Doctors urge wider adoption of AI in healthcare

A web photo AI in healthcare.

Kindly share this story:

Medical doctors have called for the accelerated adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria’s health sector and improved financial planning among medical professionals.

This call was made at the Seventh Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the University of Ilorin Medical Class of 2009, which was held virtually.

The statement made available to our correspondent on Saturday noted that the conference brought together alumni practising across Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other parts of the world to discuss emerging trends shaping global healthcare and the future of medical practice.

Speakers at the event emphasised the need for Nigerian clinicians to embrace innovation, safeguard their financial well-being, and contribute to strengthening the nation’s health system.

According to the World Health Organisation, prioritising AI for health is crucial, given its potential to enhance healthcare and address global health challenges, including the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

The global health body said the urgency is exacerbated by a significant pacing gap, with technology outpacing legal frameworks.

Delivering the lead scientific presentation, a U.S.- and U.K.-trained clinical AI specialist, Dr Lawal Lukman, described Nigeria as sitting on a fortune of untapped medical data.

He explained that the country hosts the largest concentration of Black clinical data globally, yet less than five per cent of existing AI models worldwide are trained using such datasets.

“This imbalance limits the accuracy and global applicability of AI tools in diagnosing, predicting, and managing diseases within African populations.

“I urge Nigerian medical practitioners to prioritise proper documentation of routine clinical encounters and ensure that records are structured in line with international research and AI-readiness standards,” he stated.

He highlighted how datasets from specialities such as cardiology, dermatology, pathology, radiology, and obstetrics and gynaecology could significantly advance machine-learning tools if properly curated.

According to him, “Properly organised clinical records could attract major international research collaborations, improve clinical decision-making, and create new revenue-generating opportunities. If Nigeria can structure and secure its clinical data, the world will come here to train their models.”

He stressed the need for robust data governance frameworks, strong cybersecurity systems, and ethical compliance mechanisms to protect patient privacy and prevent misuse of health information in the AI ecosystem.

Speaking on the theme of financial well-being, the Managing Director of Value Alliance Asset Management, Mrs Yvonne Akintomide, urged medical doctors to be more deliberate about long-term financial planning.

Akintomide noted that the heavy workload and unpredictable nature of medical practice often lead many practitioners to neglect critical aspects of financial management.

She explained the benefits and limitations of key financial instruments, including private equity, commercial papers, stocks, bonds, treasury bills, mutual funds, pension funds, and trusts.

She emphasised the importance of budgeting, risk management through insurance, disciplined savings, estate planning, and diversified investment portfolios. She further encouraged the alumni group to explore collective ventures, such as establishing a Health Maintenance Organisation, remarking that similar initiatives have succeeded among medical associations abroad.

“Doctors must be intentional about their financial stability. Financial literacy is essential for both personal well-being and long-term career sustainability,” she said.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr Qudus Lawal, urged participants to translate the knowledge gained into meaningful personal and professional actions.

He said that the true value of the conference would be measured by how members apply the shared insights to improve patient care, strengthen health systems, and enhance personal development.

In his remarks, the Class Chairman, Dr Tijani Abdulrasheed, praised members of the Class of 2009 for their excellence across the globe.

He encouraged them to continue blazing the trail in clinical practice, research, leadership, and community development, while remaining committed to supporting their alma mater.

The statement noted that the AGM featured comprehensive reports on the group’s philanthropic initiatives, including a medical outreach at the Children’s Specialist Hospital Centre, Igboro, Ilorin, Kwara State, where hospitalised children received financial and medical support.

Dr Lawal explained that the outreach was conducted in honour of seven deceased classmates, alongside the presentation of the class’s annual scholarship awards to outstanding medical students at the University of Ilorin and a reaffirmation of its continued welfare support for the families of departed members.

The PUNCH journalist, Lara, has over 10 years experience covering health, environment and CSOs

Kindly share this story:

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]

UPDATE NEWS: Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25Million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, 👉 click here to find out how it work (Be sure to ask for evidence of clients that have benefitted from this)

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.