Nigeria education minister inaugurates Nigeria’s first robotic surgery academy

Nigeria has inaugurated a specialised academy for robotic surgery, with plans to train 400 surgeons and other specialists within two years as the country seeks to strengthen advanced medical services and reduce dependence on overseas training.

The Redeemer’s Health Village (RHV) Robotic Surgery Academy was inaugurated on Thursday, October 22, 2026, by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa. The initiative brings together RHV, RoboMed Global, the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria and Redeemer’s University.

What the Robotic Surgery Academy Will Offer

According to the academy’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Adedamola Dada, the programme will cover urology, general surgery and gynaecology, alongside training for operating theatre personnel, biomedical engineers and hospital administrators.

Dada disclosed that two robotic systems valued at $4 million had been acquired for surgical services and training.

The National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria will oversee the postgraduate fellowship diploma programme and certify surgeons who complete the training, while Redeemer’s University will train nurses, biomedical engineers and other technical personnel.

The programme will incorporate simulation, supervised clinical practice and patient-safety assessments to prepare professionals to operate robotic surgical systems.

FG Announces Medical Training Expansion

Speaking at the inauguration, Alausa said the Federal Government had spent approximately ₦250 billion on medical education over the preceding two years to improve training and institutional capacity.

He added that the government planned to increase annual enrolment in medical programmes to 20,000 within the next two years, citing the need to expand specialist training in line with Nigeria’s population and healthcare demands.

The minister also said qualified medical professionals would receive sponsorship through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to attend the academy. He disclosed that the institution would be included among 28 approved institutions eligible for TETFund’s local scholarship component.

Reducing Dependence on Overseas Training

RHV’s leadership said the academy was designed to develop the skilled workforce required to support the safe use of robotic technology in surgery.

Redeemer’s University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, stressed that the success of robotic-assisted surgery would depend on professional competence, ethical practice and patient safety.

The National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria also identified the initiative as an opportunity to expand specialist training locally and reduce medical tourism.

RHV, a faith-based medical institution owned by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, said it performed its first robotic-assisted surgery in September, alongside what it described as Nigeria’s first telesurgical operation, in partnership with RoboMed Global.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria