1st November 2025
Rismadarvoice- Uyo, Nigeria
Nigerian Medical Association, NMA in Akwa Ibom is calling on the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno to consider establishing an Ibom Medical University to create more admission opportunities for young Akwa Ibom people aspiring to become medical doctors and health professionals.
The State Chairman of the NMA, Dr Aniekan Peter, made the appeal at a dinner to mark this year’s Physician Day celebration in Uyo.
He explained that the proposed Ibom Medical University could run its medical school using the Ibom Multi-Specialty Hospital as its teaching hospital.
Dr. Peter praised Governor Umo Eno for improving doctors’ welfare and upgrading medical facilities across the State, but noted that many qualified Akwa Ibom students struggle to gain admission to study medicine at the University of Uyo due to intense competition, as it remains the only medical school in the State.
The NMA Chairman also highlighted key achievements under his leadership, including settlement of promotion and CONMESS arrears, and resolution of entry-level issues for resident doctors.
Others are scholarship support for the child of a deceased colleague, Mfoniso Udoroh and over N11m released from the Association’s endowment fund to support sick members.
Vice Chairman of the Association, Dr. Tiemah Akpabio, who bagged Most Supportive State Officer of the Year award, encouraged doctors to regard themselves as the crucial link between health policy and patient care.
She urged medical professionals to prepare for the growing role of artificial intelligence in medicine, noting that AI would not replace doctors, but those who fail to adapt may be left behind.
The event also featured awards to outstanding medical professionals, including Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Uyo, Dr. Bertha Ekeh, who received the Best Lecturer of the Year Award.
The Physician Day and Symposium was on the theme “Healthcare as a Value Chain: Building Efficiency From Policy to Patient.”
