The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has pledged increased commitment to quality healthcare, specialist medical training and stronger medical institutions.
The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, gave the assurance on Monday at the 50th anniversary of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) in Abuja.
Mahmoud said the administration, under FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, recognised healthcare as critical to economic productivity, social welfare and sustainable development.
She spoke at the College’s Golden Jubilee celebration and Annual General and Scientific Meetings held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
The event wa .themed, “WACP at 50: Celebrating a Legacy and Envisioning the Future.”
Mahmoud described the anniversary as a significant milestone in West Africa’s medical history, praising the College’s contributions to specialist training, scientific research and professional development over five decades.
She called on governments and stakeholders to invest more in medical education, specialist training, research, modern healthcare infrastructure and the welfare of healthcare professionals.
The minister also advocated stronger mentorship and professional development opportunities for young physicians to build a more skilled medical workforce across the region.
She said physicians played vital roles beyond treating illnesses, including disease prevention, public health education, medical research and evidence-based policymaking.
Mahmoud urged the College to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve clinical decision-making and healthcare delivery.
“A healthy population is essential for economic productivity, social well-being and sustainable national development,” she said.
She commended the WACP leadership, Fellows, members and partners for sustaining the vision of the College’s founders.
She also praised the Central Organising Committee, led by Dr Akin Moses, for organising the anniversary event in Abuja.
In his remarks, WACP President, Dr Mourtalla Ka, called for stronger postgraduate medical education, increased scientific research and greater regional collaboration to address emerging healthcare challenges.
Ka said the College had trained and certified thousands of specialist physicians over the past 50 years, contributing to medical education, clinical practice, research and health leadership.
He paid tribute to the founding fathers, former presidents, senior Fellows, teachers and mentors who helped sustain the institution.
The WACP president stressed the need to embrace advances in medical science and technology while maintaining professional standards and the human values central to medical practice.
He urged the College to strengthen support for younger Fellows and trainees and use the anniversary to renew its commitment to medical excellence and improved healthcare delivery.