The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has called for increased investment in specialised medical training and stronger public-private partnerships to equip Nigerian surgeons with advanced skills in robotic-assisted surgery.
Alausa made the call at the launch of the Redeemer’s Health Village (RHV) RoboMed Robotics Academy and the unveiling of its Robotic Surgery Programme in Redemption City, Ogun State.
He said the initiative would expand access to advanced medical training in Nigeria, strengthen local expertise and reduce the need for Nigerian medical professionals to travel abroad to acquire specialised surgical skills.
The minister described the academy as a practical demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its emphasis on human capital development, innovation and the acquisition of skills needed to address the country’s evolving healthcare challenges.
Alausa disclosed that the Federal Government had invested more than ₦250 billion in medical education, including the provision of medical simulation laboratories and the rehabilitation of facilities, such as student hostels, across more than 24 medical schools.
He, however, stressed that government investment alone was insufficient to meet the growing demand for specialised medical training, calling for greater participation by private investors, universities, teaching hospitals and Nigerian professionals in the diaspora.
According to him, advanced medical equipment can only deliver its full benefits when healthcare professionals are adequately trained to operate it safely and effectively.
He urged universities, teaching hospitals and specialist training institutions to strengthen collaboration in practical training, joint research, faculty development and exposure to emerging surgical technologies.
The minister also highlighted the Federal Ministry of Education’s BRIDGE programme, an initiative designed to promote research, innovation, development and global engagement through the contributions of Nigerian professionals in the diaspora.
He encouraged Nigerian surgeons, researchers, medical educators and other specialists abroad to register on the ministry’s BRIDGE portal and contribute to national development through mentorship, curriculum development, collaborative research and institutional capacity building.
Alausa further called on the RoboMed Robotics Academy to work with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, relevant professional bodies and teaching institutions to establish structured training pathways backed by appropriate approvals, supervised clinical practice and professional assessment.
He emphasised that patient safety must remain paramount in the adoption of robotic-assisted surgery, noting that technological advancement must be supported by clinical competence, ethical responsibility and sound medical judgement.
The minister urged surgeons and trainees to approach their training with discipline and humility, apply their skills responsibly and share their knowledge with other professionals.
He said expanding access to advanced medical training within the country could make professional careers in Nigeria more attractive while helping to retain highly skilled personnel.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Redeemer’s Health Village, Dr. Adedamola Dada, described the establishment of the robotics academy as a major investment in Nigeria’s medical technology and workforce development.
Dada said the initiative would build local expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, automation, biomedical engineering and robotic-assisted healthcare.
He added that the programme would provide opportunities for students, healthcare professionals, engineers and researchers to acquire globally competitive skills while supporting access to advanced minimally invasive surgical care in Nigeria.
According to him, the initiative also seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for healthcare innovation by connecting education, technology and clinical practice.
The launch featured presentations on the academy’s training pathways, remarks from academic partners and the signing of a training Memorandum of Understanding involving Redeemer’s Health Village, the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Redeemer’s University and RoboMed Global.
Participants also toured the training facilities and witnessed a demonstration of robotic surgery and telesurgery simulation, which did not involve a patient.
The initiative is expected to contribute to the development of specialised medical skills in Nigeria through partnerships among government institutions, private sector organisations, academic institutions and medical professionals.
