The growing demand for medical imaging procedures has triggered a surge in diagnostic investigations, leading to rising complication trends and a nationwide manpower shortage in Nigeria. Radiography expert Air Commodore Bolaji Israel Jayeoba noted that the increasing complexity of the field has prompted many institutions to establish full faculties for radiography. Speaking at the induction and oath‑taking ceremony for radiography graduates at Osun State University, Jayeoba highlighted several challenges: a severe shortage of trained professionals, inadequate infrastructure, and an unreliable power supply.
Nigeria’s radiographer‑to‑population ratio stands at 1:40,000, with only 5,000 radiographers serving a population of 200 million—an alarmingly low figure. The country also lacks sufficient medical imaging equipment, having just 183 CT machines (as of 2018) and 58 MRI machines (as of 2016). Jayeoba identified human error, the absence of standardized working environments, and poor remuneration as specific issues confronting radiographers. These shortcomings contribute to increased medical migration, low local investment, and exploitation of gaps by foreign investors.
Despite these obstacles, Jayeoba outlined opportunities in fields such as general radiography, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine, urging graduates to remain open to continuous learning. He called on the government to invest in radiography equipment and emphasized that practitioners should be actively involved in this process.
The Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, Prof. Odunayo Clement Adebooye, praised the presence of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria, underscoring the university’s commitment to quality. The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. David Adekunle, welcomed the inductees, urging them to prioritize patient safety and uphold professionalism and excellence. Prof. Mark Okeji, Registrar and CEO of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria, congratulated the graduates and advised them to take their internship seriously as a prerequisite for full registration.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the college. Dr. Musa Yusuf Dambele, President of the Association of Radiographers of Nigeria, welcomed the newly inducted radiographers and encouraged them to make a strong impact in their workplaces. The event reinforced the importance of addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s radiography sector, particularly the need for increased investment in equipment and training to improve healthcare outcomes.
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