Nnewi, Nigeria
When Prof. Joseph Odirichukwu Ugboaja took over as Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) in 2021, the institution was in dire need of a turnaround. Burdened by staff shortages, infrastructural decay, and operational inefficiencies, the hospital struggled to meet the growing healthcare demands of patients.
Just a few years later, NAUTH has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a leading medical center with modern infrastructure, digital healthcare solutions, and an expanded workforce—all driven by Prof. Ugboaja’s visionary leadership.
Before his appointment, patients at NAUTH faced long waiting times, inadequate facilities, and a shortage of medical personnel. Determined to address these challenges, Prof. Ugboaja launched an aggressive reform strategy that prioritized staff recruitment, infrastructure development, and digital transformation.
One of his first major steps was the recruitment of over 1,000 new staff, including nearly 100 consultant specialists and 400 nurses, significantly boosting patient care and medical education. This move helped reduce workload pressure on existing personnel while improving the overall efficiency of the hospital.
Alongside workforce expansion, NAUTH saw an unprecedented infrastructural overhaul. Under his administration, the hospital built a 240-bed Trauma and Emergency Complex, a 120-bed Pediatrics Emergency Complex, a 200-bed Medical Ward, a 120-bed Surgical Ward, and a 150-bed Mother & Child Center. These new facilities increased the hospital’s capacity, allowing it to accommodate more patients and provide specialized care in key areas.
Another milestone was the introduction of a digital health system, designed to streamline patient records and improve healthcare delivery. To further enhance emergency services, Prof. Ugboaja oversaw the installation of a second oxygen plant, ensuring that the hospital remains self-sufficient in life-saving medical oxygen supply.
Despite these achievements, Prof. Ugboaja is not done yet. He has set NAUTH on a path toward becoming a world-class medical institution, with several groundbreaking projects currently in progress. These include a 20-suite operative theater complex, a 50-bed VIP Wing, a 200-bed Pediatric Ward Complex, a 150-bed Gynecological Ward, a 40-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and a state-of-the-art Kidney Center.
One of the most ambitious projects is the modern Radiodiagnostic and Laboratory Complex, which will provide cutting-edge diagnostic services and place NAUTH at the forefront of medical research and patient care in Nigeria.
Prof. Ugboaja’s remarkable achievements have earned him national recognition. In appreciation of his role in revamping NAUTH and advancing Nigeria’s healthcare sector, he was awarded the Officer of the Order of Niger (OON) by former President Muhammadu Buhari. His transformation efforts have also received government backing, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate commending his vision for a modern and efficient NAUTH.
As the hospital continues on its path of innovation and excellence, Prof. Ugboaja’s leadership has redefined what is possible in Nigeria’s public healthcare system. His reforms have not only elevated NAUTH’s status but have also set a new benchmark for teaching hospitals across the country.