In this period of 'open letters', may l join few other Nigerians by drawing our attention to what particularly concerns our future as a group of people joined by the radiography profession. In Tailor Coleridge’s epic of the ancient Marina; I draw thus- water water everywhere but none to drink. Several colleagues have been asking who should our next registrar be;  in the midst of many qualified colleagues and applicants. They are right to an extent as qualification does not imply preparedness.  Many are really qualified and can take us to the next level. What radiographers need to collectively do is to align  with the will of God.

 

As a PhD supervisor , I have jointly agreed with a student to delve into a research in mathematical modeling of the carotid artery Doppler indices. This has taken all of us back to integral the calculus. The upcoming interview for the post of a registrar has also taken my mind  to turning points in quadratic or cubic functions where dy/dx=0. As a profession, we are at a turning or stationary point where a desired equilibrium is expected. The attained equilibrium can either be stable or neutral. In all, we need professional stability, probity, peace and progress.

 

The stake is nebulous, the standard is high and the expectations are gargantuan. Many of our men are good-to-go. I have sighted an apostle of the radiography diplomacy and a sound academic, Dr Okeji.  Mr Abonyi  my friend and  teacher, vocal and bold Sani and our fine gentleman,  Dr. Ogbu.  Ag. Reg. Thaddeus my classmate, a forthright young man ; Dr. Chyke, my teacher and mentor; pastor Bar Hillary  my friend; Mr. Ubaka/ Robert,  my humble colleagues and students and Mal Tahir, an indefatigable colleague are all capable. Dr Nwokorie, a sound gentleman can also lead us. I also learnt that a lady applied; Who am I to say no if God desires a Queen for radiography.

 

I pray for a registrar who will foster unity in this profession and pursue professionalism against selfish and antiquated ideas. We need an all embracing and acceptable job title in view of the the challenging challenges occasioned by the change of job title from medical imaging scientist to radiography officer cadre and a stronger base for autonomy. Egalitarianism  needs to be enthroned as a sure way to killing agitations and litigations. The new substantive registrar will also be expected to design a framework that will enable our Board transmute to a council with an all encompassing name as against the seemingly narrow title now in use. Above all, the registrar is expected to aggressively confront our greatest enemy which is quackery,  without fear or favour. This position is no longer viewed with the previous perspective lenses and hence l call on all the applicants to do a thorough soul-searching before appearing for the interview as it is not yet late to withdraw. Some CMDs were made by residents and the organised Labour to vacate office prematurely on account of administrative ineptitude. It is no longer business as usual. In this democratic dispensation, flat-footedness and any form of incompetence on the part of our registrar would not only be met with open letters but would be vehemently resisted. The time for decision making and final resolutions by each applicant could not be any other better time than now.

 

Long live Radiography! 

 

Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria!!

 

Dr Anthony Ugwu, KSM, FMISON

HOD (sabbatical).

 BUK.

 

External examiner, University of Zimbabwe