Samuel Manuwa

Samuel Manuwa

Name	Samuel Manuwa
Birth name
Birth date	1903
Birth place	Ogun State, Nigeria
Death date	1976
Death place	Nigeria
Alma mater
Occupation	Surgeon, Public Health Administrator
Years active
Organization
Known for	Contributions to tropical medicine and public health in Nigeria
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Samuel Ayodeji Manuwa (1903–1976) was a pioneering Nigerian surgeon and public health administrator, renowned for his contributions to tropical medicine and the development of medical education in Nigeria. He was the first African to be appointed as the Chief Medical Adviser to the Nigerian government and played a significant role in the establishment of the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

Early Life and Education

Samuel Manuwa was born in 1903 in Ogun State, Nigeria. He pursued his early education in Nigeria before traveling to the United Kingdom to study medicine. Manuwa attended the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated with a degree in medicine. He further specialized in surgery, becoming one of the first Africans to achieve such a distinction.

Medical Career

Manuwa's medical career was marked by several groundbreaking achievements. After completing his studies, he returned to Nigeria, where he worked in various capacities within the colonial medical service. His expertise in tropical medicine was instrumental in addressing the health challenges faced by the Nigerian population.

Contributions to Tropical Medicine

Manuwa's work in tropical medicine focused on diseases prevalent in West Africa, such as malaria, yellow fever, and sleeping sickness. He conducted extensive research on these diseases, contributing to the development of effective treatment protocols and public health strategies.

Public Health Administration

In 1954, Manuwa was appointed as the Chief Medical Adviser to the Nigerian government, a position he held until 1963. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the expansion of healthcare services across Nigeria, advocating for the establishment of more hospitals and clinics in rural areas.

Educational Contributions

Manuwa was a strong advocate for medical education in Nigeria. He played a pivotal role in the founding of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, which became a leading institution for medical training in West Africa. His efforts helped to increase the number of trained medical professionals in Nigeria, thereby improving the overall healthcare system.

Legacy

Samuel Manuwa's legacy is evident in the advancements in medical education and public health in Nigeria. He is remembered as a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of African medical professionals. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape in Nigeria and beyond.

Also see

• University College Hospital, Ibadan
• Tropical medicine
• Public health in Nigeria
• History of medicine in Africa