WACP Nigeria Chapter E-newsletter

WACP Nigeria Chapter E-newsletter

Official Newsletter of West African College of Physicians

  • 2026 Issue 1
  • Published April 2026
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1st Virtual Orientation
Program

The first virtual orientation for newly qualified Fellows and Members of the Chapter took place on the 3rd of March 2026 with 220 fellows and Members in attendance. The College President Dr Murtala Ka was a Special Guest and delivered a goodwill message at the event. The new Fellows and Members were formally welcomed into the Chapter by the Chairman Board of Trustees Dr Aderonke Manuwa-Olumide.

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The highlights of the progrmme include:

Welcome remarks by the National Chairman/College VP-Nigeria, Dr BSC Uzochukwu

Goodwill Message by the College President

Official welcome of New Fellows and Members by BOT Chairman

Brief History and Functions of the College by Dr Clement Ezechukwu (College Historian)

Structure, Organs and Organogram of the College by the SG, Dr Musa Dankyau

Privileges and Responsibilities of Fellows and Members by Dr Musa Dankyau

College Symbols, Values and Tradition by Dr Afolabi Lesi (Past College SG)

Communication channels with the College and Chapter by Dr Habibu Galadanci (Assistant Sec Ten)

Participation in Faculty, Chapter and College activities by Dr Victor Ansa

Mentoring and Career Development by Dr Folashade Omokhodion

Drs Sunday Malomo and Mariya Mukhtar-Yola anchored the programme

Our Speakers

Amber Heard

Dr Murtala Ka

Milla Buncle

Dr Afolabi Lesi

Alexa Davalos

Dr Clement Ezechukwu

Team Member 4

Dr Habibu Galadanci

Team Member 5

Dr Aderonke Manuwa-Olumide

Team Member 6

Dr Mariya Mukhtar-Yola

Team Member 7

Dr Folashade Omokhodion

Team Member 8

Dr Sunday Malomo

Team Member 9

Dr Benjamin Uzochukwu

Team Member 10

Dr Victor Ansa

Team Member 11

Dr Musa Dankyau

College President’s Remark

Dr. Murtala Ka addressed the 2025 graduating fellows and members, emphasizing that entry into the College is not just about passing exams but joining a professional community defined by excellence, ethics, and a commitment to humanity. He highlighted the College’s unique diversity, bringing together Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone traditions. Dr. Ka urged the new members to be ambassadors of the College through professional integrity and humility, and to take on leadership roles to strengthen health systems across West Africa.

Dr. Manuwa-Olumide, Chairman of the BOT, explained that the board effectively “owns” the College as all resources are vested in them. She welcomed the new fellows as “big men and women” and emphasized the board’s vested interest in their professional progress. Dr. Manuwa-Olumide introduced the six board members representing different faculties and highlighted that the Nigerian Chapter is the largest and most dynamic within the College, noting that the College itself started in Nigeria.

Dr. BSC Uzochukwu welcomed the participants to the orientation, which was designed to familiarize them with the College’s history, missions, and the responsibilities of being part of the WACP. He noted that the Nigerian Chapter has been a driving force in promoting medical education, training, and research in the sub-region. He encouraged active engagement and collaboration to advance medical excellence in the country.

  • History and Functions of the College (Dr. C. Ezechukwu): This presentation detailed the College’s milestones, including the establishment of various Francophone Chapters (e.g., Cote d’Ivoire in 2008, Senegal in 2010) and the history of acquiring College properties since 1981. It also touched on the establishment of the Building Fund for property development.

  • Structure, Organs and Organogram of the College, Provileges and Responsibilities of Fellows and Members (Dr. Musa Dankyau): Dr. Dankyau explained the transition from being a “candidate” to a “stakeholder” and custodian of standards. He outlined the College organogram, noting the Annual General Meeting (AGM) as the supreme authority, the Council as the governing body, and the roles of the Executive Leadership, faculties, and national Chapters.

  • College Symbols, Values and Traditions (Dr. Afolabi Lesi): Dr. Lesi defined the College’s core values using the acronymLIFE: Leadership, Integrity, Focus, and Excellence. He spoke about the tradition of respect for elders, past presidents, and the Board of Trustees, and urged members to be the change they desire in the healthcare system.

  • Communication Channels with the College and Chapter (Dr. Habibu Galadanci): The Assistant Secretary General provided contact details for the national secretariat and Chapter officers. He clarified that while local issues and dues are handled by the Chapter, formal documents like transcripts and certificates are issued by the College.

  • Participatiion in Faculty, Chapter and College Activities (Dr. Victor Ansa): The immediate past Director of Training discussed how members can participate at the faculty, Chapter, and College levels. He emphasized that being an officer in the College requires being a financially up-to-date and active participant in various activities, including AGMs and faculty meetings.

  • Mentoring and Career Development (Dr. Folashade Omokhodion): Dr. Omokhodion gave a lecture focused on personal development plans (PDP), mentoring, and career advancement strategies for new members and fellows.