Imo Academy launches Africa's first robotic surgery program targeting 500 trainees
Robotic surgery: Imo academy claims Africa first, targets 500 surgeons
Imo State University has partnered with the Imo Robotic Centre to establish a dedicated robotic surgery academy, aiming to train over 250 Nigerian surgeons and other surgical professionals within two years. The program covers multiple specialties including urology, gynaecology, and general surgery, rather than focusing solely on prostate procedures. Led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, the initiative includes support for equipment procurement, installation, and certification, with the goal of making robotic surgery accessible across Nigeria and reducing medical tourism.
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eam had performed more than 145 robotic procedures through a programme he developed, describing the figure as the highest recorded by a comparable programme in Africa. He called on the Federal Government and public hospitals to support robotic surgery through partnerships, affordable equipment procurement and reduced taxes on imported medical equipment. “We know how to acquire affordable robotic systems. I will advis
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Imo State University has established a robotic surgery academy in partnership with the Imo Robotic Centre, targeting the training of 500 surgeons and other surgical professionals within two years. Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, recently appointed Professor of Robotic Surgery at the university, disclosed the initiative, describing it as Africa’s first dedicated robotic surgery academy located within a university campus.
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He said the partnership followed a meeting between the university and its partners on August 18, 2026, with a memorandum of understanding subsequently signed and a departmental building allocated to the academy. According to Ekwueme, the programme will train more than 250 Nigerian surgeons alongside other surgical professionals, attracting participants from across Africa. The training will cover multiple specialities
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eam had performed more than 145 robotic procedures through a programme he developed, describing the figure as the highest recorded by a comparable programme in Africa. He called on the Federal Government and public hospitals to support robotic surgery through partnerships, affordable equipment procurement and reduced taxes on imported medical equipment. “We know how to acquire affordable robotic systems. I will advis
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th robotic equipment procurement and installation, while international faculty members would support the training. Imo State University would oversee certification. Ekwueme said the Imo Robotic Centre, established in partnership with the Imo State Government under Governor Hope Uzodimma, had commenced operations, performing its first surgery in August 2026 and subsequently carrying out several robotic procedures. He
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rovide advanced diagnostic and cancer treatment services. ALSO READ: Why parents, caregivers should avoid hitting children on the head – Neurosurgeon Explaining the technology’s benefits, Ekwueme said robotic systems provide magnified three-dimensional views and instruments that enable precise movements during complex operations. Procedures include prostate and kidney surgeries, fibroid removal, hysterectomy and bowe
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l cancer surgery, with potential benefits including reduced blood loss, surgical trauma and recovery time in appropriately selected patients. He stressed, however, that acquiring robotic equipment without adequate training could compromise outcomes, making surgical proficiency central to the academy’s objectives. Ekwueme, who is clinical lead for urology at Glan Clwyd Hospital, North Wales, United Kingdom, said his t
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