Ongoing work

One of the challenges that NIRAD aims to tackle is that many of its members, while doing fantastic research, leadership and other work, are doing so in isolation. “Individually, they might be stars. But if we bring them together, we can form a galaxy – a galaxy that would be really useful for the profession as a whole,” Chidi says.

By collaborating with the SoR, the two groups hope to share resources to do things together that neither could achieve while apart. An aspect of that is getting the word out – establishing a Nigerian radiographers’ special interest group in collaboration with the SoR will allow NIRAD to advertise what it can do for members far more broadly. For those conducting radiography research who are struggling with funding, for example, not being aware that the SoR has the ability to provide funding grants, or resources to guide them towards funding, can be a hindrance to a project. By serving as a signpost to these resources, Chidi hopes that the NIRAD can prevent people from missing out on doing things they should be able to do.

The group also holds outreach events in Nigeria itself, sharing knowledge of technological advancements in the UK that might not have made their way to the country yet. By preparing Nigerian radiographers with theoretical knowledge before equipment or technology becomes available, NIRAD aims to speed up practical adoption of these innovations.

Sue Johnson, SoR professional officer for clinical imaging, says: “Developing our collaboration with NIRAD is a win-win situation for both organisations. We expect to learn from the NIRAD members how we can better support them in their UK practice and provide tailored support to them as a group. This should extend our impact and reduce the need for individual support unless required. 

“Much as I might imagine how it feels to relocate to an entirely new country, culture and healthcare system, I haven’t got the lived experience nor the cultural background to recognise the specific personal and professional challenges faced by Nigerian-trained radiographers and their families. I am already learning from Chidi and the committee how they support their members, and I am confident that we can provide a complementary level of support and guidance to help new and established radiographers deliver their best to patients, gain appropriate support and find fulfilling job roles and careers in the UK. 

“Along with the Professional Association of Indian Radiographers (PAIR), NIRAD represents a significant number of radiographers who have left their homeland to come to the UK and support our services. We thank them for helping to fill the gaps, for bringing their expertise to our patients and so willingly sharing their insight and knowledge with us at the SoR to help benefit all international recruits.”

Sue says the SoR and NIRAD are exploring possible opportunities to work together, with more information set to be published in due course. 

Origins

NIRAD began with a group of colleagues who shared a common heritage but had relocated to the UK and Ireland in search of new opportunities. Despite being in a new environment, the colleagues remained determined to stay in touch and support each other through thick and thin. They exchanged emails, attended social events and continued to nurture their professional relationships as they adapted to their new surroundings.

In 2004, during a condolence visit to Mr Kevin Onah, one of the colleagues, Dr Ike Oze suggested that they form an association that would bring everyone together. The idea was well received, and over the next few years the colleagues continued to discuss the possibility of forming an association that would unite Nigerian radiographers in the UK and Ireland. “They noticed that they could actually come together – that we are a lot more than we think we are,” says Chidi. “We just added to that original group and, over time, we grew.”

Now, the NIRAD stands at a membership count of more than 300 radiographers, sonographers and radiography academics.

The first annual mini conference of Nigerian Radiographers in the UK and Republic of Ireland took place in September 2015 in Birmingham, and has been held every year since, with attendance reaching more than 150 people. And in 2024 a three-day conference took place in Nottingham on 30 September, where people from all parts of the UK and Northern Ireland were invited to share their projects, research or otherwise, network with fellow radiographers and share their professional experiences.

Members of executive committee of NIRAD include Augustine Obi (President), Nsenam Obot (Vice President), Chidi Ollawa (Secretary), Chikaodi Ohanyere (Assistant Secretary), Nnaemeka Ugwu (Welfare Officer), Chiemeka Iroegbu (Publicity secretary), Joshua Okpara-Ijeru (Provost), Chinyere Eleto-Temple (Treasurer) and Jennifer Anugwo (Financial Secretary).