When Nigeria completed its first robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgery in March 2025, it marked a new era for surgical innovation in West Africa. The successful procedure, performed at The Prostate Clinic in Lagos under the leadership of Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, placed Nigeria at the forefront of advanced surgical care on the continent.

Long before this milestone, a young Nigerian physician had envisioned this future.
In 2020, Dr. Tunde Oyebamiji published the first peer-reviewed academic article analyzing the potential for robotic surgery in Nigeria. His article, titled “Robotic surgery in Nigeria: an uncertain possibility”, appeared in the International Surgery Journal and explored the opportunities and obstacles surrounding the integration of robotic technology into Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“At that time, robotic surgery was seen as something distant, perhaps even unrealistic for Nigeria,” Dr. Oyebamiji recalled. “But I believed that with the right planning and investment, we could achieve it.”

His work outlined key steps necessary for success, including infrastructure upgrades, specialized surgeon training, and strategic policy support. It encouraged healthcare leaders to begin preparing early for what could become a transformative leap in surgical capabilities.

Five years later, The Prostate Clinic stands as a realization of that vision. Offering patients greater precision, less invasive procedures, and shorter recovery times, the clinic represents not only a medical achievement but also a testament to the importance of long-term planning and innovation.

“Seeing robotic surgery performed in Nigeria — after writing about its potential as a distant goal — is one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” Dr. Oyebamiji said.

Now based in the United States as a postdoctoral research fellow, Dr. Oyebamiji’s work focuses on trauma, inflammation, and surgical system improvement. He also co-founded Africa’s first smart blood bank, a platform that uses real-time digital systems to deliver lifesaving blood supplies rapidly to patients in need.

Throughout his career, Dr. Oyebamiji has earned numerous international accolades, including awards from the United States African Development Foundation, Diana Award, UNAIDS, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Government of Egypt.

“This success shows that African researchers and healthcare leaders can drive innovation, not just adopt it,” he said. “Nigeria’s future in surgical medicine is bright, and this is just the beginning.”

As the country builds on this achievement, the story of Dr. Tunde Oyebamiji highlights the critical role that visionary research can play in shaping national progress.