BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, NOVEMBER 09, 2025 | 02:42 PM
Radiographers in Borno State have joined their colleagues across the world to celebrate the 2025 World Radiography Day with a focus on community service and awareness creation.
The event, held on Saturday at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu ICT Centre, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, centered on the theme ‘Empowering healthcare through imaging excellence.’
As part of the celebration, members of the Nigerian Association of Radiographers, Borno State branch, organized free ultrasound scans for over 300 women and children at Gwange 3 and Fori Primary Healthcare Centers.
They also visited orphanages, donated food items, and conducted awareness sessions on breast and other forms of cancer.
'This day marks 130 years since the discovery of X-rays by Prof. Wilhelm Conrad,' said chairman of the association, Abubakar Goni Bashir.
He explained that the outreach was designed to extend healthcare to those who might not easily access radiographic services.
'We offered free ultrasound services to women and children, donated food to orphans, and visited schools for career guidance,' Bashir added.
He noted that community engagement had expanded this year, allowing more residents to benefit, especially in vulnerable parts of Maiduguri.
Bashir urged young radiographers to remain disciplined and dedicated, saying, 'Radiography is a rewarding profession for those who serve with commitment.'
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Chigozie Ivor Nwobi, delivered a paper titled ‘Empowering healthcare through imaging excellence: The role of radiographers in quality assurance and radiation safety in imaging.’
'Today we commemorate 130 years since X-rays were discovered,' Prof. Nwobi said.
He explained that the day provides a platform to educate professionals and the public about safe imaging and the crucial role radiographers play in patient care.
'Radiographers must uphold quality assurance and ensure radiation safety while delivering patient-centered care,' he stated.
He emphasized continuous learning and the adoption of new imaging technologies to improve healthcare outcomes.
'Through continuous professional development and modern tools like AI-powered imaging, we improve patient safety and efficiency in diagnostics,' he added.
Dr. Matthew Abubakar, a senior lecturer at the Department of Medical Radiography, University of Maiduguri, said the celebration helps promote the visibility of radiographers.
'Many people still don’t fully understand what radiographers do,' he said.
'This day helps raise awareness of our role in medicine, engineering, and other fields influenced by the discovery of radiation in 1895,' he explained.
He described imaging technologies such as MRI, CT scans, and mammography as lasting contributions of radiography to healthcare.
Chief radiographer at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri, Radhel Sintamusa Didbal, commended government efforts to improve radiology facilities.
'The state government has provided quality equipment in its hospitals, and some can now compete with federal institutions,' he said.
Didbal, however, urged authorities to do more to enhance the welfare of radiographers, citing their constant exposure to radiation as a professional risk.