Dr. Abubakar Gagarawa Ya’u

Dr. Abubakar Gagarawa Ya’u is a distinguished Consultant General and Laparoscopic Surgeon who currently serves as the Chief Medical Director of the Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital in Okada. A graduate of the University of Maiduguri, he advanced his expertise with an MSc in Surgical Skills from Queen Mary, University of London, and a Diploma in Minimally Invasive Surgery from the University of Pisa, Italy. Before his leadership role at IUTH, he served as the Head of the Department of Surgery and the Division of Laparo-Endoscopic Surgery at the National Hospital, Abuja. A visionary in the field of minimally invasive procedures, Dr. Gagarawa has been instrumental in modernizing surgical practices in Nigeria. Shortly after his appointment as CMD in August 2024, he successfully performed the first endoscopic-laparoscopic surgery at IUTH, marking a major milestone for the institution. His clinical excellence is complemented by his role as an international trainer at the Centre for Simulation, Laparoscopy, and Endoscopy in Istanbul, Turkey, and as an examiner for the West African College of Surgeons. In addition to his surgical prowess, Dr. Gagarawa is a highly trained administrator, holding a Certificate in Leadership and Management from the London School of Economics. At IUTH, he has focused on institutional reform, focusing on the acquisition of cutting-edge medical technology and the professional development of healthcare staff. By emphasizing the critical role of nurses and the integration of advanced surgical techniques, he continues to drive the mission of providing world-class, affordable healthcare within the region.