Anatomical Science in Nigeria: From the Past, Looking through the Present unto the Future

There have recently been debates as to whether anatomy is a science or a profession and yearnings for professionalism of Anatomy in Nigeria by students, graduates and some teachers of anatomy. The call by many, taking an evidently up-roaring dimension, is how students of anatomy will be trained in the B.Sc Anatomy program to become graduates who will be able to render series of anatomical services in healthcare sector and the nation at large, in addition to being able to teach and research which they are capable of as at now. The debates and yearnings led the authors of this article to have a critical look into what anatomy was in Nigeria in the past, what it is at the present moment and what it may become in the future. An electronic interview method of survey was conducted by the authors among Professors of Anatomy in the country who were randomly selected. Authors therefore define anatomy as a science that can be taught, studied and practiced and so are postulating that anatomy in Nigeria would have three eras; the past (subject), the present (program) and the future (profession) eras; while recommending that the profession era of anatomy be heralded.

Key Words: B.Sc Anatomy program, anatomical services