Professor Shima K. Gyoh, a renowned Nigerian medical doctor and public administrator, has released a profound memoir titled 'Contemplative Footsteps: From Colonial to Republican Nigeria.' This extensive work, spanning over 500 pages and 18 chapters, offers a unique dual narrative. It is both a personal life story and a reflective commentary on the nation's turbulent political journey.
A Personal and National Odyssey
The book opens with Gyoh's formative years in Gboko, where the core values of Tiv society shaped his character. These early chapters lay the ethical foundation for a life dedicated to service. His educational path took a significant turn upon gaining admission to Government College Keffi, exposing him to colonial-era discipline. A national essay prize later propelled him to England for further studies at King's College, Durham University, where he solidified his medical and ethical training.
Returning to Nigeria, Gyoh's medical career began at institutions like the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital and Jos University Teaching Hospital. His reflections from this period highlight the struggles of building a national health system in the shadow of colonial legacies.
Navigating High-Office and Institutional Reform
The memoir provides a rare, insider's view of governance during military rule. Gyoh served as a Commissioner in Benue State, first for Establishments and Information, and later for Health. He details the complex challenges of implementing policy under an authoritarian regime, balancing reformist zeal with practical constraints.
His subsequent role as Director-General of the Federal Ministry of Health under both military and civilian governments forms a critical part of the narrative. Here, Gyoh dissects issues like institutional inertia, political interference in healthcare, and the dynamics of donor relations. The book also celebrates grassroots successes, such as his instrumental work on the DFID-funded Benue Health Fund Project and the revival of the NKST Hospital Mkar.
Commitment to Ethics and Education
Professor Gyoh's tenure with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria is marked by a steadfast commitment to professional ethics, notably during a regulatory crisis in 2004. His later efforts in establishing the College of Health Sciences at Benue State University further underscore his dedication to institutional integrity, despite facing political obstacles he describes candidly.
The concluding chapters shift towards philosophical reflection. Gyoh discusses his involvement with medical charities, his personal spiritual journey, and delivers a powerful critique in the final chapter, 'Patriotism Eluding Nigeria.' This section serves as a poignant lament for the nation's leadership failures and a clarion call for civic renewal.
While the book is well-structured, it bears minor editorial flaws, such as an unstated publisher and some typographical errors, which could be addressed in future editions. Nonetheless, 'Contemplative Footsteps' stands as an essential read. It seamlessly blends personal experience with national history, offering invaluable lessons in ethical leadership, public service, and the enduring quest for a better Nigeria.
