriculum vitae.So, she was recently appointed as the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, (UBTH) making her the first ever Female to attain the enviable height in the 52 years of the operations of the foremost tertiary health institution, which is a centre of excellence in many respects, due to the ground breaking efforts of the out going Chief Medical Director of UBTH-Dr.Darlington Obaseki .
It was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the English Poet that correctly posited many years ago :
"The heights by great men (women) reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.”
This is why the profile of the new CMD of UBTH is replete with one sterling and shining achievement to another .
Profile of Professor Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu:Professor Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu has been appointed as the new Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), effective August 18, 2025. She's a globally trained specialist in Craniofacial Orthodontics, having honed her expertise at Oxford University Teaching Hospital, UK, and the University of Washington, Seattle, USA. Here are some key highlights about her profile :
*Academic Background*: Commonwealth Fellow with over 27 years of service within UBTH, rising from Junior Registrar in 1997 to Honorary Consultant in 2005.
- *Leadership Experience*: Served as Head of Department for over 11 years, earning respect for her integrity, institutional knowledge, and results-driven leadership. Currently, she's the Dean of the School of Dentistry, University of Benin, where she's attracted public-private partnerships and improved infrastructure.
*Research and Publications*: Prolific scholar with over 55 publications in reputable local and international journals, contributing to evidence-based health policy and research.
*Vision for UBTH*: Patient-centered service delivery, quality assurance, and strategic innovation to position UBTH as a model teaching hospital in Nigeria.
- *Historic Appointment*: She's the first female Chief Medical Director of UBTH, marking a significant milestone in the hospital's 52-year history .
More about her profile :
*Early Life and Education:*
- Attended Corona Nursery School, Corona Primary School, Holy Child College, and Queens College in Lagos.
- Graduated from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (1986-1992).
- Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons (1997-2004).
- Commonwealth Medical Fellowship at Oxford University, UK (2016).
*Career:*
- Worked at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Military Hospital Bonny Camp, Smile Well Dental Clinic, and University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
- Lecturer at the University of Benin since 2003.
- Became Associate Professor of Orthodontics in 2014.
Heads the Department of Preventive Dentistry at UBTH and Uniben.
*Leadership Roles:*
- Chief Medical Director at UBTH (current position).
- Head of Department, Preventive Dentistry (UBTH and Uniben).
- Pastor at Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
*Key Strengths:*
- Strong academic and medical background.
Leadership experience in healthcare and academia.
- Commitment to preventive dentistry.
Congratulations to Professor Idia Ize-Iyamu on her appointment as the new Chief Medical Director at UBTH!UBTH is indeed in safe hands .
About the Author:
Douglas Ogbankwa Esq.,@douglasogbankwa@gmail.com, Lawyer , Writer and Policy Analyst is the President of Benin Writers' Society and the Convener of the Intellectual Hub.
