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First Medical Doctor in Nigeria
William Broughton Davies was the first Nigerian to qualify as a medical doctor in 1858. Despite having the same MRSC as James Beale Africanus Horton in 1858, Davies obtained his MD 10 months earlier, in October.
Meet William Broughton Davies, First Medical Doctor In Nigeria. William Broughton Davies was the first Nigerian to qualify as a medical doctor in 1858. Despite having the same MRSC as James Beale Africanus Horton in 1858, Davies obtained his MD 10 months earlier, in October.
In this article, RNN has provided you with things you need to know about the First Medical Doctor In Nigeria
Early Life and Education
On October 25, 1833, William Davies was born to Yoruba parents in the hamlet of Wellington in Freetown, Sierra Leone. 1850 after graduating from Wellington’s village school, he enrolled at Fourah Bay Institute in Freetown, where he received catechist training in anticipation of a future in the ministry.
The Church Missionary Society chose Davies, Horton, and Samuel Campbell out of three capable young people from West Africa to receive medical training in England for the British Army. Samuel Campbell, however, developed severe bronchitis upon arrival in England, prompting his return to his native Sierra Leone and early death.
Before finishing their medical education in Scotland, Davies and Horton earned Membership in the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) of England at King’s College, London in 1858. In October 1858, Davies passed a test to become a doctor of medicine (MD) at the University of St. Andrews.
Career
Davies was appointed Staff Assistant Surgeon in the British Army Medical Services after completing his medical school in the United Kingdom with success. He came to Cape Coast in October 1859, and as of December 1, 1859, he began working “at the usual salary of 5’s per dime.” In contrast to the adaptable and productive Horton, Davies was incredibly reserved during his 22 years in the British Army and subsequently. After enjoying his golden years with his family, he passed away in Sierra Leone on January 13, 1906.
Legacy
Davies upheld his race, which had been oppressed by slavery, from the prejudices and low expectations of the period by setting a positive example with his successful career in the British Army, from which he and Horton retired as Surgeon-Majors.
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