Imo State is set to begin robotic assisted surgery in Owerri, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s adoption of advanced surgical technology. The procedure will take place at the newly established Imo Robotics and Oncology Centre, located within the reconstructed Imo Specialist Hospital in Umuguma, Owerri West, as reported by ChannelsTv.
The inaugural procedure will be led by Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a UK based consultant robotic and laparoscopic surgeon, alongside a team of medical specialists from Nigeria, the UK, Europe and the United States. The initiative is designed not only to introduce robotic surgery but also to facilitate knowledge transfer and train local medical professionals in advanced surgical techniques.
The development is part of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s wider investment in specialist healthcare infrastructure, with the state positioning the centre as a way to provide complex medical treatment locally and reduce the need for residents to travel abroad for specialised care. The centre is expected to combine robotic surgery with oncology services and advanced minimally invasive procedures.
For Imo and Nigeria’s healthcare sector, the launch represents a significant step towards integrating advanced medical technology into local healthcare delivery. Beyond improving access to specialist procedures, the project could strengthen local surgical expertise, support medical training and help position Owerri as an emerging destination for advanced healthcare services in the region.
