By Mutalib Jibril
Studying medicine can be very challenging anywhere in the world due to the nature of the field.
However, it is more challenging studying medicine in Nigeria. Should we talk about the limited number of slots to a large number of applicants that are accepted into medical school?
Or is it the rigorous curriculum that covers a vast amount of work within a limited time frame ? Or the resource constraints medical students face include inadequate infrastructure, outdated equipment, and shortages of teaching staff.
Despite all these odds,they tend to stand out across the Globe.
This is because Medical school often attracts high-achieving students who excelled in their secondary schools, some of whom held leadership roles such as head boys or head girls, and were known for their outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements, including a commitment to health and wellness.
That’s why most Nigerian medical doctors are polymath and often stand out anywhere they go in the world .
I recently became aware of some of the medical doctors whose impressive polymathic abilities caught my attention.
Dr. Wale Okediran
Dr. Wale Okediran is a medical doctor and accomplished author. He has written novels, poetry, and essays and is a prominent figure in Nigerian literature.
Dr. Herbert Wigwe
Dr. Herbert Wigwe is a medical doctor and the CEO of Access Bank, one of Nigeria’s largest financial institutions. He has played a significant role in the Nigerian banking and financial sector.
Dr. Tony Rapu
Dr. Tony Rapu is a medical doctor who has made significant contributions to entrepreneurship and social work. He is known for his work in rehabilitating street children and for his involvement in various business ventures.
It is not very common for individuals to possess qualifications in both medicine and law, mainly because both professions are highly demanding in nature.
Dr. Babatunde Ipaye
Dr. Babatunde Ipaye is a medical doctor and a lawyer. He holds both an LL.B. degree in Law and an M.B.B.S. degree in Medicine. He is known for his diverse expertise in both fields and has been involved in legal practice and healthcare management.
These individuals often engage in friendly competition with those in the arts and humanities, which can lead one to recognize their exceptional abilities.
Overtime, I’ve observed that virtually every medical doctor I’ve encountered demonstrates exceptional intelligence and a well-rounded intellectual capacity. These individuals truly excel in their endeavors!.
It’s no surprise that Nigerian medical doctors are in high demand abroad due to their ability to readily adapt to diverse working conditions and excel in various fields beyond medicine.