Professor Anthony Ugwu, a renowned academic radiographer, lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Public Relations Officer of the Radiography Lecturers Association of Nigeria (RLAN), has congratulated Dr Idris Garba on his appointment as the new Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN) by the Federal Ministry of Health.
Prof. Ugwu who had earlier called on the Health Ministry to ignore his colleagues who had opposed the appointment described the appointment as a welcome development.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Health for demonstrating courage and administrative responsibility in making the decision in the interest of the profession and regulatory continuity.
He expressed confidence in the capacity of Dr Garba to provide purposeful leadership for the board and advance the growth of radiography practice in Nigeria.
While congratulating the new Registrar, Prof. Ugwu advised him to approach the office with humility, strict adherence to established laws and the Public Service Rules, noting that respect for due process would help promote peace and stability within the profession.
He also urged Dr Garba to always respect the fundamental rights of practitioners, seek professional and legal guidance when necessary, and maintain an open-door leadership style that recognizes service to the profession above personal authority.
According to Prof. Ugwu, leadership in professional regulation should be guided by fairness, consultation and respect for all stakeholders.
He further cautioned against any form of harassment of members of the profession, adding that the office of the Registrar should be seen as one of service rather than domination.
Prof. Ugwu also used the opportunity to reflect on challenges previously faced by some members of the profession, particularly academic radiographers, noting that regulatory policies should always consider the welfare and realities of practitioners, including lecturers who contribute significantly to the training of future professionals despite the poor remuneration often associated with the academic environment.
He expressed optimism that Dr. Garba’s tenure would usher in a more inclusive, transparent and progressive era for radiography practice and regulation in Nigeria.
Prof Anthony Ugwu, popularly referred to as the Senior Advocate of Radiography (SAR), berated former Registrars who he alleged were forcing non practising lecturers to renew their annual licence and advised Dr Garba not to tow such line.
He said that the fundamental rights of the practitioners must be respected.
He insisted that Radiographers Board should henceforth stop collecting dues directly or indirectly for any association, whether MISON, ARN or RLAN as this, he argued, amounts to infringement of the fundamental rights of Nigerian Radiographers to freedom of association as enshrined in section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution.
