The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reiterated its commitment to improving healthcare services, strengthening medical institutions and expanding access to quality healthcare for residents of the nation’s capital.
Key Highlights
- FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, says the Wike-led administration remains focused on healthcare delivery and medical training.
- She spoke at the 50th anniversary of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) in Abuja.
- Mahmoud urged more investment in medical education, specialist training, research and health infrastructure.
- She encouraged the WACP to explore artificial intelligence to support clinical decisions.
- WACP President, Dr. Mourtalla Ka, called for cross-border cooperation to tackle regional health challenges.
Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, gave the assurance on Monday while delivering a goodwill message at the 50th anniversary celebration and annual general and scientific meetings of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) in Abuja.
This was contained in a statement issued by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue, on October 26, 2026.
Mahmoud said the FCT Administration, led by Nyesom Wike, remains focused on strengthening healthcare delivery and supporting institutions responsible for medical training and professional development.
The event, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, had the theme: “WACP at 50: Celebrating a Legacy and Envisioning the Future.”
Mahmoud Hails WACP At 50
Congratulating the college on its golden jubilee, Mahmoud described its 50-year existence as an important achievement in the development of specialist healthcare across West Africa.
She acknowledged the institution’s contributions to postgraduate medical education, scientific research, professional development and improved clinical standards in the region.
The minister stressed that access to effective healthcare remained essential to economic growth, social stability and sustainable development.
“A healthy population is essential for economic productivity, social well-being and sustainable national development,” she said.
Mahmoud urged governments and other stakeholders to increase investment in medical education, specialist training, research facilities, modern healthcare infrastructure and improved working conditions for health professionals.
She also called for greater attention to mentorship and career development opportunities for young doctors, noting that sustained investment in the next generation of physicians would help address emerging healthcare needs.
According to her, the responsibilities of medical practitioners extend beyond diagnosing and treating diseases to include preventive healthcare, scientific investigations, public health awareness and contributions to evidence-based policy development.
She encouraged the WACP to explore emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to support clinical decisions and improve the delivery of medical services.
Mahmoud praised the college’s leadership, fellows and partners for maintaining its founding vision and promoting collaboration among medical professionals across West Africa.
She also commended the Central Organising Committee, chaired by Dr. Akin Moses, for coordinating the anniversary celebration and scientific meetings.
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WACP President Seeks More Investment In Training, Research
Speaking at the event, the President of the WACP, Dr. Mourtalla Ka, advocated increased investment in postgraduate medical training, research and cross-border cooperation to tackle healthcare challenges confronting the region.
Ka said the college had produced thousands of specialist physicians over the past five decades, many of whom had contributed to healthcare delivery, medical education, research and leadership across West Africa.
He paid tribute to the institution’s founders, former presidents, senior fellows and mentors for their roles in building and sustaining the college.
The WACP president also emphasised the need for medical professionals to adopt advances in science and technology without compromising ethical standards and the human values underpinning healthcare practice.
He called for stronger institutional support for younger fellows and trainees, urging members to use the anniversary celebrations to renew their commitment to professional excellence and improved healthcare outcomes across the region.
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