Radiographers expand enrolment quota to curb brain drain

The Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN) has revealed that its members are leaving the country for better opportunities due to the brain drain syndrome. Out of 4,632 radiographers registered in 2024, only 2,810 had their yearly licence.

RRBN Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Prof Mark Okeji, who disclosed this when the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, visited the board’s office in Abuja, said the board had doubled its quota to universities to balance the country’s manpower needs.

Okeji noted that the board has also encouraged the establishment of more B.Sc. programmes in Nigerian universities, adding that 40 institutions have started offering radiography from the initial nine universities.

He observed that the board oversees the professional training of radiographers in all the universities and ensures that they comply with the minimum requirements.

The board also conducts accreditations and professional examinations in universities and the same activities are carried out in schools/colleges of health where technicians, who form the middle-level manpower, are trained.

He said: “The board conducts postgraduate training and awards certificates and diplomas in different specialities and subspecialties of radiography, such as Ultrasonography, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography, Radiation Therapy and Echocardiography.

“These courses are taught by experts from within and outside the country and our certificates are acceptable for registration in the UK and other parts of the world. We sought and received a brand-new ultrasound machine worth over N25 million from Mindray Medical Equipment Company, China, to enhance our training. We also got funding in the past to cover tuition for the training of radiation therapists.”

Okeji observed that the board, under his leadership, developed the indexing portal to ensure that universities adhere to the assigned quota, and opened a portal for online training for some courses.

However, Okeji acknowledged that the board faces challenges such as inadequate office accommodation, insufficient monitoring and enforcement vehicles, and limited activity funding. “The board currently has four vehicles for monitoring and enforcement activities, which is grossly inadequate for the coverage of the entire country.

“We need an increase in our appropriation to enable us to procure more vehicles to ensure strict monitoring to flush out quackery in Nigeria,” he added.

In his response, Salako urged the board to eliminate quackery from the profession and stressed the need for the regulatory body to prevent quacks from practising.

“Combating quackery in healthcare delivery is one of the government’s top priorities. You have the law of the country behind you. So, I want you to be more innovative and forthcoming in ensuring that only qualified individuals practice radiography. Also, only properly registered facilities provide such services in our country,” he said.

Salako also recognised the critical role of radiography in healthcare and commended the board for its efforts in utilising digital technology to streamline processes.