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The Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN) has commended President Bola Tinubu for reinstating funding and settling the 2004 salary arrears owed to the Board and other regulatory agencies.
The Registrar of the Board, Prof. Mark Okeji, expressed gratitude during a visit by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Isiaq Adekunle Salako, to the Board’s headquarters in Abuja. However, he urged the government to increase budgetary allocations to help combat quackery in the profession, particularly through the procurement of more enforcement vehicles.
According to Prof. Okeji, who also serves as Chairman of the Committee of Registrars of 13 MDAs under the Health Ministry, the Board currently operates with only four monitoring vehicles, stationed in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Enugu—leaving offices in Sokoto, Maiduguri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Awka, and Ilesha without adequate resources for enforcement.
“Quackery in radiography leads to misdiagnosis and uncontrolled exposure to radiation, which can increase cancer risks if not properly regulated. Effective monitoring is capital-intensive, and we need better funding to sustain these crucial activities.”
Tackling the “Japa” Syndrome and Expanding Training
Addressing the rising exodus of radiographers due to the “Japa” syndrome, Prof. Okeji highlighted that the Board has doubled university quotas to meet the country’s growing demand for radiographers.
“We have 4,632 radiographers on our register, but only 2,810 have renewed their licenses in 2024. Many are leaving for opportunities abroad, but we are increasing training to bridge the gap. Since I assumed office, we have expanded from 9 universities to 40 offering radiography, with many set to graduate their first cohorts soon.”
To further address the shortage, the Board secured ₦7 million in funding for tuition-free training of therapy radiographers in Nigeria.
Infrastructure and Institutional Growth
Prof. Okeji also listed key milestones achieved under his leadership, including:
Relocation to a 28-room office at the Federal Secretariat from a 7-room rented apartment, saving government funds.
Purchase of seven utility vehicles for operational use.
Renovation of zonal offices in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ilesha, Maiduguri, Calabar, Awka, Enugu, Sokoto, and Kano.
Construction of an office and training complex in Enugu for the South-East and South-South regions.
Federal Government’s Charge to Radiographers
In his response, Minister Dr. Isiaq Salako commended the Board for its contributions to the health sector but challenged them to intensify efforts against quackery.
“I urge you to be more innovative in ensuring that only qualified professionals practice radiography and that only registered facilities offer these services in Nigeria. The fight against quackery is a priority for the Federal Government, and your role as a regulatory body is crucial.”
Dr. Salako also encouraged the Board to see the restored funding as a call to greater service delivery, urging them to justify the government’s confidence in their work.
About Radiography
Radiography is the science and art of applying radiation energy to diagnose and treat diseases, including cancer. It plays a crucial role in producing X-rays, ultrasound scans, and MRI images, essential for modern healthcare.
-Radio nigeria
