From Moshood Karim
The newly appointed Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. (Mrs.) Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu, has hit the ground running with a strong message of inclusiveness and staff-centred leadership.
In her maiden interactive session held on Tuesday, 19th August 2025, Prof. Ize-Iyamu met with executives of all hospital-based unions and associations, signalling the beginning of an administration anchored on transparency, dialogue, and welfare-driven policies.
Prof. Ize-Iyamu, who assumed office earlier this month, told union leaders that she would operate an open-door policy, making herself accessible to all categories of staff via calls, text messages, and physical visits. “Every voice matters in UBTH,” she assured, stressing that inclusiveness and effective communication will define her leadership style.
Unveiling her immediate welfare agenda, the CMD announced plans for a staff welfare centre comprising: a staff clinic to address workers’ health needs, a crèche for children of staff, and a staff lounge to improve work-life balance.
She also pledged fairness in handling disciplinary matters, promising that misconduct would be decisively addressed to maintain discipline and accountability.
The unions welcomed the session, which was the first of its kind, as each body had the opportunity to present their concerns and suggestions directly to the CMD. These included the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), among others.
Prof. Ize-Iyamu, in turn, commended the unions for sustaining peace during the tenure of her predecessor and called for continued cooperation. “We can only achieve excellence in healthcare delivery when there is harmony between management and staff,” she said.
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