Abuja – Renowned neurosurgeon and Taraba State indigene, Dr. Samaila Timothy, has been sworn in as the new Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja Chapter, with a pledge to promote inclusive leadership, transparency, and improved welfare for members.

The swearing-in ceremony, held in Abuja, attracted medical consultants, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders who gathered to witness the transition of leadership in the association.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Timothy called on members to work together in advancing the objectives of MDCAN.

> “I urge this association to give me maximum support so that together we can take MDCAN to greater heights. I will be standing on the mandate that you gave me, not expecting the people to stand on my mandate,” he said.

The newly inaugurated chairman acknowledged the enormity of the responsibility ahead and sought the continued support of the immediate past chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Nasiru.

> “I appeal to the immediate past Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Nasiru, not to leave the stage for me. The shoe I am wearing is bigger than me, and I will need collaboration to succeed,” he stated.

Dr. Timothy assured members of an open and accountable administration, stressing that the welfare of consultants, particularly those at FMC Abuja, would remain his top priority.

> “The welfare of our members, particularly the staff of the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, will top my agenda. We will run an open and accountable administration that prioritizes the interests of consultants,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to the Medical Director of FMC Abuja, Prof. Aliyu Ahmed Sa’ad, represented at the event by the Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Muftau Bioku, for fostering an open-door policy and creating a level playing field for the association.

In his remarks, the outgoing Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Nasiru, a Consultant Microbiologist at FMC Abuja, praised the association’s achievements during his tenure and expressed confidence in his successor.

> “I have confidence in Dr. Samaila Timothy. I believe he will continue from where we stopped and move the association forward,” Nasiru said.

Dr. Timothy’s emergence has been widely celebrated as a significant achievement for Taraba State and the North-East, reflecting excellence, professionalism, and dedication within Nigeria’s medical community.

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) is the umbrella body for medical and dental consultants in the country’s tertiary health institutions. The association plays a critical role in advocating sound health policies, upholding professional standards, and promoting the welfare of specialist doctors across Nigeria.

With Dr. Timothy now at the helm, members and stakeholders have expressed optimism that his leadership will strengthen collaboration among consultants, improve working conditions, and enhance the association’s engagement with government and other stakeholders in advancing healthcare delivery nationwide.