About Us
A Center of Excellence in Healthcare, Training, and Research
Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) is a leading tertiary healthcare institution in Nigeria, committed to delivering exceptional medical services, advancing clinical research, and training the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Strategically located in Edo State, ISTH has grown to become a pillar of healthcare excellence in the South-South region and beyond. Our institution is structured around multiple departments and specialist units, supported by a team of highly qualified medical professionals, researchers, and support staff who are passionate about saving lives and improving community health.
As a teaching hospital, ISTH plays a critical role in medical education, particularly through its affiliated College of Nursing, and partnerships with leading universities and research institutions. We are deeply invested in innovation – not just in treatment techniques, but in digital transformation, community engagement, and infrastructural development.
Recent strides have seen upgrades to our facilities, the launch of a new digital presence, and the implementation of systems that make healthcare delivery more efficient and patient-focused. From our 24/7 emergency unit to specialized clinics and public health initiatives, ISTH is dedicated to being a place of healing, learning, and discovery.
We are proud to serve with compassion, integrity, and excellence – and we remain committed to being a hospital that our patients trust, our staff are proud of, and our community can rely on.
VISION
The Vision of the Hospital is to become a centre of Excellence in Medicine, particularly in the Areas of Rural and Sub-Urban Medicine and the Diagnosis and Management of Viral Heamorrhagic Fevers, especially Lassa Fever and Other Emerging Pathogens.
MISSION
The mission is to provide Qualitative, Affordable, Readily Available, Acceptable, and Functional Health Care Services, Training, And Research in Medicine and Related fields in Order To Reduce Morbidity and Mortality in Line with the National Health Targets.
CORE VALUE
To Deliver Services Timely, Fairly, Honestly, Effectively, Transparently, Courteously and to Guarantee Citizens Rights and entitlements to Good Service Delivery
Under His Watch: A New Era of Growth
Since assuming office as CMD, Prof. Eifediyi’s administration has ushered in a new era of renewal and reform at ISTH. From infrastructural development to digital innovation, the hospital has witnessed significant strides across all areas of service delivery.
Under his leadership, there has been a strategic focus on improving access to quality care, expanding specialist departments, and ensuring that ISTH remains at the cutting edge of healthcare service and education.
His open-door policy and commitment to transparency have fostered collaboration across departments and instilled renewed purpose among staff. In a short time, ISTH has regained public trust, improved operational efficiency, and strengthened its position as a referral center of excellence in Nigeria.
A Leader with a Legacy in the Making
Whether in the field of research, hospital administration, or community health advocacy, Prof. Reuben Agbons Eifediyi continues to lead with distinction. His tenure is not just about managing a hospital — it’s about building an institution that embodies excellence, innovation, and service to humanity.
His story is one of deep commitment, proven expertise, and bold leadership — and under his guidance, the future of ISTH is brighter than ever.
Our History
From a Humble Mission to a National Beacon of Hope
Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), formerly known as Otibhor Okae Teaching Hospital, was founded by Decree 92 of 1993 to serve as a center for advanced medical care, training, and research. Established with the mandate to provide tertiary healthcare services to the people of Edo State and its surrounding regions, ISTH was strategically positioned in the heart of Irrua, on the serene Ishan plateau, just 87 kilometres north of Benin City.
Nestled within a lush transition zone between the rainforest and Guinea savanna, the hospital began its journey in a landscape as diverse as the communities it serves. From its inception, ISTH has been dedicated to improving health outcomes through specialized clinical care, community-centered services, and academic excellence.
Over the years, ISTH has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most respected teaching hospitals, with hundreds of seasoned specialists and a growing workforce of nearly two thousand staff, all committed to providing total health — care that heals the body, supports the mind, and builds trust.
Over the years, ISTH has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most respected teaching hospitals, with hundreds of seasoned specialists and a growing workforce of nearly two thousand staff, all committed to providing total health — care that heals the body, supports the mind, and builds trust.
What People Say About ISTH
