The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at COOU was officially established on the 1st of October, 2009. This marked the beginning of a journey toward creating a world-class center for women’s health within the Faculty of Medicine at the university. Over the years, the department has achieved several important milestones that reflect its growth and commitment to excellence.

In 2012, the first set of students were admitted into the program, laying the foundation for what has now become a thriving department. Since then, the department has successfully trained and graduated numerous cohorts of highly skilled medical doctors. These graduates are making significant contributions in various medical fields, not only in Nigeria but across the globe.

One of the department’s most notable achievements is securing full accreditation from both the West African Postgraduate Medical College and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. This prestigious accreditation allows the department to offer postgraduate training programs in Obstetrics and Gynecology, further solidifying its status as a leader in medical education and specialized training. This milestone has enabled the department to train the next generation of specialists who will lead advancements in women’s health and reproductive medicine.

Previous Heads of Department (HODs)

The success of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at COOU is largely attributed to the dedicated leadership that has steered the department over the years. Since its inception, the department has had several distinguished Heads of Department (HODs) who have contributed to its growth and development:

1. Prof. L.C Ikeako (2009-2011): The pioneer head who laid the foundation for the department’s structure and academic program.
2. Prof. C.T Ezenyeaku (2011-2015): Led the department through its early years, overseeing the admission of the first batch of students and the establishment of key academic processes.
3. Prof. J.C Umeobika (2015-2017): Focused on strengthening academic and clinical training, further enhancing the department’s reputation.
4. Prof. E.C Ojiyi (2017-2018): His tenure was marked by increased research output and collaboration with other medical institutions.
5. Prof. L.C Ikeako (2018-2020): Returned for a second term, bringing further developments in the department’s postgraduate training programs.
6. Prof. I.U Ezebialu (2020-2023): Continued to build on the department’s strengths, securing accreditations and expanding research capabilities.
7. Prof. J.C Umeobika (2023 – Present): The current head, who has been instrumental in the department’s ongoing quest for excellence and expansion in specialized medical training.

Each of these leaders has played a crucial role in shaping the department’s trajectory and ensuring that it remains at the forefront of medical education and research in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Achievements and Success Stories

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at COOU has recorded numerous achievements over the years, a testament to its dedication to excellence in teaching, research, and clinical practice.

One of the department’s most significant accomplishments is producing two students who graduated with distinctions in Obstetrics and Gynecology, a remarkable achievement in medical education. These students demonstrated exceptional competence in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, underscoring the department’s commitment to nurturing top-tier medical professionals.

Furthermore, many of the department’s graduates are now practicing in teaching hospitals across Nigeria and beyond. These graduates are excelling in their postgraduate training programs and are poised to become specialists in various areas of medicine and surgery. The department takes pride in the fact that its alumni are contributing to the global medical community, with many of them on track to become leaders in their respective fields.

The department’s postgraduate training program in Obstetrics and Gynecology, accredited by both the West African Postgraduate Medical College and the National Postgraduate Medical College, is one of its standout achievements. This accreditation has enabled the department to offer specialized training to medical doctors who wish to pursue careers in Obstetrics and Gynecology. The postgraduate program focuses on producing specialists who are not only skilled in clinical practice but also in research, leadership, and medical education.

Future Targets

Looking ahead, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at COOU has set ambitious goals for the future. One of its primary targets is to establish itself as one of the leading centers for infertility management, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer, in the South-East region of Nigeria. Infertility is a significant concern in many parts of the country, and the department aims to provide advanced reproductive health services to address this issue.

By investing in state-of-the-art technology and training, the department hopes to become a hub for infertility management, offering cutting-edge treatments and compassionate care to couples struggling with infertility. The department’s vision is to contribute to national healthcare development by offering world-class services in reproductive medicine and women’s health.

Structure and Units

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is organized into several specialized units that provide comprehensive medical care and training in various aspects of women’s health. These units are designed to address different subfields within Obstetrics and Gynecology, ensuring that students and trainees receive a well-rounded education and practical experience.

The units within the department include:

1. Urogynecology: This unit focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor disorders in women, including urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and other related conditions. Students in this unit gain specialized knowledge in both medical and surgical management of these conditions.
2. Fetomaternal Medicine: This unit is dedicated to the care of pregnant women, particularly those with high-risk pregnancies. It involves the monitoring and treatment of both the mother and the fetus, ensuring optimal outcomes for both during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care.
3. Gynae Oncology: This unit specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the female reproductive system, including ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers. Trainees in this unit are equipped with the skills necessary for early detection, prevention, and management of gynecologic cancers.
4. Endocrinology and Infertility Management: This unit focuses on the hormonal and reproductive aspects of women’s health, particularly the treatment of infertility. Students in this unit learn about the complexities of the female reproductive system and gain hands-on experience in infertility treatments such as IVF and hormonal therapy.
5. Gynae Endoscopy: This unit offers advanced training in minimally invasive surgical procedures. Gynae endoscopy involves the use of specialized instruments to perform surgeries with smaller incisions, resulting in faster recovery times and fewer complications for patients. Trainees in this unit gain valuable experience in the latest surgical techniques, preparing them for careers as highly skilled surgeons.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at COOU is clear and purposeful: to produce graduates with proven competence in Obstetrics and Gynecology, equipped with the skills necessary to excel in clinical practice, research, and leadership. The department is committed to contributing to national development through high-quality education and cutting-edge research, with a particular focus on improving women’s health outcomes.

The department’s mission goes beyond just training medical doctors; it seeks to leave an indelible legacy in the teaching and practice of evidence-based medicine in women’s health. By producing graduates who are not only skilled clinicians but also critical thinkers and innovators, the department aims to make a lasting impact on healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.

Philosophy and Values

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at COOU operates in line with the university’s overarching philosophy, which is encapsulated in the motto: “Knowledge for Development.” This philosophy underscores the department’s commitment to producing medical graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of using their skills to drive development in healthcare and beyond.

The department values excellence, innovation, and compassion. It believes that medical education should not only focus on theoretical knowledge but also on practical skills and ethical practice. The department encourages students to approach women’s health with a holistic perspective, considering not just the physical aspects of care but also the emotional and psychological well-being of their patients.

The department also places a strong emphasis on research, recognizing that advancements in medical knowledge and practice are driven by ongoing scientific inquiry. By fostering a culture of research and innovation, the department ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to contribute to the advancement of medical science, particularly in the field of women’s health.

Admission Requirements and Procedures

Admission into the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at COOU is governed by the same requirements as those for admission into the broader Medicine and Surgery program. This is because Obstetrics and Gynecology is not a standalone department but rather a specialized course offered in the 5th year of the MBBS program.

To gain admission into the Medicine and Surgery program, prospective students must meet the following requirements:

– Five Credits in O’Level Examinations: These must include English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

– JAMB/UME Score: Applicants must meet the minimum score set by the university for admission into the medical program.

Admission into the MBBS program is highly competitive, as COOU’s medical school is known for its rigorous academic standards and outstanding track record in producing skilled medical professionals.

In addition to undergraduate admissions, the department also offers postgraduate training programs in Obstetrics and Gynecology. These programs are open to qualified medical doctors who wish to specialize in this field. Admission into the postgraduate program requires a medical degree, relevant clinical experience, and passing the entrance examination conducted by the West African Postgraduate Medical College or the National Postgraduate Medical College.