The Institute of Health Service Administrators of Nigeria (IHSAN), UBTH Chapter, recently organized a public lecture that emphasized the importance of diligence and professionalism in public service, particularly in the healthcare sector. The event, which was held at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on September 30, 2026, drew administrators, medical professionals, academics, and top management staff of UBTH and other health institutions.
The lecture, themed “Still Diligent: The Mindset of the Public Servant in a Healthcare System in Flux,” was delivered by Guest Speaker, Ven. Engr. Osazee David Egbenusi. He stressed that public servants must cultivate a mindset of continuous learning, ethical stewardship, service, and resilience to remain relevant in the sector. Egbenusi noted that the healthcare landscape is rapidly changing due to factors such as digital transformation, health insurance reforms, brain drain, rising patient expectations, and limited resources.
The Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu, who was represented by Dr. Philip Osho, commended IHSAN for creating a platform that promotes knowledge sharing and professional growth. She pledged the hospital’s support for such initiatives, emphasizing that the theme speaks to the realities of modern healthcare administration. The event was declared open by Ize-Iyamu, and it marked a significant milestone for the IHSAN, UBTH Chapter.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of IHSAN, UBTH Chapter, Uwaila Ilesammi Joshua, highlighted the crucial role of health service administrators in healthcare delivery. He noted that they connect people, processes, policies, and resources, making them central to the effective functioning of the healthcare system. Joshua expressed his gratitude to the participants and guests who attended the event.
The Special Guest of Honour, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Mrs. Aikefe Aigbavboa, also stressed the importance of professionalism and ethics in public service. She urged public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity and diligence in their duties. The lecture was well attended by management staff and stakeholders from various health institutions.
The event featured several notable attendees, including UBTH Director of Administration, Jim Uwadiae; Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Grace Arheghan; and former Director of Administration, Mr. M. O. Jimoh-Kadiri. Others included Prof. E. Enabudoso; Dr. Philomena Ogbogu; Dr. R. Okolie; Dr. Henry Egon of National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin; and UNIBEN lecturer, Mrs. Francisca Egbokhare.
Participants at the lecture agreed that diligence, integrity, and continuous capacity building are critical to strengthening healthcare delivery in Nigeria. They emphasized that behind every file and every referral is a patient, and administrative decisions affect how patients experience the hospital. The IHSAN, UBTH Chapter, aims to promote knowledge sharing and professional growth among health service administrators, and the lecture was a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- Public servants must cultivate a mindset of continuous learning, ethical stewardship, service, and resilience.
- The healthcare landscape is rapidly changing due to factors such as digital transformation, health insurance reforms, brain drain, rising patient expectations, and limited resources.
- Diligence, integrity, and continuous capacity building are critical to strengthening healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
