Leadership Transition at UBTH: Dr. Osaigbovo Succeeds Prof. Okugbo as Medical Advisory Chair


-​By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

BENIN CITY – The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) is preparing for a significant change in its clinical directorate as Dr. Osaigbovo Emmanuel Osaro has been appointed as the substantive Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC).

​The appointment, approved by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, was officially announced in a circular dated December 29, 2025, signed by the Hospital’s Acting Director of Administration, Mrs. J. J. Oyakhilome. Dr. Osaigbovo is scheduled to formally assume his new responsibilities on January 1, 2026.

​A Specialized Background in Surgery

​Dr. Osaigbovo brings a wealth of clinical and academic expertise to the role. An Honorary Consultant and Urologist within the Department of Surgery, he is well-regarded for his contributions to advanced surgical practices, including laparoscopic surgery and urologic oncology. His transition from the operating theater to the hospital's "engine room" of administration is seen as a strategic move to maintain the institution's trajectory toward modernizing healthcare delivery.

​Strengthening Clinical Governance

​As the CMAC, Dr. Osaigbovo will serve as the Director of Clinical Services, a pivotal role that involves:

  • Coordinating Clinical Activities: Overseeing the day-to-day medical operations across all departments.
  • Training and Research: Ensuring that the hospital remains a premier center for the training of resident doctors and medical students.
  • Quality Assurance: Managing the accreditation of practitioners and ensuring patient safety standards meet international benchmarks.

​Honoring the Outgoing Leadership

​The incoming Chairman succeeds Prof. S.U. Okugbo, a distinguished Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery whose tenure concludes on December 31, 2025. Prof. Okugbo’s leadership was marked by a commitment to expanding specialized surgical care—notably in cardiac health—and fostering a culture of research and digital innovation within the hospital.

​His era saw UBTH navigate complex healthcare challenges while maintaining its status as a leading tertiary referral center in Nigeria. The hospital community has expressed profound gratitude for his service as he prepares to hand over the baton.

​A New Era of Collaboration

​This transition aligns with the broader vision of the current UBTH management, led by the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu. Together with the new CMAC, the leadership team is expected to focus on the "CARES" framework—prioritizing patient care, infrastructural revitalization, and employee welfare.

​As Dr. Osaigbovo Emmanuel Osaro steps into this high-level managerial role, the hospital community extends its best wishes for a successful and impactful tenure that will further elevate the standard of medical excellence in Benin City and beyond.

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