WACP Conference 2026
Golden Jubilee • 50 Years
50 Years of Excellence in Medical Education
From a vision in 1971 to becoming West Africa's premier postgraduate medical training institution
The Vision Begins
Medical Conference of Commonwealth countries in Mauritius recommended that West African English-speaking countries should consider forming one Postgraduate Training College as an inter-regional institution.
Ministerial Agreement
Ministers of Health of English-speaking countries agreed to establish the West African Postgraduate Medical College (WAPMC).
Formation of Constituent Colleges
Ministers of Health invited the Association of Physicians of West Africa to form the West African College of Physicians (WACP) as a constituent college of WAPMC, alongside the West African College of Surgeons (WACS).
Constitutional Foundation
Constitution of WAPMC signed by Health Ministers of five Anglophone countries with WACP and WACS as constituent colleges.
Business Commences
The College officially began operations with the election of officers, meeting of Fellows, and adoption of the Provisional Constitution. Foundation Fellows from The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone were inducted.
Curriculum Development
First set of curricula developed, fashioning the training program along residency lines with three parts of examination: Primary, Part I, and Part II. Twenty-two training institutions were accredited across member countries.
First Examinations
First Primary Examinations held at University College Hospital, Ibadan - marking the beginning of formal assessment and certification.
Academic Programs Launch
College started Annual Lectures and three-day mid-year workshops, establishing a tradition of continuous medical education.
Scientific Meetings Begin
Annual Lectures merged with Annual General Meeting and free communications to become the Annual General and Scientific Meeting.
First Fellow by Examination
The first Fellow qualified through examination was admitted to the College, validating the rigorous training and assessment program.
Expansion of Faculties
Faculty of General Medical Practice added, broadening the College's scope and impact.
Francophone Integration
Extension to Francophone countries began with visits to Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, and Togo. Eight Francophone Fellows admitted from Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire. ECOWAS signed treaty to form West African Health Organization (WAHO).
Specialized Training
Diploma in Psychiatry introduced, providing specialized certification pathways.
Membership Certification
Part I examinations became an exit examination with the award of Membership Certificate, creating a significant milestone in physician training.
Institutional Transformation
WAHO commenced operations with a paradigm shift. WAPMC devolved supervision of examinations to constituent colleges. The College produced its first Strategic Plan (2002-2006) and began building functional secretariat with independent administrative capacity.
Training Focus Intensified
College introduced mandatory registration of physicians-in-training and appointed Training Coordinators in Faculties and Chapters. Major constitutional revision completed.
Ceremonial Regalia
College Registrar appointed for day-to-day supervision. Gown and cap introduced for College President, with stoles for Chapter Chairmen, Vice-Presidents, and Past Presidents.
Pan-African Expansion
New chapters chartered: Côte d'Ivoire (2008), Senegal (2010), Benin (2011), Mali (2018), and Niger (2018), truly establishing the College as a pan-West African institution.
Aims and Objectives
To promote excellence of professional training and standards of practice of physicians in West Africa.
To contribute to the improvement of health care in West Africa by providing a designation for specially trained physicians, thereby indicating that they are properly qualified.
To encourage, assist, and have continuing concern in health matters affecting the region.
To assist and advise the West African Postgraduate Medical College in the formulation of policies on postgraduate medical education in West Africa.
Symbols of the College
Each symbol carries deep meaning and represents our heritage, values, and mission
The Crest
A shield signifying protection that bears a royal palm tree with a coiled serpent - the traditional symbol of healing arts. Set on green pasture representing the importance of local herbs in disease cure, with birds flying off branches representing WACP messaging health far and wide across West Africa.
The Mace
Cast in bronze, depicting a handle shaped like the base of an African State Sword. The cylindrical body features the traditional serpent coiled around the staff at the top, symbolizing authority and the healing profession.
The Gown & Cap
Naval blue gown with purple face and black cap. Tassel colors differentiate faculties: Green (Community Health - environment), Multi-colored (Family Medicine - multidisciplinary), Gold yellow (Internal Medicine - riches and diversity), Red (Laboratory Medicine - blood), White (Paediatrics - purity and innocence), Blue (Psychiatry - peace and tranquility).
Traditions of the College
Time-honored practices that bind our community together
Annual General and Scientific Meetings (AGSM)
Rotated among Anglophone Chapters, with Francophone Chapters applying to Council when wishing to host. This gathering represents the pinnacle of our academic calendar.
Election of College President
Traditionally rotated among Anglophone Chapters with the incumbent Chapter Chairman nominated by the country. The establishment of Francophone Chapters continues to shape this evolving tradition.
Election of Secretary General
The Assistant Secretary General is nominated and elected as Secretary General. The post rotates between Nigeria and Ghana for administrative convenience and inclusiveness.
Election of Other Officers
The Secretary General nominates the Assistant Secretary General to ensure harmony within the Secretariat, with similar processes for Honorary Treasurer positions. Chapters may propose consensus candidates while maintaining the spirit of collaboration.
