Prof. (Mrs.) Idia Ize-Iyamu Secures ₦2.5 Billion Legacy Project for UBTH, Breaking 52-Year Record

Barely a week into her tenure as Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. (Mrs.) Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu has made history by attracting a ₦2.5 billion legacy project—the first of its kind in the 52-year history of the hospital.

The development was formally announced by the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, during a courtesy visit by Prof. Ize-Iyamu and members of the UBTH Management Team.

During the visit, Prof. Ize-Iyamu presented a proposal requesting the Governor’s intervention in establishing a modern Paediatric Centre at UBTH. In an unprecedented decision, Governor Okpebholo immediately approved the construction of a world-class Paediatric Centre worth ₦2.5 billion, a project expected to transform paediatric healthcare services for children in Edo State and the wider region.

Speaking after the announcement, Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed profound gratitude to Governor Okpebholo, describing the approval as a testament to her administration’s commitment to strategic collaborations and excellence in healthcare delivery.

“This is only the beginning. Our commitment is to ensure that UBTH becomes a centre of excellence in healthcare delivery, training, and research. With the support of our partners, we will continue to expand access to quality, affordable, and modern healthcare for the people of Edo State and the entire region,” she said.

Governor Okpebholo, while congratulating Prof. Ize-Iyamu on her historic appointment, assured her of the Edo State Government’s continued partnership in advancing the health sector.

Prof. (Mrs.) Idia Ize-Iyamu was recently appointed as the Chief Medical Director of UBTH by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for a renewable four-year tenure.