According to a report by Vanguard on Monday, May 18, 2026, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, has dismissed allegations suggesting ethnic discrimination in the recruitment of house officers, describing the claims as false and misleading.…....
He maintained that the institution operates a transparent and fair recruitment process that is not influenced by ethnic considerations.
According to him, the controversy surrounding the matter does not reflect the actual practices within the hospital system.
Prof. Ikpeme made this clarification during a facility tour of the hospital conducted by journalists over the weekend.
He used the opportunity to address concerns that had been raised regarding recent recruitment exercises.
The CMD stressed that the hospital does not maintain or enforce any policy that targets or disadvantages any ethnic group, with particular reference to applicants of Igbo origin.
He further expressed regret over the emergence of the controversy, noting that the applicants involved in the issue did not seek direct engagement with him before escalating the matter to social media platforms.
He explained that such escalation created unnecessary tension and allowed misinformation to spread without proper verification from the institution’s leadership.
According to him, the hospital’s recruitment process is guided by established administrative procedures designed to ensure fairness, merit, and equal opportunity for all eligible candidates.
He emphasized that decisions are not based on ethnic identity but on professional qualifications and institutional requirements, adding that the system in place is structured to prevent bias of any form.
To further support his position on inclusiveness, Prof. Ikpeme pointed to recent actions taken by the institution that reflect recognition of contributions from diverse professionals.
He noted that the hospital has continued to honour individuals from different backgrounds who have served meritoriously, highlighting efforts to maintain unity within the medical community.
He specifically referenced a recent development in which a ward within the hospital was named after an Igbo medical practitioner.
He explained that the gesture was made in recognition of the individual’s long-standing service and contributions to the growth and development of the institution.
He stated that such decisions demonstrate the hospital’s appreciation of excellence regardless of ethnic background.
