Alausa unveils robotics academy, cites N250bn investment in medical education
By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has said the Federal Government has invested over N250 billion in medical education to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to train healthcare professionals and prepare them for emerging technologies.
Alausa spoke on Thursday at the launch of the Redeemer’s Health Village RoboMed Robotics Academy and the unveiling of its Robotic Surgery Programme in Redemption City, Ogun State.
He described the initiative as a significant step towards expanding access to advanced medical training in Nigeria, reducing dependence on foreign institutions and strengthening local expertise in robotic-assisted surgery.
The minister said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises human capital development, innovation and the acquisition of skills needed to drive national growth.
He said the government’s investment in medical education includes the provision of medical simulation laboratories and the rehabilitation of facilities, including hostels, across more than 24 medical schools.
He, however, stressed that government funding alone could not meet the growing demand for specialised medical training, calling for stronger partnerships among public institutions, private investors, universities and Nigerian professionals in the diaspora.
Alausa described the RoboMed Robotics Academy as an example of how collaboration between private enterprise, educational institutions and clinical professionals could translate investment in technology into practical skills and improved healthcare delivery.
He said advanced medical equipment would deliver meaningful benefits only when healthcare professionals were adequately trained to operate it safely and effectively.
The minister urged universities, teaching hospitals, specialist training institutions and private organisations to strengthen collaboration in practical training, research, faculty development and exposure to emerging surgical techniques.
He also highlighted the Federal Ministry of Education’s BRIDGE programme, which stands for Bridging Research, Innovation, Development and Global Engagement, being implemented in collaboration with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.
Alausa said the programme provided a platform for Nigerian professionals abroad to contribute to national development through 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.
The minister further called on the academy to work with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, relevant professional bodies and teaching institutions to establish structured training pathways with appropriate approvals, supervised practice and professional assessments.
He emphasised that patient safety must remain central to the adoption of robotic-assisted surgery, noting that technological advancement must be matched by clinical competence, ethical responsibility and compassionate care.
Addressing surgeons and trainees, Alausa urged them to approach their training with discipline and humility, develop their skills responsibly and share their knowledge with colleagues.
He said access to modern training facilities and opportunities for professional development could make careers in Nigeria more attractive, helping the country retain skilled professionals and strengthen its healthcare system.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Redeemer’s Health Village, Dr Adedamola Dada, said the establishment of the academy represented a major investment in medical technology and workforce development.
Dada explained that the initiative would develop local expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, automation, biomedical engineering and robotic-assisted healthcare, while providing training opportunities for students, healthcare professionals, engineers and researchers.
He added that the programme was designed to support access to advanced minimally invasive surgical care in Nigeria and strengthen the country’s position in healthcare innovation.
The event featured presentations on the academy’s training pathways, remarks by academic partners and 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 minister reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to promoting sustainable partnerships among government institutions, private investors, universities, specialist training bodies and diaspora professionals to expand access to quality training and strengthen Nigeria’s human capital.