Alausa pushes robotic surgery training, launches academy in Ogun

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has called for stronger collaboration between government, private sector organisations, universities and Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora to expand specialist medical training and strengthen the country’s capacity for advanced healthcare delivery.

Alausa made the call on Thursday during 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.

The minister said the initiative would provide Nigerian medical professionals with opportunities to acquire advanced surgical skills locally, reducing the need to travel abroad for specialised training while supporting the development of indigenous expertise in emerging medical technologies.

He said the academy aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its emphasis on human capital development, technological innovation and equipping Nigerians with skills required to address the country’s evolving development needs.

According to him, the establishment of specialised training facilities would help prepare Nigerian surgeons for changes in medical practice driven by robotics, automation and other technological advancements.

Alausa said, “A stronger education system must equip our professionals with the knowledge, practical skills and technological competence required to meet the country’s evolving needs.”

He commended Tinubu for supporting investments in education and skills development, describing institutional capacity building and quality professional training as important components of national development.

The minister 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 hostels across more than 24 medical schools.

He said the investment was intended to strengthen the capacity of medical institutions to produce professionals capable of responding to Nigeria’s healthcare needs in an increasingly technology-driven world.

However, Alausa stressed that government funding alone would not be sufficient to expand access to specialised training, urging private sector investors and Nigerian professionals abroad to contribute their expertise and resources.

He described the RoboMed Robotics Academy as an example of how collaboration among private enterprises, educational institutions and clinical professionals could translate investments in technology into opportunities for human capital development.

According to him, acquiring sophisticated medical equipment must go hand in hand with training professionals to operate it safely and effectively.

“Advanced medical equipment delivers its greatest value when professionals are adequately trained to use it competently, responsibly and in the best interests of patients,” he said.

The minister called for stronger partnerships among universities, teaching hospitals, specialist training institutions and private organisations to promote practical learning, collaborative research, faculty development and exposure to emerging surgical techniques.

He also urged the academy to work closely with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, relevant professional bodies and teaching institutions to establish structured training pathways supported by appropriate approvals, supervised practice, assessment and continuing professional development.

Alausa emphasised that patient safety must remain central to the adoption of robotic-assisted surgery, warning that technological advancement must be matched by clinical competence, sound professional judgement, ethical responsibility and compassionate care.

He said surgeons and trainees participating in the programme must approach their training with discipline and humility, develop their skills responsibly and share their knowledge with colleagues.

The minister added that access to modern specialist training could make professional careers in Nigeria more attractive while strengthening the country’s ability to develop and retain highly skilled medical personnel.

He also highlighted the Federal Ministry of Education’s BRIDGE programme, an initiative designed to connect Nigerian professionals in the diaspora with opportunities to contribute to national development.

BRIDGE, which stands for Bridging Research, Innovation, Development and Global Engagement, is being advanced in collaboration with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Alausa said the programme would provide a structured platform for Nigerians abroad to contribute to teaching, research, mentorship and institutional capacity building.

He encouraged Nigerian surgeons, medical educators, researchers and other professionals in the diaspora to register on the ministry’s BRIDGE portal and support local institutions through specialist mentorship, curriculum development and collaborative research.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Redeemer’s Health Village, Dr Adedamola Dada, said the establishment of the academy and the introduction of the Robotic Surgery Programme represented an investment in medical technology and workforce development.

Dada explained that the initiative would develop local capacity in robotics, artificial intelligence, automation, biomedical engineering and robotic-assisted healthcare.

He said the academy would provide opportunities for students, healthcare professionals, engineers and researchers to acquire skills relevant to technological developments in medicine and healthcare delivery.

According to him, the programme was also designed to support access to advanced minimally invasive surgical care in Nigeria and strengthen the country’s participation in healthcare innovation.

Dada expressed appreciation to the education minister, academic partners and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative, which brings together education, technology and clinical practice.

The launch featured presentations on the academy’s training pathways and remarks from academic partners, as well as 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 comes amid increasing interest in the application of advanced technologies to medical training and surgical practice, although the benefits of robotic-assisted procedures depend on appropriate patient selection, qualified personnel, adequate infrastructure and effective clinical oversight.

For Nigeria, developing local expertise in such technologies could create additional opportunities for specialist training and professional collaboration, provided the programmes are supported by recognised training standards and appropriate clinical governance.

Alausa said the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to encourage sustainable partnerships among government institutions, private investors, universities, specialist training bodies and Nigerians in the diaspora to expand access to quality education and strengthen institutional capacity.

He said the objective was to prepare a new generation of skilled professionals capable of applying knowledge, innovation and technology to Nigeria’s development.