UNN Lecturer Calls for Investment in Telemedicine Infrastructure to Bridge Healthcare Gap

Dr. Bonaventure Onyeka Ekengwu, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), has discovered significant advances in satellite technology for mobile telemedicine applications work that recently appeared in the International Journal of Informatics and Communication Technology (IJ-ICT) in December 2022. Solving Nigeria’s Healthcare Challenges “The problem we face in […]

Dr. Bonaventure Onyeka Ekengwu, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), has discovered significant advances in satellite technology for mobile telemedicine applications work that recently appeared in the International Journal of Informatics and Communication Technology (IJ-ICT) in December 2022.

Solving Nigeria’s Healthcare Challenges
“The problem we face in Nigeria is clear,” Dr. Ekengwu explained during an interview. “Many of our rural communities cannot access quality healthcare because of distance and poor infrastructure. My work focuses on satellite dish antenna control for distributed mobile telemedicine nodes that can bring medical services directly to these underserved areas.”

The Awka-born engineer discovered how to improve communication systems for mobile telemedicine units using Nigeria’s NigComSat-1R satellite. His research addresses the time delays and signal instability that have previously limited satellite-based medical communication.

“When we tested our full state feedback controller system, we achieved remarkable results,” he told Guardian. “We recorded 99.6% improvement in response time and 99.2% improvement in settling time compared to existing systems. This means doctors can communicate with remote patients almost instantly.”

Message to Nigerian Government and Citizens

Dr. Ekengwu used the opportunity to advise Nigerians on the importance of investing in advanced healthcare technology.
“My advice to the Nigerian government is simple: we must prioritize investment in telemedicine infrastructure,” he said. “The technology exists, and we have proven it works. What we need now is the political will and funding to deploy these systems nationwide.”

To fellow Nigerian researchers and students, Dr. Ekengwu offered encouragement: “Don’t look outside for solutions to our problems. We have the intellectual capacity right here in Nigeria to solve our healthcare challenges. Young people should focus on science and technology education.”

He also advised rural communities to embrace telemedicine when it becomes available. “These mobile telemedicine units will bring specialist doctors to your doorstep. You won’t need to travel hundreds of kilometers to see a cardiologist or get expert medical advice.”

Academic Journey and Vision

Dr. Ekengwu shared his academic journey with Guardian, explaining how he earned his B.Eng (2010) and M.Eng (2016) from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University before completing his Ph.D in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 2021.

“My passion for solving Nigeria’s communication challenges drove me to focus on satellite technology,” he revealed. “Every research project I undertake must have direct application to improving life for ordinary Nigerians.”

Practical Applications

When asked about practical applications, Dr. Ekengwu painted a clear picture of how his discoveries could work.

“Imagine a mobile clinic equipped with our satellite system arriving in a remote village in Zamfara or Borno State,” he explained. “A patient with heart problems can be examined by a local nurse while a cardiologist in Lagos watches the procedure live via satellite and provides immediate guidance. This could save thousands of lives.”

The system also enables:

Remote monitoring of pregnant women in rural areas

Emergency medical consultations during natural disasters

Continuous medical education for rural healthcare workers

Specialist pediatric care for children in remote communities

Call for Action

Dr. Ekengwu concluded the interview with a strong call for action: “Nigeria spends billions treating medical tourists abroad. If we invest just a fraction of that money in telemedicine infrastructure using our own satellite technology, we can provide world-class healthcare to every Nigerian, regardless of location.”

He particularly emphasized the role of NigComSat-1R: “We have our own satellite. Let’s maximize its potential for healthcare delivery instead of always depending on foreign solutions.”

The UNN lecturer also advised private investors to consider telemedicine as a viable business opportunity that serves both profit and national development.

“Healthcare is both a social responsibility and a business opportunity,” he noted. “Investors who support telemedicine infrastructure will not only make profits but also contribute to saving Nigerian lives.”
University Support

The University of Nigeria Nsukka has expressed strong support for Dr. Ekengwu’s work, with university officials noting that such practical research aligns with UNN’s commitment to solving national challenges through academic excellence.

As Nigeria continues developing its satellite and telecommunications capabilities, Dr. Ekengwu’s discoveries provide a crucial foundation for expanding telemedicine services across the country’s 774 local government areas.