UI Professor Calls for Safer Paediatric Imaging, Stronger Radiation Protection Policies

A Professor of Paediatric Radiology at the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Omolola Mojisola Atalabi, has called for safer paediatric imaging practices and stronger radiation protection policies to improve healthcare delivery for children.

Professor Atalabi made the call while delivering the University's 619th Inaugural Lecture on behalf of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences.

The lecture, titled "Spinning in the Invisible Rays of Paediatric Imaging: A Prophecy Fulfilled from Darkness to Light of Destiny," focused on the need to balance technological advancement in medical imaging with patient safety.

She described paediatric imaging as an essential component of modern healthcare, noting that it plays a critical role in the accurate diagnosis and effective management of childhood diseases.

However, the professor cautioned that children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of ionising radiation and stressed that imaging procedures involving children must be carefully justified to ensure maximum benefits with minimal risks.

Professor Atalabi explained that radiation safety principles require healthcare professionals to ensure imaging procedures are necessary and carried out using the lowest possible radiation dose capable of producing accurate diagnostic results.

She noted that although diagnostic X-rays are generally safe when properly used by trained professionals, inappropriate imaging requests and poorly regulated facilities expose patients, especially children, to avoidable health risks.

To improve patient safety, she advocated:

• Stricter regulation of imaging centres
• Continuous professional training for radiologists, radiographers and medical physicists
• Development of locally appropriate imaging protocols that prioritise patient safety while maintaining diagnostic quality

She also urged regulatory authorities to strengthen monitoring of imaging facilities, particularly private centres, to ensure compliance with paediatric radiation safety standards.

The professor further called for the inclusion of protection against excessive ionising radiation in the Child Rights Act, arguing that children should receive special legal safeguards because of their unique vulnerability.

Professor Atalabi disclosed that man-made radiation now contributes significantly to overall radiation exposure, with Computed Tomography (CT) and Nuclear Medicine accounting for the largest proportion of medical radiation doses.

She highlighted the global "Image Gently" campaign, which promotes imaging protocols specifically designed for children, stressing that adult imaging techniques should not automatically be applied to paediatric patients.

According to her, the safe use of medical imaging technologies requires collaboration among:

• Radiologists
• Radiographers
• Medical physicists
• Other healthcare professionals

She also advocated greater use of safer imaging alternatives, including:

• Ultrasound
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Professor Atalabi noted that these technologies can provide valuable diagnostic information without exposing children to ionising radiation where appropriate.

She further called for continuous training and professional development for radiologists, radiographers and medical physicists in radiation safety, quality control and appropriate imaging protocols, while encouraging clinicians to consult radiologists when determining the most suitable imaging procedures for patients.

The professor also emphasised the need for increased investment in specialised training and improved access to basic imaging equipment for medical students and healthcare professionals.

She maintained that developing competent professionals and strengthening healthcare systems are essential for advancing radiology and improving patient outcomes.

Professor Atalabi added that mentorship, collaboration and service remain critical to developing the next generation of healthcare professionals, stressing that the future of paediatric imaging depends on balancing technological advancement with ethical responsibility, scientific evidence and an unwavering commitment to patient safety.

The lecture was the 16th inaugural lecture of the University of Ibadan's 2025/2026 academic session.