Okada, April 7, 2025.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital (IUTH), Dr. Ya’u Abubakar Gagarawa has urged medical students to prioritize self-care even as they pursue their passion for healthcare and humanitarian service.
The CMD, a Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons, delivered this charge during the opening symposium of the 2025 Annual Health Week of the Igbinedion University Medical Students’ Association (IUMSA), held at the university’s library auditorium.
Dr. Ya’u Abubakar Gagarawa, MBBS, MSc(lond), FWACS, Chief Medical Director, IUTH.
Dr. Gagarawa emphasized the need for future healthcare providers to strike a healthy balance between their professional duties and personal well-being.
“Take care of yourself also while rendering service to humanity,” he said. “Do not neglect your mental, physical, and emotional health in the pursuit of helping others. As future healthcare providers, your ability to care for others begins with how well you care for yourselves.”
A consultant surgeon specializing in laparoscopy and endoscopy, Dr. Gagarawa is widely known for his commitment to youth mentorship and health system strengthening. He also underscored the importance of healthcare professionals playing active roles in national development through advocacy and policy engagement.“Medical science and politics are not mutually exclusive,” he noted.
“Healthcare professionals must take part in discussions that shape national health policies, influence resource allocation, and improve access to care. Your voice must be heard beyond the hospital walls.”
Dr. Uche Ibezim, Senior Medical Officer, IUTH, Okada
Also speaking at the symposium, Dr. Uche Ibezim emphasized the health benefits of a good sleeping environment, highlighting the vital connection between sleep and overall well-being. He urged students and other attendees to prioritize proper sleep hygiene and resist the urge to consistently sacrifice rest in the name of productivity.“Sleep is not a luxury but a necessity,” Dr. Ibezim stated.
“A healthy sleeping environment supports cognitive function, emotional stability, and physical resilience—all of which are crucial in both medical training and professional life.”
Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, Commissioner of Health Edo State.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Edo State, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole expressed deep appreciation to the students and the university for finding him worthy of the honour. He applauded the organizers for putting together such an impactful event and commended the medical students for their growing sense of civic responsibility, academic distinction, and community involvement. Reflecting on the theme “CIRCadian: Rhythms of Wellness,”
Dr. Oshiomhole noted its timeliness and relevance, especially in a world where the pressures of modern life often disrupt natural health rhythms. He encouraged the students to embrace wellness not just as a lifestyle but as a leadership responsibility, both in their personal lives and future careers.
In her welcome address, the President of the Igbinedion University Medical Students’ Association (IUMSA), Ms. Florence Amarachi Sufianu, expressed heartfelt appreciation to all guests, partners, and facilitators. She especially thanked the Honourable Commissioner of Health Edo State Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole for the immense honour of gracing the event in person, describing his presence as a strong demonstration of support for youth and healthcare development.
This year’s Health Week, themed “CIRCadian: Rhythms of Wellness,” features a series of enriching activities aimed at promoting holistic health and community engagement, including medical outreaches, public health lectures, free health screenings, and service-oriented initiatives.
In his remarks, delivered by Professor Dominion Osaghae, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, the Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, PhD, FAS, commended the medical students for taking the Annual Health Week to a new level. He expressed appreciation to all dignitaries who made time out of their busy schedules to honour the students and support the university.
Also speaking at the event, the Dean of the College of Health Sciences,Dr.(Mrs) Imesidayo Eboreime-Oikeh, applauded the students for their dedication to academic excellence and social responsibility.
The well-attended symposium drew a distinguished audience that included the University Librarian, Professor Tijani Abdusalam; the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Ochem; medical experts, and medical students
In recognition of outstanding contributions and encouragement, awards were presented to select dignitaries and deserving students during the event, adding a celebratory highlight to the academic gathering.
Dr. Gagarawa’s position, along with other insightful contributions, set a reflective and action-oriented tone for the week—inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals to embrace personal wellness, engage in policy advocacy, and lead with compassion and purpose.
-Moses Uyi Osaretin, CAO/PRO, IUTH, Okada. email: uyi.osaretin@iuokada.edu.ng