FCT Reaffirms Commitment To Quality Healthcare As WACP Marks 50th Anniversary

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has pledged sustained support for healthcare institutions and improved access to quality medical services as the West African College of Physicians (WACP) marks its 50th anniversary.

The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, gave the assurance at the College’s golden jubilee celebration and Annual General and Scientific Meetings held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The event was themed: “WACP at 50: Celebrating a Legacy and Envisioning the Future.”

Mahmoud, who was the Chief Host, said the FCT Administration, under the leadership of the Minister, Nyesom Wike, remained committed to strengthening healthcare delivery and supporting institutions working to improve medical services.

She described the anniversary as a landmark in West Africa’s medical history, recognising the College’s five decades of contributions to specialist training, scientific research, professional development and clinical excellence.

The minister stressed that healthcare investment was essential to national development, noting that the health of citizens directly influenced productivity, social welfare and economic growth.

“A healthy population is essential for economic productivity, social well-being and sustainable national development,” she said.

She urged governments and stakeholders to invest more in medical education, specialist training, research, modern healthcare facilities and the welfare of healthcare professionals.

Mahmoud also called for stronger mentorship programmes and expanded professional development opportunities for young physicians to ensure a skilled and sustainable medical workforce.

She noted that physicians contributed significantly to disease prevention, public health education, medical research and evidence-based policymaking, beyond the treatment of illnesses.

The minister further encouraged the College to harness emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to strengthen clinical decision-making and improve healthcare delivery.

She commended the WACP leadership, Fellows, members and partners for sustaining the vision of the institution’s founders and providing a platform for scientific exchange, professional cooperation and the development of solutions to common health challenges.

Mahmoud also praised the Central Organising Committee, led by Dr Akin Moses, for organising the anniversary celebration and scientific meetings in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, WACP President, Dr Mourtalla Ka, called for stronger postgraduate medical education, increased scientific research and enhanced regional collaboration to address emerging healthcare challenges across West Africa.

Ka said the College had trained and certified thousands of specialist physicians over the past five decades, contributing to medical education, clinical practice, research and health leadership across the region.

He paid tribute to the founding fathers, former presidents, senior Fellows, teachers and mentors whose dedication had sustained the institution’s growth and reputation.

The WACP president stressed the importance of adopting advances in medical science and technology while preserving professional standards and the human values essential to medical practice.

He urged the College to strengthen support for younger Fellows and trainees, saying the golden jubilee provided an opportunity to renew its commitment to professional excellence and improved healthcare outcomes across West Africa.