By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Gabs FeedGabs FeedGabs Feed
  • Home
  • Admissions
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Scholarship
  • Featured
Search
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Small by Small: Becoming a Doctor in 1990s’ Nigeria
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Gabs FeedGabs Feed
Font ResizerAa
  • Politics
  • Scholarship
  • Business
  • Healthcare
  • Admissions
  • Entertainment
  • Featured
  • Sports
Search
  • Home
  • Admissions
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Scholarship
  • Featured
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
© 2024 Developed With ❤️ By Phoot Technologies
Gabs Feed > Blog > Health > Small by Small: Becoming a Doctor in 1990s’ Nigeria
Health

Small by Small: Becoming a Doctor in 1990s’ Nigeria

K Fosu
Last updated: 2024/04/13 at 10:44 PM
K Fosu
Share
SHARE

Vivianne Ihekweazu (Lead Writer)

Since Ike Anya’s book, “Small by Small” called “a small miracle of a book” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, was published in the summer of 2023, it has sparked discussions among the larger Nigeran diaspora. The book depicts the unique experience of many doctors studying medicine in Nigeria, thoughout the nineties. The recent publication of the Nigerian edition in 2024, by Masobe Books has made the book accessible to Nigerian readers, re-igniting discussions and experience sharing.
 
While “Small by Small” is a memoir, it is not a single story, but a collection of beautiful short stories capturing the journey to become a doctor in Nigeria. Making it through both the turbulent times of life on campus, juxtaposed against the turbulent times in the country. The experience of a medical education, prior to the widespread use of technology, has many common experiences shared around the world. These include the enormous amounts of material consumed, the experience of dissecting cadavers to learn about the different parts of the human anatomy and the unique student-doctor relationship in the clinical years. However, many stories in this book are unique to our setting in Nigeria.
 
Ike brilliantly narrates various events from his time in medical school in Nigeria. From the incredible adrenaline rush of the important “2nd MB” exams, where the trade and exchange of bones was a vital part of studying anatomy, to the camaraderie that develops among the class with each passing exam, to dealing with parental and societal expectations. The pressures and the pains, the joys and sadness and sometimes just the craziness of Nigeria in the nineties is described in beautiful written text that captures the reader’s imagination immersing them in the experience. Reading “Small by Small”, you are transported into the sights portrayed in vivid detail. One of Ike’s great skills is his detailed narration, often with sarcastic humour and vivid characters that paint a tapestry of stories that weave through the highs and lows of life as a medical student. Ike’s journey through medical school becomes more than just a story of academic pursuit, it is a vivid exploration of life’s ups and downs, of friendships forged through the shared struggles.
 
Universities have historically been at the heart of social and political activism, and the 1990s were likely the last time this was true in Nigeria. People often assumed that medical students were too preoccupied with academics to participate in activism. “Small by Small”, describes in detail how this was not the case, as medical students were at the forefront of many of Nigeria’s struggles during that time period.
 
Reading “Small by Small”, you cannot miss the references to Nsukka, the university town in southeastern Nigeria, described so beautifully in Chimamanda Adichie’s first best seller, Purple Hibiscus. Without revealing too much, it depicts its dusty red roads and hill clusters, highlighting the town’s role in the early stages of every doctor’s education at the University of Nigeria, where they spend their first year.
 
The book discusses the tremendous resilience that medical students show throughout their training to become medical doctors. This resilience is not uncommon among Nigeria’s current generation of medical professionals, who often have to work in difficult conditions. This is why the emigration of medical doctors is a growing concern in Nigeria. The incessant strikes, which often caused medical school to be delayed, the security issues on campus and when travelling to campus, and the financial resources required to study are challenges that every medical student has to deal with.
 
The question I would like to ask young Nigerians who read this book is, “Does it inspire or inhibit your aspirations to study medicine in Nigeria”? As the book is now available in bookshops in Nigeria, this is a question that can only be answered by those who have read the book. Aside from textbooks, there are not many books accessible to aspiring medical students that share the experience of becoming a medical doctor, therefore we recommend “Small by Small”, to anyone aspiring to make this journey. Yes, things may have changed since the 2000s, but many feelings, hopes and aspirations will remain the same.
 
Since the book’s release, there have been several discussions at readings and other events around the world. It has sparked conversations on the opportunities and challenges of a medical education, and well as the responsibilities that come with it. There are several Nigerian doctors and other medical professionals working in health facilities all over the world, but few have documented their experiences. So, this book fills that gap, providing not only a fascinating story but also an important record of one of the most different periods in Nigerian history, as well as the perspective of a doctor who lived through it.
 
More than anything else, the book, “Small by Small” inspires optimism, which is urgently needed in Nigeria. Finally, as Ike’s book elaborated on, the journey to becoming a doctor in Nigeria, is a gradual process, and, as the Igbo proverb goes “Nwayo nwayo ka-eji aracha ofe di oku”.

Join our telegram Channel For Admissions, Scholarships and News Alert
K Fosu
+ postsK Fosu The Informant is a lifestyle blogger with 5 years experience in content and web development. He is a Google keyword planner, SEO analyst, an influencer and entrepreneur at QI Group of companies who holds BA Degree from Ghana's Premier University.

K Fosu The Informant is a lifestyle blogger with 6 years' experience in content and web development. He is a Google keyword planner, SEO analyst, an influencer and entrepreneur who holds BA Degree from Ghana's Premier University.

  • K Fosu
    https://gabsfeed.com/author/k-fosu/
    Hon. Razak Hussein Addresses Faith, Politics, and Social Responsibility on Original TV
  • K Fosu
    https://gabsfeed.com/author/k-fosu/
    God has shortened the age to become a billionaire in Ghana to 40- Apostle Amoako Attah
  • K Fosu
    https://gabsfeed.com/author/k-fosu/
    Stop thinking about World Cup-Coach Otto Addo warns Ghanaians
  • K Fosu
    https://gabsfeed.com/author/k-fosu/
    Hon. Razak Hussein breaks silence on MCE selection on Peace FM

You Might Also Like

Mass HIV infection rocks UG Legon Campus – Dr. Lawrence Tetteh Reveals on GTV

Government hasn’t employed any pharmacists in permanent jobs since 2020 – Pharmaceutical Society

Exciting news for people living with HIV

Blood tonics in Ghana that naturally builds the body

He or She is a Nurse When….

TAGGED: 1990sNigeria, Doctor, Small
K Fosu April 13, 2024 April 13, 2024
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp Telegram
By K Fosu
K Fosu The Informant is a lifestyle blogger with 6 years' experience in content and web development. He is a Google keyword planner, SEO analyst, an influencer and entrepreneur who holds BA Degree from Ghana's Premier University.
Previous Article Reason why Southwest will continue to control political power in Nigeria
Next Article Comedian AY Sparks Reactions As He Celebrates Son’s 17th Birthday
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow US
© 2024 Developed With ❤️ By Phoot Technologies
  • DMCA
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Site reviews
  • Home
Join Us!

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc..

[mc4wp_form]
Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
adbanner
AdBlock Detected
Our site is an advertising supported site. Please whitelist to support our site.
Okay, I'll Whitelist
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?