FG Backs Landmark Capacity-Building Programme For Biomedical Engineers In Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria – The National Project Director and Chief Executive Officer of Healthy Living Communications Ltd., Chief Emmanuel Oriakhi, has officially declared open a historic capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening the competence of Biomedical Engineers and uplifting the practice of Biomedical Engineering in Nigeria.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chief Oriakhi expressed profound joy at the realization of a vision that has been in development for over a decade. He noted that the idea for the programme was conceived through his extensive engagements as Coordinator of the Meetings of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria.

According to him, frequent visits to hospitals across the country revealed a troubling trend—many critical medical equipment lying idle or abandoned due to inadequate maintenance culture, limited management support, low workforce motivation, and insufficient opportunities for professional development among biomedical practitioners.

He emphasized that while routine maintenance challenges exist, a more pressing concern is the urgent need for continuous training and knowledge upgrades to keep pace with rapidly evolving medical technologies and contemporary equipment models.
Chief Oriakhi commended the College of Biomedical Engineering and Technology for partnering in the initiative, describing their passion and commitment to advancing professional standards as instrumental in bringing the programme to fruition. He also praised the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for its strong institutional backing.

He specifically acknowledged the immediate past Director of Hospital Services (DHS), Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, mni, for his early belief in the programme and facilitation of necessary approvals. He further expressed appreciation to the current DHS, Dr. (Mrs.) Abisola Adegoke, for ensuring the successful finalization of arrangements following her predecessor’s exit.

Supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda

Chief Oriakhi noted that Nigeria’s healthcare system has historically faced criticism over inadequate infrastructure and manpower. However, he highlighted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government has made significant investments in upgrading healthcare facilities, equipment, and personnel within the past two years.
He stated that these investments are already yielding positive outcomes, with Nigeria gradually emerging as a destination for medical services, including patients from outside the country—an encouraging step toward reversing medical tourism trends.
To safeguard these investments, he stressed the importance of strengthening maintenance culture and enhancing the technical capacity of Biomedical Engineers who are responsible for ensuring optimal functionality of state-of-the-art medical equipment nationwide.

Training Objectives

The newly launched programme is designed to:

Update and refresh the knowledge base of Biomedical Engineers and technical staff.

Improve professional performance and operational efficiency.

Reduce equipment abandonment in hospitals.

Minimize repair costs and financial losses arising from non-functional machines.

Institutionalize continuous professional development within the sector.

Chief Oriakhi described the initiative as the beginning of deliberate and sustained strategies to elevate the status and rating of Biomedical Engineering practice in Nigeria. He disclosed that additional trainings, stakeholder meetings, and interactive forums would follow to consolidate progress.

Call for Institutional Support

He appealed to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to provide sustained annual support and facilitate access to funding mechanisms to ensure the long-term sustainability of the programme.

He also thanked CMDs and MDs of Federal Tertiary Hospitals for recognizing the programme’s potential to reduce the abandonment of medical equipment and improve operational efficiency in their institutions.

Special appreciation was extended to His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, Chairman and Mentor, described as a steadfast stakeholder in Nigeria’s health sector, for his continued encouragement and support toward initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery.

Chief Oriakhi concluded by expressing gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare for his leadership and physical presence at the event, describing it as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the health sector.

He also appreciated all special guests and stakeholders in attendance and wished them safe travels back to their respective destinations.

Signed:
Chief Emmanuel Oriakhi
National Project Director / CEO
Healthy Living Communications Ltd.