The Abia State Government has approved the reconstitution of the Management Board of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), with the wife of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Dr. Ezinne Chinyere Benjamin-Kalu, appointed as Chairman.
In a press release issued on April 21, 2026, Governor Alex Otti said the move is in line with the enabling law establishing the institution and is aimed at strengthening governance, improving service delivery, and enhancing the quality of medical training and healthcare services at the teaching hospital.
The newly constituted board also includes Prof. Nneka Chioma Okoronkwo as Chief Medical Director, alongside other members drawn from the medical and academic community. They include Dr. Kelechi Omende, Dr. Temple Nwosu, Dr. Patrick Umezurike, Prof. P.E.N. Onyemachi (Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee), Prof. Gazie Okpara (Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Senate Representative), and Prof. Chuks Kamanu (Provost, College of Medical Sciences).
Others are Dr. Mrs. Ifeyinwa Blossom Uma Kalu (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health), Mrs. Ihuoma Nwagbara (Director of Administration/Secretary to the Board), and Dr. Odochi Ewurum, representing the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
Governor Otti congratulated the Chairman and members of the board, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them by repositioning ABSUTH as a centre of excellence in healthcare delivery, medical training, and research.
The appointments take immediate effect, according to the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole.
