Why Bayelsa Medical University Appointed Time 100 Honoree As New Vice Chancellor, Pledges Global Leadership

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – The Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) has ushered in a new era under the leadership of Prof. Dimie Ogoina, a renowned medical expert and Time 100 honoree, who officially assumed the role of Vice Chancellor on Wednesday, October 3rd.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Ogoina outlined a bold vision to transform the young institution into a globally recognized leader in medical education, research, and innovation.

“My vision for BMU is deeply rooted in the shared goal of our university community to establish ourselves as a global force in medical education, research, and innovation,” Prof. Ogoina stated.

“Together, through collaboration and collective effort, we will work towards a future where BMU is celebrated for academic excellence, technology-driven initiatives, commitment to sustainability, and a significant global health impact.”

Before his appointment, Prof. Ogoina served as the Chief Medical Director of the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital.

He is a globally recognised figure in the field of medicine, most notably for his pioneering work in identifying and documenting the potential for sexual transmission of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox).

His foresight and research were crucial in informing global responses to the 2022 outbreak, earning him a spot on Time Magazine’s prestigious Time 100 list in 2023.

To achieve his ambitious goals, Prof. Ogoina unveiled his strategic agenda, aptly named ASPIRE, which stands for Academic Excellence, Sustainability, Partnerships and Engagement, Innovation and Technology, Research Excellence, Empowerment and Welfare.

Prof. Ogoina outlined several immediate priorities for the next six months, including:

• Comprehensive Familiarisation Tour: Engaging directly with students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders through listening sessions to gather valuable insights, identify strengths and challenges, and foster open communication across the BMU community.
• Accreditation Enhancement: Establishing an Accreditation Task Force to address accreditation gaps in current programs and assess future needs as the university expands.
• Centres of Excellence: Launching a Centre of Excellence Committee to recommend and develop specialized research and academic leadership in key medical fields.
• Academic and Research Audit: Initiating a comprehensive audit to assess BMU’s readiness for achieving academic and research excellence, covering faculty qualifications, infrastructure, and research output.
• Financial Sustainability:  Creating a Financial Sustainability and Revenue Generation Committee to explore new revenue streams, including consultancy services, entrepreneurial initiatives, and partnerships.

Prof. Ogoina’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for BMU. His leadership, coupled with his global recognition and expertise, promises to usher in a new era of academic excellence, research innovation, and global impact for the institution.

The event was witnessed by representatives of the Bayelsa State government, including the Chairman of the University Council, Prof. Tarila Tebepah, the pioneer Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ebitimitula Nicholas Etebu, and other notable members of the BMU community.

As Prof. Ogoina takes the helm of BMU, the eyes of the medical community and the world are watching with anticipation.

The university’s journey towards achieving its ambitious vision has just begun.