Pantami asks FG to Prioritise AI funding for healthcare innovation

Former Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has urged the Federal Government to prioritise funding for artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen innovation in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

Pantami made the call on Thursday while delivering a guest lecture at the 26th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) held in Kaduna.

This year’s conference focused on the theme, “Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Benefits, Ethical Boundaries and Islamic Perspective.”

Pantami said AI had become indispensable in modern healthcare systems across the world, advising Nigeria not to lag at a time when countries are investing heavily in emerging technologies.

“Artificial intelligence is unavoidable, unstoppable, and inevitable,” he said. “It becomes necessary for us as Muslims to look into technology critically and see how it will help our profession.”

Pantami explained that artificial intelligence offers enormous benefits in disease detection, personalised treatment, accuracy in diagnosis, and surgical precision.

He cited examples of virtual surgeries conducted between Rome and Beijing, and between America and Asia, which he described as evidence of the transformative power of AI in saving lives.

“AI will support our medical practitioners in saving lives, increasing high levels of precision and accuracy in determining and diagnosing diseases,” he noted. “But, despite its numerous benefits, its adoption has to be ethical and responsible.”

The ex-minister highlighted the need to invest in modern infrastructure, training, and retraining of medical personnel, as well as developing AI-powered tools that can improve healthcare delivery nationwide.

Stressing that failing to invest in AI would leave Nigeria far behind global trends, he referenced Saudi Arabia’s recent announcement of a $40 billion AI fund—more than Nigeria’s national budget—to illustrate the scale of global commitment to technological advancement.

“We need to prioritise investment in AI infrastructure to support our healthcare system,” Pantami added, emphasising that meaningful funding is the foundation for any long–term technological transformation in the sector.Nigeria

Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5 million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25 million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, click here to find out how it works.

Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.