Radiographers in Borno State joined their colleagues around the world on Saturday to commemorate the 2025 World Radiography Day with activities centered on community health and professional excellence.
The event, organized by the Nigerian Association of Radiographers, Borno State branch, took place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu ICT Centre, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
This year’s celebration, themed “Empowering healthcare through imaging excellence,” focused on creating awareness, supporting vulnerable groups, and promoting safe imaging practices.
As part of the program, radiographers conducted free ultrasound scans for over 300 women and children at Gwange 3 and Fori Primary Healthcare Centers in Maiduguri.
They also visited orphanage homes, donated food items, and held educational sessions on breast and other forms of cancer.
Chairman of the association, Abubakar Goni Bashir, said the celebration marks 130 years since the discovery of X-rays by Prof. Wilhelm Conrad.
“We offered free ultrasound services to women and children and visited orphanages to donate food items so they can feel included in the celebration,” Bashir said.
He added that school visitations were also carried out to guide students interested in the radiography profession.
“We have seen great improvement in our outreach activities, especially in extending free health services to vulnerable areas in Maiduguri,” he added.
Bashir encouraged upcoming radiographers to remain disciplined and dedicated, describing radiography as “a profession that rewards commitment and hard work.”
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Chigozie Ivor Nwobi, delivered a lecture titled “Empowering healthcare through imaging excellence: The role of radiographers in quality assurance and radiation safety in imaging.”
He said the celebration not only marks the discovery of X-rays but also promotes awareness of radiographers’ contributions to healthcare.
“Radiographers play a key role in patient management and diagnosis, ensuring safety and quality in imaging,” Prof. Nwobi said.
He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and the use of advanced imaging technologies to maintain global standards.
“Through ongoing professional development, we improve diagnostic accuracy, enhance patient safety, and strengthen healthcare delivery,” he added.
Dr. Matthew Abubakar, senior lecturer at the Department of Medical Radiography, University of Maiduguri, said the celebration serves to increase public awareness about the profession.
“Many people still don’t fully understand what radiographers do, so this celebration helps improve visibility and appreciation of the profession,” he said.
He noted that the discovery of X-rays in 1895 has transformed medicine and other sectors through technologies like MRI, CT scans, and mammography.
Chief radiographer at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri, Radhel Sintamusa Didbal, commended the state government for equipping hospitals with modern radiology facilities.
“The equipment in some state hospitals can now compete with those in federal institutions,” Didbal said.
He, however, appealed for better welfare for radiographers due to the risks associated with radiation exposure.
