The Parable of the Monkeys.

I had just finished talking to some of my friends who are in Ibadan just before I started writing this piece. They have just received news of the result of the first phase of the Part 1 examination of the West African College of Physicians in their various departments. As is usually the case, it was a period of mixed feelings. I was happy for my friends that were able to pass this first stage that qualifies them for the next stage of the examination, which is essentially clinical, while I was sad for the ones that could not proceed to this next stage. It is needless to say that a lot of effort had gone into the preparation for this exam by the different candidates. Where does one begin from? Is it the financial implications, the emotional investment or the sacrifices that must have been made, especially by the married people who usually deny their family the required attention while preparing for this examination?

Now why is this particular issue of paramount importance in my discussion today? The answer lies in the fact that I have the knowledge of how much the passing of this exam translates into monetary terms, especially in the immediate short term period. I also remember that I was in Minna for a meeting a few weeks ago in after which the National Association Of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD) issued a communiqué to the effect that the circularized new salary scale called CONMESS should be paid with arrears by the end of April, failure of which the Association may be forced to take drastic actions. So with so much sacrifice in trying to improve oneself, the financial reward is not commensurate with the input. A good number of this people that I talk about still find if difficult to do some basic things in their life because of lack of money. The struggle and rat race that we find ourselves in brought to my mind the parable of the monkeys.
So what is the parable of the monkeys and in what way is it related to all that I have said above?

I will be answering these questions in subsequent posts. Meanwhile stay blessed.

April 11 at 12:34am