Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu - A Compendium of Clinical Services.

Established  1995

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Historical Overview

Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu was established in 1962 as a small outpatient psychiatric unit carved out of the Blood Bank of the General Hospital, Enugu (then East Central State of Nigeria), now the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital. The unit was pioneered by an expatriate psychiatrist, Dr. Shanti Sheath.

In 1963, he was joined by Dr. Izuorah and Ms. I. N. Ogbolu, a psychiatric nurse. Together, they expanded psychiatric services within the region, including services to the Enugu Prison asylum.

During the Nigerian Civil War, the hospital was temporarily relocated to Ngwa High School, Aba (now in Abia State), and subsequently to Isu in Mbano, Imo State.

Following the war in 1970, the hospital returned to Enugu and operated briefly from a private facility known as Eastern Medical Centre. It was later moved to its current site at Federal Government College, Enugu, originally designed as a secondary school with limited infrastructure.

In 1995, the hospital was officially taken over by the Federal Government from the Enugu State Government alongside four other Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospitals:

• Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Kaduna
• Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Maiduguri
• Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Calabar
• Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Kwara

In 1997, Prof. H. U. Ihezue, the pioneer Medical Director, formally assumed leadership and initiated a period of infrastructural expansion, manpower development, and service modernization.

Subsequent Medical Directors:

• Dr. A. O. Agomoh (2002–2010)
• Dr. Jojo Onwukwe (2011–2019)
• Prof. Monday N. Igwe (2019–2024)
• Dr. Mrs. Ngozichukwu Unaogu (2024–Date)

Each administration has significantly strengthened clinical services, training, research, and community mental health outreach across Nigeria’s South-East and beyond.

Geographical Location Coordinates:

Latitude: 6°27′34″N (6.4595°N)

Longitude: 7°31′35″E (7.5264°E)

Training Schools: 

Residency and School of Nursing.

RANGE OF SERVICES

• General Adult Psychiatry
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Old Age Psychiatry
• Forensic Psychiatry
• Community Psychiatry
• Social Work Services
• Occupational Therapy Services
• Psychological Services (Psychological Assessment & Psychotherapy)

SPECIALIZED SERVICES

A. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Advanced electrophysiological intervention used in the management of:

• Severe Major Depression
• Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia
• Catatonia
• Acute Suicidal States

B. Electroencephalography (EEG)

Diagnostic electrophysiological investigations for seizure disorders and related neuropsychiatric conditions.

C. Rehabilitation Services

Comprehensive substance use disorder management, including detoxification, psychotherapy, relapse prevention, and structured rehabilitation programmes.

D. Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Specialized assessment and treatment of developmental and behavioural disorders, including:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Conduct Disorders
• Learning Disabilities

E. Telepsychiatric Services:

Through healthstation FastCare platform. Download the App at:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.healthstation.fastcare