Prof Dimie Ogoina

Professor Dimie Ogoina is the Vice-Chancellor of Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), having assumed office on 2nd October 2024. An internationally acclaimed physician-scientist and infectious diseases specialist, he is the second substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University, succeeding the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ebitimitula Nicholas Etebu.

Professor Ogoina is globally renowned for his pioneering work on mpox (monkeypox). In 2017, he diagnosed and managed Nigeria's first mpox case and was the first scientist in the world to report evidence of the potential sexual transmission of the virus—a discovery that fundamentally reshaped global outbreak investigation and response strategies. In recognition of this and his wider contributions to global health, he was named one of Nature's Top 10 Scientists (2022) and listed among TIME's 100 Most Influential People in the World (2023). He is also consistently ranked among Stanford University's World Top 2% Scientists.

A leading voice in global health governance, Professor Ogoina served as Chair of the World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Committee on Mpox, guiding international decisions on the mpox public health emergency of international concern. He is a member of the WHO International Health Regulations Roster of Experts, has served on WHO and Africa CDC technical advisory and consultative groups, and is a past President of the Nigerian Infectious Diseases Society (NIDS).

He holds an MBBS from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (FIDSA), the American College of Physicians (FACP), the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (FMCP), and the West African College of Physicians (FWACP). He has undertaken executive and leadership training with leading institutions including Harvard Medical School and the University of Washington.

Professor Ogoina has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals and has secured substantial competitive research funding as Principal Investigator. Prior to his appointment as Vice-Chancellor, he served as Chief Medical Director of the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital and as Acting Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University.

VC’s Vision for Bayelsa Medical University

"To transform BMU into a globally recognized leader in medical education, research, and innovation, driven by technology, excellence, sustainability, and a commitment to addressing both local and global health challenges."

VC’s Motto: Excellence, Innovation, Global Impact

Time 100 Most Influential Persons (2023)

Nature Top 10 Scientists in 2022

National Productivity Merit Award (2021)

Nigeria Healthcare Excellence Award (2023)

Listed in 2% of most cited researchers worldwide by Stanford University (2021 to 2024)

Fellow, Infectious Diseases Society of America (2022)

Fellow, American College of Physicians (2015)

Ayo Iyun Prize for Best Part I Candidate Internal Medicine WACP (2007)

Prof Bandipo’s Prize for Overall Best Graduating Doctor in Community Health (2000)