Neurosurgeon Dr. Magnus Ekedede Presents Signed Copy of New Book to University of The Bahamas

Nassau, THE BAHAMAS— Renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Magnus Ekedede has presented a copy of his book chronicling revolutionary medical procedures to University of The Bahamas (UB), hoping that it inspires faith in the country’s neurosurgical capacity moving forward.

The book entitled, “Making Miracles: The Story of Neurosurgery in The Bahamas,” gives both an historical and inspirational perspective about the evolution of this specialized surgery through the stories of the patients whose lives were saved. The book presentation was a learning experience for the UB students who attended the event in the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre on Monday 23^rd June.

“The history of neurosurgery in The Bahamas is really important,” explained Dr. Ekedede, who has been the country’s chief neurosurgeon for nearly 30 years. “When I’m gone, when we’re all gone, the young folks who are left, they are how neurosurgery will step up in The Bahamas. They say if you can put it in a story, you cannot forget it.”

UB’s Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Oriakhi thanked Dr. Ekedede for his presentation.

“Thank you so much Dr. Magnus for determining that the place where knowledge is shared, and we nurture young minds, is the best place for you to bring this book, ‘Making Miracles’, and to present me with a copy,” said Dr. Oriakhi.

The book is co-authored by The Tribune newspaper’s Managing Editor Stephen Hunt and traces neurosurgery in The Bahamas, from the early days when such surgeries had to be performed abroad, to the present day where local medical professionals routinely perform these complex procedures.

One of the persons who has had this life-saving surgery, Executive Assistant to UB’s Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Ms. Shacantila Hall-Briggs, had idiopathic intracranial hypertension for years. After over a dozen surgeries that included lumboperitoneal (LP) and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placements, multiple shunt revisions, and countless spinal taps and lumbar punctures, Ms. Hall-Briggs is doing remarkably better.

She shared her story at the book presentation.

“This book, ‘Making Miracles’, isn’t just a chronicle of operations,” said an emotional Ms. Hall-Briggs. “It is a testimony of transformation, a tribute to a man whose life’s work is reflected not only in hospital records, but in the hearts and lives of his patients. It is proof that miracles aren’t just mythical—they’re real.”

Other stories chronicled in the book include Mr. Ivoine Ingraham, from whom Dr. Ekedede removed a pituitary tumor that was impacting his eyesight, and Jed Russell, a five-year-old whose encephalocele (birth defect where brain tissue grows through an opening in the newborn’s skull) was also removed.

UB students who attended the presentation were moved by the inspirational testimonies. Future physician, Bernique Lightbourne, said she was so inspired that she made the decision that she would return home after finishing her medical studies abroad to further develop the country’s healthcare system.

“Similar to the shared experiences of faith, the foundation of faith in his medical practices, as a believer (in God) myself, I am also determined to return home to help my country, to build my country, and to contribute,” said Bernique. “After receiving all that I have received from the University of The Bahamas, I have no other choice but to come back and to build up the infrastructure of healthcare in our country.”