Doctors in Akwa Ibom Celebrate Colleague's New ANA Fellowship

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State branch, has congratulated Martin Akpan, a doctor and author, for becoming a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). This honor recognizes his work in literature along with his medical career.

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

The NMA pointed out that his achievement demonstrates how 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 stated.

They added that Mr Akpan’s success could inspire younger doctors to explore creative and intellectual activities outside of medicine.

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

A profile published by the Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation describes him as a doctor and poet. He studied medicine at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, graduating in 1983. He also has a postgraduate qualification in public health and has been active in both medical and literary organizations.

Outside of his medical work, Mr Akpan is known for his political satire. His 1999 novel, The Crumb Eaters, explores Nigerian political issues, including intrigues, manipulation, and the quest for power. The book’s themes of social justice and democracy have continued to receive attention in literary discussions.

He has also written two poetry collections, Brainwaves At Dawn and Mixed Strokes.

Mr Akpan’s public service goes beyond medicine to grassroots healthcare. In September 2018, he became the chairman of the first governing board of the Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency. This agency was created to improve access to affordable and equitable primary healthcare in the state.

During his time there, the agency focused on reforms to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, including creating local government health authorities and partnerships with health institutions and development organizations.

Mr Akpan founded the International Society of Doctors in Literature. He has also been active in the Akwa Ibom branch of ANA, where he previously served as the branch chairman, according to reports from the Uyo Book Club and other literary platforms.

He shared how a 1956 play, This Is Our Chance, by James Ene Henshaw, inspired him to pursue creative writing alongside medicine.

"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 by my teacher, Mr Edet Nyah (now late). It remains an unforgettable experience more than 40 years later.

"I was particularly fascinated by the author’s use of medical jargon in that book. It sparked my curiosity.

"Years later, as a medical student at the University of Nigeria, I found out that the author was a surgeon and a creative writer. I decided then to be both a doctor and a writer."

Mr Akpan mentioned that another book that deeply influenced him was Niyi Osundare’s Moonsongs.

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

"That encounter with great literature was a turning point in my life. Just a year later (1993), my first poetry volume was published. I will always be grateful to this amazing teacher."

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