Alausa promotes robotic surgery training, launches academy in Ogun

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

Alausa made the appeal on Thursday during the launch of Redeemer’s Health Village (RHV) RoboMed Robotics Academy and inauguration of its robotic surgery program in Redemption City, Ogun State.

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

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

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

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

He commended Tinubu for advocating investment in education and skills development, describing institutional capacity building and quality vocational training as important components of national development.

The minister revealed that the federal government has invested more than P250 billion in medical education, including the provision of medical simulation laboratories and the rehabilitation of facilities such as hostels in 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 enough to expand access to specialized training, urging private sector investors and Nigerian professionals abroad to contribute their skills and resources.

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

According to him, the acquisition of sophisticated medical equipment must go hand in hand with training professionals to use it safely and effectively.

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

The minister called for stronger partnerships between universities, teaching hospitals, specialist training institutions and private organizations to promote hands-on 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 continuous professional development.

Alausa stressed that patient safety must remain central in the adoption of robot-assisted surgery, warning that technological progress must be accompanied by clinical expertise, sound professional judgment, ethical responsibility and compassionate care.

He said surgeons and trainees participating in the program 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 capacity to develop and retain highly qualified 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 carried out in collaboration with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Alausa said the program 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 diaspora professionals to register on the ministry’s BRIDGE portal and support local institutions through specialist mentorship, curriculum development and collaborative research.

Previously, Redeemer’s Health Village CEO Dr Adedamola Dada said the creation of the academy and the introduction of the robotic surgery program represented an investment in medical technology and workforce development.

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

He said the academy will provide opportunities for students, healthcare workers, engineers and researchers to gain skills relevant to technological developments in medicine and healthcare delivery.

According to him, the program 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 Minister of Education, 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 educational pathways and remarks from academic partners, as well as the signing of an educational 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 watched a robotic surgery demonstration and telesurgery simulation, which did not involve a patient.

The initiative fits into a context of growing interest in the application of advanced technologies to medical training and surgical practice, although the advantages of robot-assisted procedures depend on adequate patient selection, qualified personnel, adequate infrastructure and effective clinical supervision.

For Nigeria, developing local expertise in such technologies could create further opportunities for specialist training and professional collaboration, provided that programs are supported by recognized training standards and appropriate clinical governance.

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

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