The Governing Council of Igbinedion University, Okada, has set in motion an ambitious agenda to transform its Teaching Hospital (IUTH) into a world-class tertiary healthcare institution, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in medical education and service delivery.
At its recent meeting, the Council, chaired by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Professor Ahmed Tijjani Mora, mni, approved the constitution of a high-powered Committee on the Transformation of IUTH. The move highlights the Council’s resolve to reposition the hospital as a centre of medical innovation, research, and quality patient care.
The decision of the Governing Council received the firm endorsement of the Honourable Chancellor of the University, His Excellency, Sir Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, CON, CFR, The Esama of Benin, who was ably represented at the meeting by the Deputy Chancellor, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion.In his remarks on behalf of the Chancellor, the Deputy Chancellor commended the Governing Council for its visionary step and reaffirmed the Chancellor’s steadfast commitment to the advancement of the University and its Teaching Hospital. “The Esama of Benin remains deeply passionate about the growth of Igbinedion University and its Teaching Hospital.
This bold repositioning effort is a legacy project that will not only serve Edo State but also impact lives across Nigeria and beyond,” he declared.
The meeting of the newly reconstituted Governing Council was well attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, PhD, FAS, tge Chief Medical Director of Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, Dr Ya’u Abubakar Gagarawa alongside other distinguished Council members drawn from all walks of life, reflecting the diversity, depth, and vision driving the University’s next phase of growth.
The Committee, led by renowned pharmacist and academic, Professor (Mrs.) Chinedum Peace Babalola, has been given a three-month mandate to chart a comprehensive roadmap for IUTH. Its work will cover key areas, including infrastructure renewal, ICT integration, capacity building, and financial sustainability.
Beyond physical upgrades, the Council envisions IUTH becoming a hub of specialized healthcare, with the Committee tasked to recommend priority areas such as cardiology, oncology, nephrology, and maternal & child health, while ensuring adherence to global best practices and regulatory standards.
Other distinguished members of the Committee include Aisha Abubakar, Prof. Nonye Iyugo Martin Ike-Muonso, Barr. Chike Nmerukini, Prof. Dominic Osaghae, Mr. Emmanuel Imafidon, Dr. Abubakar Gagarawa Ya’u, Pharm. Dr. Osaretin Enadeghe, and Ahola Orgeh (Member/Secretary).
Speaking after the meeting, the Governing Council Chairman, Professor Ahmed Tijjani Mora, stressed that the initiative would not only provide IUTH with a clear blueprint for transformation and accreditation but also enhance the University’s reputation in medical education while delivering improved health outcomes for Edo State, Nigeria, and beyond.
This decisive move by the university authority will no doubt position Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital to take its rightful place as a pioneer of healthcare excellence in Nigeria.
Members of the Governing Council later paid a visit to the Honourable Chancellor of the University at his palatial residence to honour him on the occasion of his 91st birthday celebration.