Kingsley Ekwueme, a professor and pioneering urological and robotic surgeon, is transforming prostate cancer treatment in West Africa with his groundbreaking contributions.
In 2022, at Reddington Hospital, Lagos, Ekwueme and a team of Nigerian surgeons performed a groundbreaking prostate cancer surgery in just two and a half hours. Explaining the significance of the procedure, he stated:
“What we’ve done is treat and cure prostate cancer with surgery like never before. This is laparoscopic keyhole surgery, where a high-definition camera magnifies the prostate, eliminating the need to open the pelvis. We can perform intricate dissections with precision, preserving the patient’s nerves. As a result, his cancer would be cured, he would maintain his erectile function, and he would retain all his normal bodily functions. Moreover, he will spend just one night in the hospital—compared to the weeks of recovery required for open surgery.”
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The patient, a man in his 60s, testified to the success of the procedure, highlighting the minimal blood loss and the smoothness of his recovery.
From Nigeria to the United Kingdom
A UK-trained surgeon, Ekwueme hails from Amanogu, Ihitenansa in Orsu LGA, Imo State, Nigeria. His journey in medicine began at the University of Ibadan, where he distinguished himself as a top-performing student, earning multiple academic prizes. He later completed his surgical training on the Merseyside training scheme in the UK, under the mentorship of esteemed surgeons. His expertise further expanded through a Robotic Surgery Fellowship in Paris and collaborations with leading experts in France and Germany.
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His research contributions in urology are equally remarkable. Holding a Doctoral Degree from the University of Liverpool, he has authored several influential studies, including work on modified transperineal template-guided saturation biopsy of the prostate, a technique that has improved the accuracy of prostate cancer diagnosis.
Beyond clinical practice, he is an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Bangor University, an Honorary Lecturer at Cardiff University Medical School, and an Honorary Clinical Lecturer at Swansea University Medical School. He is also a trainer and member of the prestigious Faculty of Surgical Trainers at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
His dedication to medicine and research has earned him numerous accolades, including the Best Poster Prize from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the Norman Gibbon Travel Scholarship, and several academic awards recognizing his excellence in medical education and research.
historic prostate surgery in Nigeria
In another historic achievement, he successfully performed West Africa’s first robotic prostate cancer surgery on March 25, 2025, at The Prostate Clinic (TPC) Nigeria Centre for Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery in Lagos. This milestone not only showcased the potential of advanced medical technology in Nigeria but also reduced the need for medical tourism, ensuring that world-class care is accessible at here.
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Founder of The Prostate Clinic (TPC)
As the Founder of The Prostate Clinic (TPC)—West Africa’s first super-specialised prostate cancer centre—Ekwueme has built a legacy of excellence, offering state-of-the-art robotic and laparoscopic treatments tailored to individual patient needs. His extensive experience ensures that every patient receives world-class care from diagnosis to recovery.
Commitment to impact
Driven by a passion to transform cancer treatment in Nigeria, Ekwueme is committed to training local surgeons, making advanced procedures more affordable, and introducing innovative techniques. Among his scientific breakthroughs is a zero-blood-loss procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia, promising safer and more effective treatments for patients.
With an unwavering commitment to advancing medical care in Africa, Ekwueme is not just a surgeon—he is a visionary leader shaping the future of urological treatment on the continent.
