Postgraduate radiology education in Nigeria: Looking backward and forward

Abstract

Formal postgraduate radiology education (residency training) in Nigeria commenced in 1976 at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State. Currently, two postgraduate medical colleges (one national and the other international or regional) are saddled with the responsibility of superintending the training programme. This is a chronicle of the evolution of radiology in Nigeria with emphasis on the current status of the training programme and areas that require improvement. Though the programme has delivered a quality healthcare workforce for the country and the international community since inception, significant but surmountable difficulties still exist. It is hoped that all stakeholders and policy-makers will take note and safeguard the future of the specialty.

The use of technology in postgraduate medical education within radiology: a scoping review

“…One of the key concerns for radiology training programs is access to annual budgetary provisions and secure legal backing. Not only are programs poorly funded, but curriculum review is also inconsistent [ 16 ]. There is also a shortage of trainers with some lack of commitment to do the trainings.…”

Radiology subspecialisation in Africa: A review of the current status

“…14 Factors such as the expansive and multifaceted nature of radiology, rapid development of new imaging modalities, the need for subspecialist radiology interpretation for subspecialist referring physicians, more competitive job market, increased prospects of better remuneration, improved professional standing (status symbol), and so on, are the chief drivers of the quest for subspecialisation in radiology. 15 Existing radiology 16 In general, 'radiology' arrived in Africa, not too long after Roentgen discovered X-rays in 1895, when X-ray machines became available in South Africa (1896), 17 Egypt (1906), 18 Uganda (1907), 19 Nigeria (1913), 20 and so on. However, the commencement of radiology postgraduate residency and subspecialisation in African countries seems to have lagged behind the rest of the world.…”

“…In general, ‘radiology’ arrived in Africa, not too long after Roentgen discovered X-rays in 1895, when X-ray machines became available in South Africa (1896), 17 Egypt (1906), 18 Uganda (1907), 19 Nigeria (1913), 20 and so on. However, the commencement of radiology postgraduate residency and subspecialisation in African countries seems to have lagged behind the rest of the world.…”

The current status of ultrasound practice in Kano metropolis, Nigeria

“…Training for diagnostic ultrasound examinations and procedures is varied; the level, duration and intensity depend on the desired use [4]. Medical doctors undergoes radiology residency programme that lasts for an average duration of 5 years in African countries before being certified to practise radiological procedures including ultrasonography [10,11]. Residency is defined as the constellation of learning activities carried out to enable doctors to develop relevant competencies and deeper knowledge in specific subject areas after completion of basic medical education [11].…”

“…Medical doctors undergoes radiology residency programme that lasts for an average duration of 5 years in African countries before being certified to practise radiological procedures including ultrasonography [10,11]. Residency is defined as the constellation of learning activities carried out to enable doctors to develop relevant competencies and deeper knowledge in specific subject areas after completion of basic medical education [11]. In Nigeria, radiographers shall additionally possess a postgraduate diploma in Ultrasonography of the Nigerian Institute of Radiography or any other qualifications recognized by the Board before being certified to practise general ultrasonography; otherwise, they are restricted to obstetric and gynaecology scan [12].…”