Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo, has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s persistently high maternal mortality, describing the situation as a national tragedy demanding urgent action.
Ezemonye raised the concerns on Wednesday at a valedictory lecture in honour of Jacob Unuigbe of the university.
The vice-chancellor said Nigeria remained among countries with the highest maternal mortality rates globally.
He disclosed that no fewer than 1,047 women died per 100,000 live births in the country, far above the African regional average.
The figure, he said, translated to an estimated 82,000 deaths annually, or roughly one death every seven minutes.
“These are not just numbers; they are our daughters, sisters and mothers. Their continued loss is a national indictment,” he said.
Corroborating the concern, Delichukwu Anumba, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, noted that in spite improvements in access to health facilities, Nigeria’s maternal mortality ratio remained significantly above global targets.
Delivering a lecture titled “Reducing Maternal Mortality in Nigeria: What Still Works and What Must Change – A Journey Through the Evidence,” Anumba said the country continued to bear one of the heaviest global burdens of maternal deaths.
He identified the leading causes as postpartum haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, sepsis, obstructed labour and complications from unsafe abortions.
These causes, he described, as “tragically consistent and largely preventable.”
According to him, while proven clinical interventions, such as skilled birth attendance, active management of the third stage of labour, timely use of magnesium sulphate for eclampsia and access to safe caesarean sections, are well established, access alone is not enough.
“For Nigeria to achieve sustainable reductions, we must address systemic gaps — adequate staffing, safe working conditions, incentives for rural service and a professional culture that promotes learning rather than fear,” he said.
In his remarks, the honouree, Unuigbe, a former Provost of the College of Health Sciences at the university, expressed gratitude to the institution’s founder for the opportunity to serve.
He noted that he spent 19 years at Igbinedion University, in addition to 17 years at the University of Benin and 16 years in Saudi Arabia, pledging to continue contributing to the institution despite his retirement.
