Alausa Unveils Robotics Academy, Targets Advanced Surgical Training In Nigeria
By Alice Etuka, Abuja
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has unveiled a robotic surgery training initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s medical workforce and reducing dependence on overseas specialist training.
Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah announced the development in a statement on Friday.
According to Attah, the Minister launched Redeemer’s Health Village (RHV) RoboMed Robotics Academy, unveiling its Robotic Surgery Programme in Redemption City, Ogun State on Thursday, saying the initiative would enable Nigerian surgeons to acquire advanced surgical skills locally.
Alausa disclosed that the Federal Government had invested over ₦250 billion in medical education, including the provision of medical simulation laboratories and rehabilitation of facilities across more than 24 medical schools, to improve professional training and strengthen healthcare delivery.
He said government investment must be complemented by private sector participation and contributions from Nigerian professionals in the diaspora to expand access to specialised training, research and emerging medical technologies.
He further described the academy as an example of how collaboration between private enterprise, educational institutions and clinical professionals could translate technological investment into human capital development. He stressed that robotic-assisted surgery required adequate training, clinical competence and strict adherence to patient safety standards.
The minister also highlighted the Federal Ministry of Education’s BRIDGE programme, which stands for Bridging Research, Innovation, Development and Global Engagement, urging Nigerian medical professionals abroad to contribute through mentorship, teaching, curriculum development and collaborative research.
He further called on the academy to work with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, teaching hospitals and relevant professional bodies to establish structured training pathways supported by appropriate approvals, supervised practice and professional assessments.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Redeemer’s Health Village, Dr. Adedamola Dada, said the academy would develop local expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, automation, biomedical engineering and robotic-assisted healthcare, while equipping students, healthcare professionals and researchers with globally competitive skills.
Dada said the programme would also support access to advanced minimally invasive surgical care and strengthen Nigeria’s position in healthcare innovation. The event featured 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.
The launch also featured presentations on training pathways and a robotic surgery and telesurgery simulation demonstration without a patient. Alausa reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to partnerships that would strengthen specialist training, improve institutional capacity and prepare Nigerian professionals for the future of healthcare.
