The concept of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) originated in 1969, spearheaded by
Colonel Samuel O. Ogbemudia, the then
Governor of the Midwestern State of Nigeria, and Prof. Tiamiyu Belo-Osagie. The plan to establish a modern medical centre in the Midwestern Region of Nigeria was conceived after the governor privately visited the
Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos, and the
Lagos University Teaching Hospital. A few months later, an Advisory Committee for the Midwestern Medical Centre was established with
Prof. H. Oritsejolomi Thomas as chairman. Other members included Prof. Tiamiyu Belo-Osagie, Prof. Alex Eyimofo Boyo, and Mr. O. I. Afe, who served as Secretary to the Midwestern Military Government and Head of Service. Within the same year, the committee awarded the hospital's construction contract to
Costain (Nigeria) Limited and with funding provided jointly by both the Government of the Midwestern Region and the
Federal Government of Nigeria. Other prominent individuals who played key roles in the hospital's establishment from construction to its opening included
Dr. Irene E. B. Ighodaro, Prof. Glyn O. Philips, Dr. A. E. Ikomi, Dr. F. O. Esiri Infirmary, and Mr. J. O. Iluebbey. The Midwest Medical Centre was renamed University of Benin Teaching Hospital during a budget speech by Colonel Samuel O. Ogbemudia in April 1972. The University of Benin Teaching Hospital is currently led by
Darlington E. Obaseki. == Department ==