The Vice-Chancellor, Professor K.O. Adebowale, FAS, mni, cordially invites you to the 622nd Inaugural Lecture, to be delivered by Professor Beatrice M. OHAERI of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI).
TITLE: GIVE ME THAT TOUCH, THAT I MAY LIVE
DATE: THURSDAY, 13TH AUGUST, 2026
TIME: 3:00 P.M. West Central Africa
VENUE: TRENCHARD HALL, UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN
You can also join virtually using the details below:
Zoom: Click here
Meeting ID: 831 3874 4899
Thank you
Prof. Temidayo Ogundiran FAS
Provost
622ND INAUGURAL LECTURE, UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, BY PROFESSOR BEATRICE M. OHAERI DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING/NURSING ADMINISTRATION
Professor Beatrice Ohaeri was born in Aba, Abia State, on the 21st of July, 1958 to the family of Mazi Joseph Ogbonnaya Aliche and Mrs. Rose Odumgbede Aliche (nee Okoro), both of blessed memory, from Atani Arochukwu Local Government, Abia State. She had her primary education at Okigwe Road Primary School Aba, and Etche Road Primary School Aba, between 1964 - 1967 and 1970 - 1972, respectively. Secondary education was at Girls’ High School Aba (1972-1976), and Girls’ Secondary School Ikenanzizi Obowo (1976-1977), where she graduated as the best student with grade one. She began a remarkable professional journey over four decades ago after qualifying as a Registered Nurse in 1981 at School of Nursing, General Hospital Aba, Abia State, Nigeria. Driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence and lifelong learning, She obtained the Registered Midwife qualification in 1984, became a Registered Nurse Educator in 1993, earned the Fellowship of the West African College of Nursing in 1997, and was later licensed as a Registered Nurse by the California Board of Nursing, USA, in 2012. Her academic progression at the University of Ibadan culminated in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education, a Master of Science in Medical-Surgical Nursing, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Medical-Surgical Nursing.
Prof Ohaeri’s exceptional academic ability was evident from her student years. She graduated as the Overall Best Graduating Student in the Department of Nursing. She also received the Federal Government Postgraduate Scholarship and later earned the award for the Best Ph.D. thesis in the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, 2009, alongside several research and conference awards, including travel grants and recognition for outstanding scientific abstracts.
She joined the University of Ibadan as a an Assistant lecturer and steadily rose through the academic ranks to become Professor of Nursing in October 2020. Throughout her distinguished career at the University of Ibadan, she has inspired countless students through her passion for teaching, commitment to mentorship, and unwavering pursuit for academic excellence. She has taught and supervised numerous undergraduate projects, master's theses, and doctoral dissertations, many of whose graduates now occupy leadership positions within academia and healthcare institutions.
An accomplished administrator, Professor Ohaeri has served the University of Ibadan in several strategic capacities. She has served as Acting Head, Department of Nursing 2020-2023, Chairperson of the Research, Library, Faculty Journal, and Faculty Curriculum Committees. She has also served as Deputy Coordinator of the Distance Learning Programme and as a valued member of the University Senate and several Senate committees, including the Appointments and Promotions and Curriculum Committees. She also currently served as Chairperson of the Technical Committee of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, College of Nursing Sciences, Oluyoro Okeofa, Ibadan, where her visionary leadership strengthened academic quality and institutional development. Beyond the walls of the university, she has contributed immensely to professional nursing education through external examination appointments at Western Sydney University Australia, several Nigerian universities, participation in national professional examinations, and leadership in curriculum development and quality assurance.
Prof. Ohaeri’s scholarly contributions have significantly advanced the frontiers of oncology nursing, psycho-oncology, pain management, women’s health, and nursing education. Her research has consistently focused on improving the quality of life of people living with cancer through evidence-based psycho-social interventions. Her pioneering studies have enhanced understanding of how emotional support, patient education, and holistic nursing care influence treatment outcomes and quality of life among individuals and families affected by cancer.
She has also contributed to public health through research on cancer prevention and screening, particularly for breast, cervical, and prostate cancers. Her work has strengthened advocacy for early detection, increased awareness of cancer risk factors, and promoted community engagement in preventive healthcare.
Recognising that excellence in patient care begins with excellence in education, Professor Beatrice Ohaeri has also made important contributions to nursing pedagogy. Her research on innovative teaching strategies, including simulation-based learning and virtual reality, has enriched nursing education and informed curriculum development for the preparation of competent healthcare professionals. Her scholarship enjoys international recognition. She has published more than 100 research articles and presented numerous scientific papers at prestigious conferences across Africa and beyond, including meetings of the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, the World Cancer Congress, and several national professional conferences. Her work continues to influence policy discussions, clinical practice, and educational reforms in oncology and nursing.
Her professional influence extends across numerous learned societies and international organisations. She is an active member of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Nigerian Society of Pain and Palliative Care, the West African Postgraduate College of Nursing and Midwifery, Sigma Theta Tau International, the International Psycho-Oncology Society, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the African Forum for Research and Education in Health (AFREhealth), and several cancer advocacy groups. Her election as Vice President (Nursing) of the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) stands as a testament to her international reputation and exemplary leadership.
Beyond her impressive academic credentials and professional accomplishments lies a woman of compassion, integrity, humility, and unwavering dedication to humanity. She has devoted her life to improving the lives of patients, advancing nursing scholarship, mentoring future leaders, and strengthening health systems through research, education, and service. She derives satisfaction in attending to the less -privilege, through food bank, visiting the prisons and leprosorium.
Prof Ohaeri’s career exemplifies the highest ideals of the nursing profession - service before self, scholarship with impact, leadership with humility, and excellence without compromise. She has demonstrated that nursing is not merely a profession but a powerful force for transforming lives, advancing science, and improving society. Above all, she is an ardent lover of Christ and a member of The Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria (CCRN).
She is happily married to Prof. Jude Uzoma Ohaeri and their marriage is blessed with children and grandchildren.