Abia State Governor Alex Otti has approved the reconstitution of the Management Board of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), appointing Dr. Ezinne Chinyere Benjamin-Kalu wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas Benjamin Kalu as its chairperson.
The appointment, announced in a press release signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, on April 21, 2026, takes immediate effect.
The move is politically significant, deepening the visible alliance between Governor Otti and Speaker Benjamin Kalu one of the most consequential federal legislators from the South East at a time when Abia State’s relationship with the National Assembly remains critical for attracting federal attention and development resources to the state.
According to the government statement, the reconstitution of the board is aimed at strengthening governance, improving service delivery, and enhancing the quality of medical training and healthcare at the institution.
The newly constituted board is composed as follows: Dr. Ezinne Chinyere Benjamin-Kalu as Chairman; Prof. Nneka Chioma Okoronkwo as Chief Medical Director; Dr. Kelechi Omende, Dr. Temple Nwosu, and Dr. Patrick Umezurike as members; Prof. P. E. N. Onyemachi as Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee; Prof. Gazie Okpara as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Senate Representative; Prof. Chuks Kamanu as Provost of the College of Medical Sciences; Dr. Mrs. Ifeyinwa Blossom Uma Kalu as Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry; Mrs. Ihuoma Nwagbara as Director of Administration and Secretary to the Board; and Dr. Odochi Ewurum representing the Nigerian Medical Association.
In a congratulatory message to the appointees, Governor Otti charged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by working to reposition the teaching hospital as a centre of excellence in healthcare delivery, medical training, and research.
ABSUTH, located in Umuahia, is one of the key tertiary health institutions in the South East and serves as a critical training ground for medical students of Abia State University. The hospital has faced longstanding challenges around funding, infrastructure, and staff welfare issues the new board will be expected to urgently address.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The National Concord Blog Newsletter for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now below!
