Professor Joseph Ugboaja, OON, the CMD of NAUTH, Nnewi
By David Onwuchekwa
The relocation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) to its permanent site where it shares borders with Nnewi, Oraifite and Ozubulu in Anambra State marks a historic and transformative chapter in the annals of tertiary healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
What was once a vision deferred has now become a living reality, thanks to the bold, strategic, and forward-looking leadership of Professor Joseph Ugboaja, the Chief Medical Director. This monumental shift is not just about the movement of structures; it is a symbol of progress, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in health service, training, and research.
The benefits of the relocation are as clear as they are far-reaching. At the heart of this move is the expansion of infrastructure, which has translated into increased capacity to accommodate patients, better healthcare delivery, and the development of specialized units.
With more space and modern facilities now in place, NAUTH is positioned to house centers of excellence in cardiology, nephrology, oncology, trauma care, and more.
This relocation also allows for a better integration of academic and clinical work, with students, resident doctors, and consultants benefiting from a more conducive environment for learning and practice.
Yet, the engine behind this transformation is undoubtedly the remarkable stewardship of Professor Joseph Ugboaja. His tenure has been marked by an aggressive yet structured infrastructural drive.
Under his watch, critical components of the permanent site including the Outpatient Department, Administrative Block, ICU, Surgical Theatre Complex, and the Renal Dialysis Centre have been constructed or upgraded, with several others in the pipeline.
His administration has not only focused on brick and mortar but also on human capital. He has championed the recruitment and training of highly qualified personnel, while also promoting professional development across all cadres.
Professor Ugboaja’s leadership has also stood out in the areas of technological advancement and system modernization. The introduction of electronic medical records, digitization of administrative processes, and incorporation of telemedicine underscores his vision of a smart, responsive, and future-ready hospital.
His reforms have directly enhanced patient experience through reduced wait times, improved communication, and responsive feedback mechanisms.
Perhaps one of the most commendable aspects of his leadership is the way he has mobilized resources beyond government subventions. By engaging partners, attracting donor support, and leveraging strategic public-private partnerships, he has demonstrated financial ingenuity in driving development. His recognition at various levels as a transformative hospital administrator is well deserved.
Looking ahead, the prospects of NAUTH under Professor Ugboaja’s leadership are incredibly bright. With full relocation nearing completion, the hospital is well on its way to becoming a regional hub for tertiary care and medical tourism and of course targeted to be among the 3 top health facilities in Nigeria.
His administration’s roadmap includes the establishment of centers of excellence in fertility, cancer care, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as the strengthening of NAUTH’s position as a foremost research and training institution.
In a country where public health institutions often struggle with stagnation, Prof. Ugboaja’s NAUTH stands as a model of what visionary leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement can achieve. His work is not just transforming a hospital, it is redefining the standards of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The journey is ongoing, but the results thus far are a resounding testament to what is possible when purpose meets passion and action meets vision.
