Alausa Backs Robotic Surgery Training to Advance Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has called for stronger investment in specialised medical training to prepare Nigerian professionals for emerging technologies in healthcare.

He made the call on Thursday 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 initiative would help Nigerian surgeons acquire advanced skills locally and reduce the need to travel abroad for specialised training.

He described the academy as a practical step towards achieving President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through education, technological advancement and human capital development.

The minister commended Tinubu for supporting the education sector, stressing that the country must equip professionals with the knowledge and technical skills needed to respond to changing national needs.

Alausa disclosed that the Federal Government had invested more than ₦250 billion in medical education to strengthen institutions and improve professional training.

He said the investment included medical simulation laboratories and the rehabilitation of facilities, including hostels, in more than 24 medical schools across the country.

However, he stressed that government funding alone could not meet the growing demand for specialised training. He urged private investors, universities, teaching hospitals and Nigerian professionals abroad to contribute their expertise and resources.

According to him, the RHV RoboMed Robotics Academy demonstrates how partnerships between private organisations, educational institutions and medical professionals can turn technological investment into practical skills development.

Alausa noted that advanced medical equipment would deliver better outcomes only when qualified professionals could operate it safely and effectively.

He called for closer collaboration among universities, teaching hospitals, specialist training institutions and private organisations to support practical learning, joint research, faculty development and exposure to emerging surgical techniques.

The minister also highlighted the Federal Ministry of Education’s BRIDGE programme, which stands for Bridging Research, Innovation, Development and Global Engagement. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), seeks to harness the expertise of Nigerians in the diaspora.

He urged Nigerian surgeons, researchers, medical educators and other professionals abroad to register on the ministry’s BRIDGE portal and contribute through mentorship, curriculum development, research and institutional capacity building.

Alausa further encouraged the academy to work with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, professional associations and teaching institutions to establish recognised training pathways.

He said such programmes must include appropriate approvals, supervised practice, formal assessments and continuing professional development.

The minister also emphasised that patient safety must guide the adoption of robotic-assisted surgery, adding that technological progress must go hand in hand with clinical competence, ethical practice and compassionate care.

Addressing surgeons and trainees, he urged them to approach their training with discipline and humility, apply their skills responsibly and share their knowledge with colleagues.

He said improved access to advanced training could make professional careers in Nigeria more attractive and strengthen the country’s ability to retain highly skilled medical personnel.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Redeemer’s Health Village, Dr Adedamola Dada, described the academy as a major investment in medical technology and workforce development.

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

He added that the programme would equip students, healthcare professionals, engineers and researchers with skills that could compete internationally.

According to him, the initiative would also promote access to advanced minimally invasive surgery in Nigeria and strengthen the country’s capacity for healthcare innovation.

Dada thanked the minister, academic partners and other stakeholders for supporting the project, which brings education, technology and clinical practice together.

The event featured presentations on the academy’s training programmes and remarks from academic partners. Participants also witnessed 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.

Guests toured the training facilities and watched a demonstration of robotic surgery and telesurgery simulation. No patient participated in the demonstration.

Alausa assured stakeholders that the Ministry of Education would continue to promote partnerships among government agencies, private investors, universities, specialist training institutions and Nigerians in the diaspora.

He said the ministry remained committed to expanding access to quality training, strengthening institutional capacity and preparing skilled professionals to support Nigeria’s development.