Acta Scientific Neurology (ASNE) (ISSN: 2582-1121)

Perspective Volume 9 Issue 1

Bridging the Neurosurgical Gap in Nigeria: A Holistic Perspective on Access, Equity, and Healing

Alao Ibraheem Adebayo

Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author: Alao Ibraheem Adebayo, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Received: September 29, 2024; Published: December 28, 2025

Abstract

Neurosurgical disorders represent a critical and growing health burden in low- and middle-income countries. In Nigeria, where over 200 million people live with limited access to neurosurgical services, the challenge extends beyond the operating room. With only around 132 practicing neurosurgeons—concentrated in urban hubs—the workforce shortage leaves millions underserved. This article explores Nigeria’s neurosurgical crisis through a holistic lens, integrating biomedical, psychosocial, cultural, and systemic dimensions of health. We argue that bridging the gap requires not only expanding training and infrastructure but also addressing financial inequities, leveraging traditional health systems, promoting preventive strategies, and integrating community-based care. By combining modern neurosurgical advances with holistic principles of patient-centeredness, equity, and resilience, Nigeria can develop a neurosurgical care system that honors both cutting-edge science and the lived realities of its people.

Keywords:Neurosurgery; Equity; Healing

References

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  2. Ukachukwu AE., et al. “Assessing the neurosurgical capacity in Nigeria using standardized facility assessment tools”. World Neurosurgery 47 (2024): 29.
  3. Ukachukwu AE., et al. “The status of specialist neurosurgical training in Nigeria”. World Neurosurgery2 (2024): 45-54.
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  5. Alkire BC., et al. “Global access to surgical care: A modeling study”. Lancet Global Health6 (2015): e316-e323.
  6. Adeolu AA., et al. “Challenges of neurosurgical practice in Nigeria”. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice9 (2019): 1165-1171.
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Citation

Citation: Alao Ibraheem Adebayo. “Bridging the Neurosurgical Gap in Nigeria: A Holistic Perspective on Access, Equity, and Healing".Acta Scientific Neurology 9.1 (2026): 30-33.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2026 Alao Ibraheem Adebayo. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.




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    Authors are requested to submit manuscripts on/before January 23, 2025, for the Second issue of 2026.

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