How We Are Governed
Governance Structure
WAPCMLS is governed through a multi-tiered structure that ensures representation from all ECOWAS member states and accountability at every level.
Organisational Structure
The governance hierarchy from the ECOWAS Authority down to Country Chapter operations
ECOWAS Authority
via West African Health Organisation (WAHO)
Regional Council
Highest governing body — 30 members from 15 ECOWAS states
President & Executive Committee
Day-to-day executive governance
Registrar & Secretariat
Administration
Standing Committees
Policy & oversight
College Faculties
15 specialties
Country Chapters
7 inaugurated chapters
Faculty Boards
Curriculum & exams
Foundation Fellows
National operations
Trainees & Candidates
Fellowship programme
Regional Council
The Regional Council is the highest governing body of WAPCMLS, comprising 30 members with two representatives from each of the 15 ECOWAS member states. The Director General of WAHO or his representative is constitutionally a member of the Regional Council as stipulated in Section 7.7 of the WAHO-approved Constitution.
The Council is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the College, approving policies, ratifying examination results, and ensuring the College fulfils its mandate across the sub-region.
Key responsibilities
- Approve the College's strategic plan and annual work programmes
- Ratify examination results and award of Fellowship certificates
- Approve the annual budget and financial reports
- Admit new country chapters and inaugurate Foundation Fellows
- Appoint principal officers and committee chairs
- Amend the College Constitution as required
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee, led by the President of the College, manages the day-to-day governance and implements decisions made by the Regional Council. It meets regularly to oversee operations, coordinate with country chapters, and ensure the College's programmes run effectively.
The Committee comprises the President, Vice President, Registrar, Treasurer, and other principal officers elected by the Regional Council.
Principal Officer Positions
President
Chief executive and public representative of the College
Vice President
Deputises for the President and chairs specific committees
Registrar
Head of the Secretariat, manages records and administration
Treasurer
Oversees financial management, budgeting, and reporting
Editor-in-Chief
Leads the College's research publications and academic output
Standing Committees
Specialised committees established by the Regional Council to oversee key areas of the College's operations.
Finance & Budget Committee
Oversees the College's financial planning, budgeting, auditing, and fee structures including Foundation Fellow contributions.
Education & Training Committee
Develops training curricula across all 15 faculties, sets examination standards, and reviews academic policies.
Accreditation Committee
Evaluates and accredits training centres across the ECOWAS sub-region to ensure they meet College standards.
Research & Publications Committee
Promotes postgraduate research, manages the College's academic publications, and fosters scientific collaboration.
Ethics & Disciplinary Committee
Upholds professional conduct standards and adjudicates matters of ethical concern involving Fellows and trainees.
CPD & Fellowship Affairs Committee
Administers continuing professional development programmes and manages Fellowship-related matters.
Faculty Boards
Each of the 15 faculties is governed by a Faculty Board composed of Foundation Fellows specialising in that discipline. Faculty Boards operate across country chapters and are responsible for the academic and professional standards within their specialty.
Faculty Deans are elected by the Foundation Fellows within each faculty and serve as the academic leaders responsible for curriculum integrity and examination quality.
Faculty Board responsibilities
- Develop and review training curricula for their specialty
- Set and conduct Fellowship and Membership examinations
- Accredit training centres and supervise training programmes
- Recommend candidates for certification to the Regional Council
- Promote research and professional development in their field
Country Chapters
Country Chapters are the operational arm of the College at the national level. Each chapter is led by Foundation Fellows who organise training, coordinate examinations, and manage professional development activities within their country.
The formation of Country Chapters and inauguration of Foundation Fellows is a constitutional requirement approved by WAHO. Each chapter elects its own officers and reports to the Regional Council.
Nigeria
Ghana
Cote d'Ivoire
Togo
The Gambia
Liberia
Cameroon
Constitutional Framework
The College operates under a Constitution approved by WAHO and adopted by all participating member states through the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 30th August 2013. The MOU embodies fourteen articles of agreement covering the framework for collaboration and operation of the College.
WAPCMLS is incorporated as a corporate body limited by guarantee under the Federal Ministry of Justice of Nigeria, with its headquarters in Abuja. The Certificate of Incorporation was issued on 13th August 2018.
Meet the people behind the governance
View profiles of the College's principal officers, council members, and faculty deans.