By Abasi Ita
A senior lecturer at the University of Calabar, Professor Ofem Enang, has officially declared his intention to vie for the presidency of the Nigerian Medical Association, unveiling an ambitious reform agenda aimed at strengthening the medical profession and improving healthcare delivery across the country.
Professor Enang said his decision was informed by deep seated concerns over the deteriorating state of Nigeria’s health sector and the growing welfare challenges facing medical practitioners. He noted that many of the problems confronting doctors are structural in nature and require bold, visionary and coordinated leadership to address sustainably.
According to him, poor remuneration, persistent insecurity, brain drain, unresolved welfare disputes and repeated breaches of agreements by government authorities have continued to erode morale within the profession and weaken healthcare delivery nationwide.
The University of Calabar don introduced his campaign blueprint tagged “Renaissance 2026 The Rebirth of Excellence,” which he described as a holistic framework designed to restore professionalism, unity and relevance to the Nigerian Medical Association. He said the agenda places strong emphasis on improved welfare, better working conditions and renewed professional pride for doctors.
Professor Enang pledged to prioritise collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors to resolve lingering issues such as unpaid salaries, delayed promotions, excessive workload, allowances and the full implementation of existing agreements with government.
He also raised concerns over the recurring cases of kidnapping and attacks on medical personnel across the country, stressing that the safety of doctors should be treated as a national emergency. He called on relevant authorities to take decisive action to protect healthcare workers and prevent further loss of lives.
On healthcare financing and infrastructure, the professor proposed targeted support for private medical practitioners through favourable tax regimes, improved electricity tariffs and access to renewable energy solutions. He further advocated the creation of a specialised Bank of Medicine to provide funding for hospital expansion, equipment acquisition and medical innovation.
Professor Enang also outlined plans for a dedicated Tertiary Healthcare Fund to strengthen teaching hospitals, residency training, research and infrastructure development, while pushing for reforms that would enhance medical education and improve the global recognition of Nigerian medical qualifications.
Addressing internal challenges within the NMA, he promised transparent leadership, internal cohesion and strengthened democracy through credible electoral reforms and increased participation of members at all levels.
He appealed to doctors at home and in the diaspora to rally behind his vision, describing his aspiration as a collective mission to restore dignity, unity and excellence to the Nigerian medical profession.
Professor Enang hails from Nko in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. A consultant specialist in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, he is a Harvard trained researcher with Master of Public Health and PhD degrees, a Fellow of the American College of Endocrinology and the American College of Physicians, and has over 3,500 academic citations.
He has previously served as President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Second Vice President of the Nigerian Medical Association and state chairman of the association. Widely regarded as a strong advocate for doctors’ welfare, he is considered a formidable contender in the NMA presidential race.