The Rivers State University Teaching Hospital has been selected to host the 2026 National Conference of the National Association of Cleft Care Professionals, following its growing reputation in cleft lip and palate treatment under the leadership of Prof. Chizindu Alikor.
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit to the hospital by the National President of NACLP, Prof. Ugochukwu Nnadozie, alongside Mrs. Adaobi Nnadozie and members of the association.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Nnadozie commended the management of RSUTH and the hospital’s cleft care team for their contributions to reconstructive surgery in Nigeria. He also praised the efforts of the team lead, Dr. Oti Nimi Aria, noting that the hospital has handled one of the highest numbers of cleft cases in Rivers State.
According to him, RSUTH has rapidly emerged as one of Africa’s youngest cleft care partners to achieve such a significant level of impact in patient care and surgical intervention.
He explained that the decision to host the conference in Port Harcourt reflects confidence in the hospital’s capacity, professionalism, and growing influence in specialized healthcare delivery.
Prof. Nnadozie further stated that the conference will provide an opportunity to train more specialists, strengthen professional collaboration, and showcase RSUTH’s cleft care model, including its partnership with Smile Train, which supports free reconstructive surgeries for patients.
Speaking on behalf of the hospital’s cleft care unit, Dr. Aria expressed readiness to host the national conference, adding that the team remains committed to expanding access to reconstructive care and improving the quality of life for children born with cleft conditions.
In his remarks, Prof. Alikor thanked the leadership of NACLP for the recognition and reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to delivering accessible and world-class healthcare services to all residents, regardless of social or cultural background.
He noted that hosting the conference would further strengthen RSUTH’s reputation as a leading centre for specialized surgical training and healthcare excellence in West Africa.
The 2026 NACLP Conference is expected to attract surgeons, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and cleft care experts from different parts of Nigeria to Port Harcourt, a development expected to also contribute positively to the state’s economy.
