Doctors Push for Broader AI Use in Healthcare

The Call for AI Integration and Financial Planning in Nigeria’s Healthcare

Medical professionals in Nigeria have raised concerns about the urgent need to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the country’s healthcare system. This call was made during the Seventh Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the University of Ilorin Medical Class of 2009, which took place virtually. The event brought together alumni from various parts of the world, including Nigeria, the United States, and the United Kingdom, to discuss current trends and future directions in global healthcare.

The conference highlighted several critical issues facing the medical community. One of the main topics was the importance of embracing innovation and improving financial planning among medical practitioners. Experts emphasized that Nigerian clinicians must take proactive steps to ensure their financial stability while contributing to the nation's health system.

According to the World Health Organisation, prioritizing AI in healthcare is essential due to its potential to address global health challenges and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. However, the rapid advancement of technology has outpaced legal frameworks, creating a gap that needs immediate attention.

Dr. Lawal Lukman, a U.S.- and U.K.-trained clinical AI specialist, delivered the lead scientific presentation at the conference. He pointed out that Nigeria possesses a vast amount of untapped medical data, particularly in the form of Black clinical data. Despite this, less than five percent of existing AI models worldwide are trained using such datasets. This imbalance limits the accuracy and applicability of AI tools in diagnosing and managing diseases within African populations.

Dr. Lukman urged medical practitioners to focus on proper documentation of routine clinical encounters and ensure that records meet international research and AI-readiness standards. He suggested that data from specialties like cardiology, dermatology, pathology, radiology, and obstetrics and gynaecology could significantly enhance machine-learning tools if properly curated.

He also highlighted the benefits of well-organized clinical records, stating that they could attract international research collaborations, improve clinical decision-making, and create new revenue opportunities. If Nigeria can structure and secure its clinical data, it could become a hub for training AI models globally.

In addition to AI integration, the conference addressed the importance of financial planning for medical professionals. Mrs. Yvonne Akintomide, Managing Director of Value Alliance Asset Management, urged doctors to be more deliberate about long-term financial planning. She noted that the demanding nature of medical practice often leads to neglecting financial management.

Akintomide discussed various financial instruments, including private equity, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, and emphasized the importance of budgeting, risk management through insurance, disciplined savings, and diversified investment portfolios. She encouraged the alumni group to explore collective ventures, such as establishing a Health Maintenance Organisation, citing successful examples from other countries.

Dr. Qudus Lawal, Chairman of the Planning Committee, urged participants to translate the knowledge gained into meaningful actions. He stressed that the true value of the conference would be measured by how members apply the insights to improve patient care, strengthen health systems, and enhance personal development.

Dr. Tijani Abdulrasheed, Class Chairman, praised the members of the Class of 2009 for their excellence across the globe. He encouraged them to continue leading in clinical practice, research, leadership, and community development while supporting their alma mater.

The AGM featured comprehensive reports on the group’s philanthropic initiatives, including a medical outreach at the Children’s Specialist Hospital Centre in Igboro, Kwara State. Hospitalized children received financial and medical support during the event. Dr. Lawal explained that the outreach was conducted in honor of seven deceased classmates, alongside the presentation of annual scholarship awards to outstanding medical students at the University of Ilorin and reaffirmation of welfare support for the families of departed members.