Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria's persistently high maternal mortality rate, describing it as a national tragedy that demands urgent attention. According to him, Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with no fewer than 1,047 women dying per 100,000 live births. This translates to an estimated 82,000 deaths annually, or roughly one death every seven minutes. Ezemonye made these comments at a valedictory lecture in honour of Jacob Unuigbe, where he emphasized that the continued loss of women's lives is a national indictment.
Delichukwu Anumba, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, corroborated Ezemonye's concerns, noting that despite improvements in access to health facilities, Nigeria's maternal mortality ratio remains significantly above global targets. Anumba identified the leading causes of maternal deaths as postpartum haemorrhage, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, sepsis, obstructed labour, and complications from unsafe abortions, describing them as "tragically consistent and largely preventable." He emphasized that while proven clinical interventions are well established, addressing systemic gaps such as adequate staffing, safe working conditions, and incentives for rural service is crucial for achieving sustainable reductions in maternal mortality.
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