FCTA Doctor Shines as Overall Best in West African College of Surgeons Exam

By Queen Kunde

In a historic feat that underscores Nigeria’s rising profile in medical excellence, Dr. Yibala Akpama Edimek of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Hospitals Residency Programme has emerged as the Overall Best Candidate in the Fellowship Examination of the West African College of Surgeons (WACS), Faculty of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Dr. Edimek’s outstanding performance saw her clinch two prestigious awards—the Prof. Bello Osaigie Prize for Overall Best Candidate and the Prof. Oladipo Prize for Best Female Candidate—outshining competitors from 18 West African nations. Her achievement was celebrated in February 2025 at the 65th Annual Scientific Conference of WACS in Bamako, Mali, where she showcased Nigeria’s medical expertise on an international stage.

A Testament to FCTA’s Medical Excellence

Her success is a direct reflection of the high standards of the FCTA Hospitals Residency Training Scheme, which continues to produce world-class specialists. From her early training as a Registrar at Wuse, Maitama, and Asokoro District Hospitals to her recent qualification as a Consultant, Dr. Edimek’s journey has been marked by excellence, dedication, and resilience.

This milestone reinforces FCTA’s leadership in healthcare development, highlighting the vital role of mentorship, rigorous training, and hands-on clinical exposure provided by the Residency Programme. It also serves as a beacon of inspiration for young medical professionals across the country.

A Win for Nigeria’s Healthcare Sector

The FCTA has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in human capital, ensuring that its medical specialists continue to excel both locally and internationally. Dr. Edimek’s achievement is not just a personal triumph but a collective victory for Nigeria’s medical community, further cementing the nation’s reputation for producing globally competitive specialists.

Her remarkable feat stands as a powerful testament to the potential of Nigeria’s healthcare system, proving that with the right support, training, and mentorship, Nigerian doctors can stand at the pinnacle of global medical excellence.