NIRAD History -

The story of NIRAD (Nigerian Radiographers in Diaspora) began with a group of colleagues who shared a common heritage – Nigeria – 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, even 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.

In 2010, during another condolence visit to Mr Ikenna Ubadgha, Mr Emeka Ifeako created a WhatsApp forum that would drive the association forward. This forum became the catalyst for the formation of NIRAD, and it helped to bring the colleagues closer together.

The first annual mini-conference of Nigerian Radiographers in the UK and Republic of Ireland took place in September 2015 in Birmingham. This meeting was a significant milestone for NIRAD’s development, as it marked the beginning of a new era for the association. Since then, many top-notch annual conferences and scientific sessions have been held, with attendance reaching over 150 persons. NIRAD has become a thriving community that continues to bring Nigerian radiographers together, and it seems set to continue for the foreseeable future.