MD, Lecturer, Administrator
Birth and Parentage
Dr. Mangete Eric David Otorudigiyo was born on November 9, 1939. His parents were Mr. S.A. Mangete, son of the late Chief Mangete Ogbari, who was the paramount chief of the Ogbari group of houses, and Mrs. G.E. Mangete, daughter of Mr. Daniel Ockiya. Dr. Mangete was also the grandson of King Constantine Ockiya of Nembe, Bayelsa State.
Education and Medical Career
Dr. Mangete began his education in 1947 at St. Cyprian’s Primary School, Port Harcourt, and later attended Government College, Umuahia, in 1953, one of the top schools in Nigeria at the time. He was among the first batch of six students selected to sit for the West African School Certificate Examination (WASC) after four years, instead of the usual five, and obtained the WASC in 1957. He then earned a scholarship to study for the Cambridge Higher School Certificate, which he completed in 1959.
Dr. Mangete pursued his medical degree at the prestigious University of Bonn Medical School in Bonn, Germany, graduating with a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1968. He further specialized in general surgery in 1974 and later achieved specialization in thoracic surgery in 1978, a rare field. He became a fellow of several prestigious medical colleges, including the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College (FNMC), the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS), and the International College of Surgeons (FICS).
Teaching and Administrative Roles
Dr. Mangete’s teaching career began in 1960 when he taught O-Level Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry at St. Gregory’s College, Obalende, Lagos. During his time in Germany, he also gained full-time teaching experience. Upon returning to Nigeria, he was employed by the University of Port Harcourt from 1980 to around 2010, where he taught and mentored students and medical residents preparing for postgraduate professional exams in surgery. He served as a resource person for the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
As the pioneer Head of the Department of Surgery at the University of Port Harcourt and its teaching hospital, Dr. Mangete was instrumental in setting up the department and developing its academic program, earning commendations from the Nigerian Medical Council.
Chief Medical Director of UPTH
In 1990, Dr. Mangete was appointed Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), and by 1994, he was elevated to the position of Chief Medical Director (CMD), a role he held for two successful tenures. During his leadership, he played a key role in overseeing clinical services and academic training at the hospital.
Other Appointments and Contributions
Dr. Mangete extended his expertise beyond medicine, serving on the board of Risonpalm Limited from 1984 to 1987 and as Chairman of the Old Rivers State Sports Council from 1988 to 1990. His leadership helped revitalize both institutions during challenging times.
Achievements and Publications
One of Dr. Mangete’s major accomplishments as CMD was the resumption of work at the UPTH permanent site in Choba, which had been abandoned for 14 years. His efforts earned him the “Best CMD in Nigeria” award from the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria in 2000. He was also appointed Justice of the Peace (JP) in 1999 and chaired the Task Force on Accreditation for the Faculty of Medicine at Niger Delta University, leading to its eventual accreditation in 2012.
Dr. Mangete was a prolific writer, publishing numerous research articles, papers, and book chapters in national and international journals. His name appeared in the 18th edition of Marquis Who’s Who in the World in 2001, a recognition reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to society.
Hobbies and Interests
Despite his demanding career, Dr. Mangete maintained a strong interest in sports, particularly soccer, hockey, and cricket, even holding a school record for the 100-yard dash. He was also an avid reader and a lover of classical music.
Traditional Title
In 1995, Dr. Mangete was conferred the title of Alabo (Chief) within the Ogbari group of houses, an honor that recognized his contributions to the community and bore the name of his grandfather, Chief Mangete-Ogbari. In 2008, he contested for the position of Amayanabo (King) of Nembe, though he did not win the title, which went to His Eminence King Edmund Maduabebe Daukoru.
Family
In 1973, Dr. Mangete married the late Florence Ayebatonyeseigha, and their union was blessed with two children.
Passing and Legacy
Dr. Mangete Eric David Otorudigiyo passed away in 2017 of natural causes. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Nembe Ogbolomabiri, in the Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. His legacy lives on through his contributions to medicine, education, and community development.
