By Enem Remigus and Obiora Ejiofor

The Management of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu, yesterday, 12th March, 2025, commissions a Digital Resource Center in the Radiation Medicine Department of the hospital to honour one of the founding fathers of Radiology in Nigeria and the first Professor of Radiology, East of the Niger, the late Prof. Benjamin Chukwuyelu Umerah.

Speaking during the occasion, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku/Ozalla, Prof Obinna Onodugo, described Prof Umerah as a father who was always available and accessible to everyone.

CMD’S Opening remarks during the event

In his words, “Prof Umerah was down to earth; he had a good word and a good smile for everyone. He spent a lot of his life here in the hospital, giving service.” He further described him as a mentor who mentored his students when he was alive and whose legacy still mentors Radiology trainees today.

In a brief speech, the Head of Department of Radiology UNTH, Associate Professor Nneka Iloanusi, welcomed all who came to be with the department during the event. She stated that the occasion afforded the department an opportunity to honour and celebrate a doyen in Radiology practice in Nigeria.

According to her, the late Prof. Umerah was one of the founding fathers of Radiology in the country. She further thanked the CMD for all his support in the project.

Highlight of the occasion is the cutting of tape and unveiling of the Center by the CMD.

Present at the occasion were, the Chairman Medical Advisory Committee of the hospital, Prof. Joy Eze, former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Prof Bede Ibeh, Dean Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Prof Christopher Eke, former Provost, College of Medicine, UNN, Prof Ernest Onwasoigwe, among many others.