Akwa Ibom doctors celebrates colleague’s elevation to ANA fellowship

The Nigerian Medical Association(NMA), Akwa Ibom State branch, has congratulated Martin Akpan, a medical doctor and author, on his elevation to Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) recognising his contributions to literature alongside his medical career.

In a congratulatory message signed by its chairman, Tiemah Akpabio, the association described the recognition as a testament to Mr Akpan’s contributions to literature, scholarship, medical humanities and the literary community.

The NMA said his achievement shows that medical professionals can extend their influence beyond clinical practice through creative writing and intellectual engagement.

“We in NMA-AKS are immensely proud that a medical doctor has attained this pinnacle of literary excellence,” the association said.

It added that his accomplishments could inspire younger doctors to explore creative and intellectual pursuits beyond medicine.

Mr Akpan’s elevation comes after decades of involvement in medical practice, public health administration and literary activities in Akwa Ibom State.

A biographical profile published by the Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation identifies him as a doctor and poet who studied medicine at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, graduating in 1983. He also obtained a postgraduate qualification in public health and has been involved in professional medical and literary organisations.

Beyond medicine, Mr Akpan is known for his political satire. His 1999 novel, The Crumb Eaters, examines Nigerian political realities, including political intrigues, manipulation and the pursuit of power. The book’s themes of social justice and democracy have continued to attract attention in literary discussions.

He is also the author of two poetry collections, Brainwaves At Dawn, and Mixed Strokes.

Mr Akpan’s public service has extended into grassroots healthcare. In September 2018, he was appointed chairman of the pioneer governing board of the Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, which was established to improve access to affordable and equitable primary healthcare across the state.

During his tenure, the agency pursued reforms targeted at strengthening primary healthcare delivery, including establishing local government health authorities and partnerships with health institutions and development organisations.

Books that shaped his life

Mr Akpan is the founder of the International Society of Doctors in Literature. He has also been involved in the Akwa Ibom branch of ANA, where he once served as the branch chairman, according to reports by the Uyo Book Club and other literary platforms.

The doctor explained how a 1956 play, This Is Our Chance, by James Ene Henshaw inspired him to embrace creative writing alongside his medical practice.

“As a primary school pupil, I was made to act the part of Bambulu, a flamboyant, grandiloquent teacher in the play to mark our parents’ day,” he told PREMIUM TIMES in 2016.

“I was conscripted into this enterprise by my teacher, Mr Edet Nyah (now late). It remains an unforgettable experience more than 40 years after.

“I was particularly fascinated by the author’s predilection for medical jargons in that book. It aroused my curiosity.

“However, years later, as a medical student at the University of Nigeria, I found that the author was a surgeon and a creative writer. Pronto, I made up my mind to be a doctor and a writer.”

Mr Akpan said another book that had a profound effect on his life was Niyi Osundare’s Moonsongs.

“I never really knew what poetry was until I read Osundare’s Moonsongs in 1992 (Literature was not a part of my ‘offerings’ in WAEC).

“That encounter with the pantheon of literature was to mark a turning point in my life. As a result, just a year later (1993), my first poetry volume was published. I shall remain eternally indebted to this profoundly cerebral teacher,”

The NMA, in its message, congratulated Mr Akpan on the fellowship on behalf of its leadership and members, describing his elevation as a source of pride for the medical profession in the state.