The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, hosted the maiden public lecture of the Institute of Health Service Administrators of Nigeria (IHSAN), UBTH Chapter, with a call for public servants to sustain diligence, professionalism and ethical commitment in a healthcare system undergoing rapid change.
Held at the Oba Akenzua Hall, UBTH, the lecture, themed “Still Diligent: The Mindset of the Public Servant in a Healthcare System in Flux,” brought together senior public servants, healthcare professionals, administrators, academics and staff from UBTH and beyond.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. (Mrs.) Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu, represented by the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (Clinicals), Dr. Philip Osho, described the theme as timely and significant, stressing the importance of continuous reflection, professional development and constructive engagement in strengthening public service and healthcare administration.
The CMD commended the IHSAN, UBTH Chapter, for its initiative and commitment to advancing professionalism within the health service, while reaffirming UBTH’s support for platforms that promote knowledge, capacity building and excellence in healthcare delivery, education and research.
Delivering the lecture titled “Still Diligent: The Mindset of the Public Servant in a Healthcare System in Flux,” the Guest Soeaker Ven. (Engr.) Osazee David Egbenusi, Esq. JP identified continuous learning, ethical stewardship, service orientation, inter-professional collaboration and resilience as essential attributes of the diligent public servant.
He noted that digital transformation, health insurance reforms, workforce migration, rising public expectations and resource constraints are reshaping healthcare administration, requiring professionals to continually update their knowledge and competencies.
The Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Water Resources who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, Mrs. Aikefe Aigbavboa, Esq. also addressed the gathering, contributing to the discourse on professionalism and public service.
The lecture attracted a broad representation of top Management Staff, senior officials, professionals and stakeholders from within and outside the Hospital including the Director of Administration, UBTH, Jim Uwadiae, Esq.; Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Grace Arheghan; Immediate Past Director of Administration, UBTH, Mr. M. O. Jimoh-Kadiri; Former DCMAC, Training and Monitoring, Dr. Fidelis Eki-Udoko; HOD Pharmacy, Dr. E. O. Yovwin; Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Prof. E. Enabudoso; Coordinator, Medical Laboratory Services Dr. Philomena Ogbogu; and Deputy Provost (Academics), Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, UBTH, Dr.(Mrs ) R. Okolie;
Also in attendance were Director of Administration, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin, Dr. Henry Egon; A lecturer from the Faculty of Computing, UNIBEN, Mrs. Francisca Egbokhare, mni and a representative of Lutron Medical Centre, one of the sponsors of the Programme, Mr Joshua Esekhile.
A delegation from Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) led by the Deputy Director of Administration, Mr. G. Enaboifo, alongside Chairman NANNM, UBTH Chapter, Mrs. Iyalekhue-Eboigbe Esohe, represented by Mrs. Ekuase Grace, Heads of Departments in Administration, staff from various departments and units of UBTH also graced the occasion.
The strong institutional and professional representation underscored the growing importance of continuous learning, ethical administration and effective public service in strengthening healthcare delivery.
The lecture concluded with a charge to public servants to make diligence a consistent mindset, embrace continuous learning, uphold integrity and remain committed to excellence despite the challenges of a changing healthcare environment.
