Kingsley Ohens reporting 

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Branch, has congratulated the School of Dentistry, University of Benin, on the successful celebration of its 50th Anniversary and the conclusion of its 2026 Annual Scientific Conference, describing the milestone as a remarkable testament to five decades of excellence in dental education, research, professional development and healthcare service.

The Chairman of the Edo State NMA, Dr. Andrew Eigbedion, conveyed the association’s congratulations while commending the School for its enduring contribution to human-capacity development and the production of dental professionals who have continued to make significant contributions to healthcare delivery in Nigeria and beyond.

A major highlight of the Golden Jubilee celebration was the recognition of Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, a former Chairman of the Edo State NMA and the current Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City.

Ugbodaga delivered the 50th Anniversary Alumni Lecture titled, “Together: A Legacy of Impact and Growth,” and was honoured with the 50th Anniversary Distinguished Award for Public Service to an Alumnus, alongside an Award of Honour from the Benin University Dental School Alumni Association (BUDENSAA).

Eigbedion described the recognition accorded Ugbodaga as a source of immense pride to the Edo NMA family, noting that his professional accomplishments, leadership and continued service to the medical profession exemplify the values of excellence and public service which the association continues to promote.

The NMA Chairman also acknowledged the presence of members of the School’s pioneer cohort, particularly Prof. Osagie Akhionbare, Dr. Jerome Mafeni, who delivered the keynote address, and Dr. Thomas Asekhauno.

Their participation, he noted, provided a significant connection between the institution’s foundational years and its present-day achievements, further underscoring the depth of the School’s five-decade legacy.

Eigbedion equally congratulated Prof. Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu, Chairman of the occasion and Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, on the successful completion of her first year as CMD.

He commended her leadership and commitment to advancing healthcare delivery and medical education in Edo State, while wishing her greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

The celebration also provided an opportunity for the Edo NMA to recognise the professional achievements of the 96 newly inducted Fellows of the International College of Dentistry.

Particular congratulations were extended to Dr. Harrison Omokhua, a former Chairman of the Edo State NMA, whose elevation, according to Eigbedion, further demonstrates the depth of professional excellence within Edo State’s medical community.

The NMA Chairman commended Prof. Joan Enabulele, Dean of the School of Dentistry, for her leadership and the progress recorded by the institution under her stewardship.

He also praised Prof. M. A. Sede, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, and members of his team for the successful planning and execution of the Golden Jubilee celebration and the 2026 Annual Scientific Conference.

Eigbedion expressed appreciation to the School of Dentistry and the organising committee for inviting him to participate in the historic occasion, describing it as a privilege to join alumni, faculty, students and members of the wider University of Benin community in celebrating five decades of institutional growth and impact.

Looking ahead, the Edo NMA Chairman called for stronger partnerships among the NMA, the School of Dentistry, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, the University of Benin and other stakeholders in the health sector.

He stressed that sustained collaboration would be crucial to advancing professional excellence, medical education, research, mentorship and quality healthcare delivery across Edo State and beyond.

As the School of Dentistry begins another chapter after five decades of service, the Edo NMA expressed optimism that its next 50 years would be defined by greater innovation, stronger academic achievements and deeper impact on the health sector.