Professor Obehi Aituaje Akoria

Professor Obehi Aituaje Akoria is a highly accomplished and dedicated healthcare professional with a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of medicine, public health, and healthcare leadership and advocacy. Her career is marked by a remarkable commitment to improving healthcare systems, particularly in Nigeria.

Background and Education: Professor Obehi Aituaje Akoria holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB, BS) degree from the School of Medicine, University of Benin, Nigeria, which she obtained in March 1990. She furthered her medical education and achieved a Fellowship of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria in Internal Medicine, with sub-specialization in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics in 2002. Her educational journey is marked by continuous growth and development. She obtained a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Liverpool in 2010, enhanced her expertise by obtaining additional training in geriatrics and successful aging, earning a Certificate in Geriatrics from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, USA, in 2013, and a Mini-Fellowship in Successful Aging from Stanford University School of Medicine, USA.

Professional Achievements: Throughout her career, Professor Obehi Akoria has acquired a several professional qualifications and certifications, indicative of her unwavering dedication to improving healthcare and the well-being of older individuals. Notable among these are a Certificate in Public Leadership from the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, Certificate in Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies from Harvard Online Business School, Certificate in Health Financing for Universal Health Coverage from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Certificate in Leadership and Management in Health from the University of Washington. She also earned a Diploma in Community-based Prevention, Treatment, and Management of HIV/AIDS from the Galilee International Management Institute in Israel in 2006.

Leadership and Public Service: Professor Obehi Akoria has consistently demonstrated her leadership and management skills, particularly in the healthcare sector. Notably, she served as the Honourable Commissioner for Health in Edo State, Nigeria, from 2021 to 2023. In this role, she played a pivotal part in shaping healthcare policies, reforms, and health protection strategies. She oversaw health promotion, disease prevention, surveillance, and emergency response activities in collaboration with various healthcare agencies and partners.

Her earlier leadership role as the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC) at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital marked a significant milestone, as she was the first female to hold this position in the hospital’s over 40-year history. During her tenure, Professor Akoria introduced data-driven approaches to improve clinical decision making, introduced clinical audits, service evaluations, and policies to improve the utilization of medicines.

In the field of Geriatrics, Obehi Akoria pioneered the establishment of a multidisciplinary Geriatrics Unit at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. This unit focuses on person-centered care for older individuals with multiple health issues. She has also been actively involved in community outreach programs to serve the elderly in Edo State, Nigeria.

Professor Akoria’s groundbreaking work also led to the development of the innovative Elder Friendly Hospitals Initiative (ELDFRHI), adopted as a national program by the Federal Ministry of Health. She was a member of the Ministerial Committee on Provision of Health Insurance for Retirees and Elderly Nigerians, further contributing to the improvement of healthcare services in Nigeria.

Teaching and Mentoring: In addition to her exceptional leadership in healthcare, Professor Obehi Akoria has contributed significantly to the education and training of medical and dental students for over two decades.

She has also made her mark through publications in peer-reviewed journals, serving as a reviewer, and providing mentorship to the next generation of healthcare professionals.

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Core Competencies: Her core competencies encompass a wide range of skills, including systems thinking, healthcare management, leadership, health promotion, policy development, and advocacy. She has proven expertise in epidemiology, statistics, strategic planning, program and project management, performance management, conflict resolution, and public speaking.

Recognitions: Professor Obehi Akoria has received numerous awards and honors, amongst which the most recent are:

• Meritorious Service Award from the Edo State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (2023)
• Meritorious Service Award from the Edo State Branch of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (2023)
• University of Benin Teaching Hospital Award for Pioneering the Geriatrics Unit (2023).
• Award of Honor for Leadership Contribution to the Health Sector in Edo State from the Association of Resident Doctors, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (2023)
• Residency Training Recognition Award from the Association of Resident Doctors, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (2023)

Personal Life: Outside her professional life, Professor Obehi Akoria serves her church community and enjoys spending quality time with her family.

She enjoys various activities, especially reading, cooking, exercising, and traveling.

In conclusion, Professor Obehi Aituaje Akoria stands as an exemplary figure in the healthcare, public health, and geriatric medicine. Her career embodies a tireless commitment to improving healthcare systems and the well-being of older individuals in Nigeria and beyond. Her impressive accomplishments and dedication continue to inspire and shape the future of healthcare in her region.