The Federal Government says it has invested more than N250 billion in medical education, including upgrading facilities across over 24 medical schools, as Nigeria moves to build local expertise in robotic-assisted surgery and other advanced healthcare technologies.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this at the launch of the Redeemer’s Health Village (RHV) RoboMed Robotics Academy and its Robotic Surgery Programme in Redemption City, Ogun State.
Alausa said the investment covered medical simulation laboratories and the rehabilitation of facilities, including hostels, in medical schools.
He said the government was also seeking stronger partnerships with the private sector and Nigerians in the diaspora to expand access to specialised medical training.
According to the minister, the robotics academy offers an opportunity to develop local expertise in advanced surgical techniques and reduce the need for Nigerian surgeons to travel abroad for specialised training.
“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.
Alausa called for collaboration among universities, teaching hospitals, specialist training institutions and private organisations to strengthen practical learning, research and professional development.
He urged the academy to work with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, relevant professional bodies and teaching institutions to establish structured training programmes backed by appropriate approvals, supervised practice and assessment.
The minister also stressed that patient safety must remain central to the adoption of robotic-assisted surgery, warning that access to advanced technology must be matched by clinical competence, sound judgement and ethical responsibility.
He said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises human capital development and skills acquisition.
Alausa further encouraged Nigerian surgeons, medical educators and researchers abroad to support local institutions through specialist mentorship, curriculum development and collaborative research.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Redeemer’s Health Village, Dr. Adedamola Dada, described the academy as an investment in medical technology and workforce development.
Dada said the initiative would build local capacity in robotics, artificial intelligence, automation, biomedical engineering and robotic-assisted healthcare.
He added that the programme would offer students, healthcare professionals, engineers and researchers opportunities to acquire globally competitive skills, while promoting minimally invasive surgery and strengthening Nigeria’s capacity for healthcare innovation.
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