MBBS, MSc, FMCS, FWACS, DMAS, FMAS, LLB, BL, FICS, FACS
Clement Odigie Osime, in full Clement Odigie Aikponobhoa Osime, is a renowned Professor of Surgery specializing in Surgical Oncology and Medical Law at the University of Benin. He also doubles as an Attorney of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He takes pride in being an apprentice for Jesus Christ.
Birth/Parents
I, Aikponobhoa, am the same person as Professor Clement Odigie Aikponobhoa Osime. I was born at Zuma Memorial Hospital, Irrua, on the 13th of March, 1964, to Chief Oboh Osime (of blessed memory) and Mrs. Agnes Aitebebhekefo Osime (née Anegbe). My father passed away when I was young, leaving my upbringing to my mother. I grew up in the village, where I farmed, and that experience shaped me into who I am today. My mother and grandmother were instrumental in my success; they never let me down.
Education
I attended Ikienwanlen Primary School, Opoji, from 1970 to 1977 and earned my First School Leaving Certificate. I then spent a year at Ujoelen Grammar School, Ekpoma (1977-1978), before moving to the prestigious Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua, where I completed my secondary education in 1982. After that, I taught as an auxiliary teacher at Usugbenu Grammar School from 1982 to 1983, supporting myself and my widowed mother.
From 1983 to 1985, I attended Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, where I earned a Diploma in Surveying, graduating as the best student. In pursuit of greater academic heights, I proceeded to the University of Benin (UNIBEN), where I obtained my MBBS degree between 1985 and 1991. I completed my internship at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) from 1991 to 1992 and did my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Sokoto State from 1992 to 1993.
Afterward, I began my residency training at UBTH in October 1993, and in 1999, I became a Fellow of the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College in Surgery. I then worked as a Consultant General Surgeon and Associate Lecturer I at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital and Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, from 2000 to 2001, and I served as Head of the Department of Surgery in 2001.
Career
In January 2002, I joined the University of Benin as Lecturer I and rose through the ranks to become a full Professor of Surgery, specializing in Surgical Oncology and Medical Law, in October 2011. My passion for education also led me to obtain an MSc in Immunology and Immunohistochemistry from UNIBEN in 1999. Additionally, I earned an LLB degree (2nd Class Upper Division) from UNIBEN in 2006 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2007, becoming a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
As a Professor, I have undergone several professional training programs both locally and internationally, including:
- Advanced Trauma Life Support, South Africa (2003)
- Diploma and Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, Laparoscopy Hospital, New Delhi, India (2007)
I have attended and presented papers at numerous local and international conferences and currently serve as a reviewer for several reputable journals. I have over 60 well-researched publications in esteemed journals.
Awards
I have received several awards, including:
- National Merit Award, National Association of Dental Students (2009)
- Award of Excellence, Graduating Medical and Dental Class (2012)
- Award of Excellence, Association of Resident Doctors, UBTH (2013)
- Best Lecturer in Surgery, University of Benin Medical Students Association (2014)
- Award of Excellence for Medico-Legal Lectures, National Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (2014)
- Award of Honor, Christ Ambassadors Students’ Outreach, AAU Chapter (2015)
External Examiner
I serve as an external examiner for several universities, including:
- National Postgraduate Medical College (Faculty of Surgery)
- West African College of Surgeons
- Igbinedion University, Okada
- Delta State University, Abraka
- Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
- University of Port Harcourt
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- Ahmadu Bello University
- Olabisi Onabanjo University
- Niger Delta University
- Bowen University
- University of Lagos
I have successfully supervised three consultant surgeons and am currently supervising over five candidates.
Services Rendered
I have served the University of Benin and UBTH in various capacities, including:
- Chairman, UBTH Committee on Security (2010-2014)
- Member, School of Medicine, UNIBEN Research Committee (2012-present)
- Member, UBTH Research and Ethics Committee (2012-present)
- Chairman, UBTH Public Lecture Series (2013-present)
- Chairman, UBTH Cancer Registry (2013-2014)
- Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, UBTH (2014-present)
Courses and Conferences Attended
Over the years, I have attended over 20 professional courses and conferences, including the American College of Surgeons Conference, San Francisco, USA, in October 2019.
Recognitions
I am a member of several professional organizations, including:
- Nigerian Medical Association
- Nigerian Surgical Society
- Fellow, International College of Surgeons
- Member, World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons
- Nigerian Bar Association
- Notary Public
- Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
- American Association for Cancer Research
- Canadian Society of Clinical Oncologists
- European Society of Medical Oncology
- Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Faith/Family
I am a proud and devout Christian of the Pentecostal faith, raised in the Assemblies of God Church. I am also an active member of the Ugbowo Branch and the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship, Ugbowo Chapter.
In 2003, I founded the Total Healthcare Breast Cancer Advocacy Centre, a non-governmental organization focused on promoting early detection and management of breast cancer.
I am happily married to Dr. (Mrs.) Evarista Osime, a Senior Lecturer in the School of Basic Medical Sciences at UNIBEN. We are blessed with two lovely children.
For breast cancer-related issues, you can reach me at:
Email: clementosime@yahoo.com, osime.odigie@uniben.edu
WhatsApp: 07031677858, 08023332674
God has indeed been faithful, and I am reminded of Thomas O. Chisholm’s hymn, Great Is Thy Faithfulness:
“Great is Thy faithfulness,”
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided.
“Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!”
For more about me, feel free to read my autobiography, Defined by Destiny: My Story, by Professor Odigie Osime.