Idia Ize-Iyamu assumed office on Monday as the first female chief medical director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in the institution’s 52-year history.

Ms Ize-Iyamu, a professor of dentistry and orthodontics, also became the first dentist to hold the position.

She took over from Darlington Obaseki, whose eight-year tenure ended on Sunday.

In her inaugural address, Ms Ize-Iyamu described her appointment as the “dawn of new possibilities”, pledging to anchor her leadership on compassion, innovation, and excellence in healthcare delivery.

“As the first female to serve as CMD of UBTH, I stand not as an exception but as an example of what is possible when merit is sought and when opportunity meets with preparedness.

“My vision is clear that UBTH CARES,” she declared, unveiling an acronym she said would guide her tenure.

According to her, C stands for care, A for advancement, R for revitalisation, E for employee welfare, and S for sustainability.

She emphasised that her leadership would prioritise patient dignity, staff welfare, infrastructure renewal, digitisation of records, and partnerships with government, academia, and the private sector.

“UBTH is more than a hospital. It is a sanctuary of healing, a fountain of learning, a citadel of research, and above all, a beacon of hope for millions who look to us for care,” she said.

Ms Ize-Iyamu also acknowledged her predecessors for building the foundation she intended to strengthen.

The new CMD appreciated President Bola Tinubu for her appointment as well as Muhammad Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, for her recommendation.

She also paid tribute to her family and mentors, particularly her husband, Osaigie Ize-Iyamu, whom she described as “a steady pillar of faith and wisdom,” whose support had been instrumental in her journey.

In his farewell address, Mr Obaseki described the event as historic, noting it was the first time UBTH would witness a proper transition between substantive heads.

“This morning, as I came to the office, I looked at the pictures. Between 1970 and now, this is the first proper transition we are doing. Today, I am handing over to a substantial CMD. That is historic and symbolic,” he said.

Mr Obaseki hailed Ms Ize-Iyamu as a “history maker” for breaking barriers in the institution.

“You are the first female CMD in the history of UBTH. You are the first dentist to be CMD. This, I believe, is the first of many firsts,” he said, urging the hospital community to rally behind her.

Ms Ize-Iyamu, who arrived at the premises of the hospital some minutes before 8:00 a.m., was received with ecstasy, cultural dances, and jubilation by members of staff and students of the institution.

(NAN)