Medical experts have called for the increased adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across Nigeria’s healthcare sector, highlighting its potential to improve medical training, enhance patient care and address critical challenges facing the industry.
The call was made during the 59th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the International College of Surgeons, Nigeria Section (ICS-NG), held in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the President of ICS-NG, Prof. Bernard Jiburum, said AI has become a vital component of contemporary medical practice and surgical education around the world.
He noted that the technology could play a significant role in Nigeria, particularly at a time when the country continues to experience the departure of skilled healthcare professionals seeking opportunities abroad.
According to Jiburum, AI provides opportunities for continuous professional development, broader access to medical training and improved healthcare outcomes for patients.
The conference focused on the theme, “Robotic Surgery: Role of Innovations and Technology in Global Surgery Trends and AI in Global Surgery Evolution,” while discussions also explored the sub-theme, “Emotional Intelligence and Psychosocial Aspects of Surgical Practice in a Global Community.”
He described both themes as highly relevant, considering the evolving healthcare landscape and the increasing reliance on technology to improve service delivery.
Jiburum explained that AI is already transforming various aspects of healthcare, including disease diagnosis, surgical procedures, medical education and post-operative management. He added that the value of emerging technologies became even more apparent during public health emergencies such as COVID-19, Lassa fever and Ebola outbreaks.
He said AI-driven tools are helping healthcare professionals improve training methods, expand learning opportunities and enhance the quality of care provided to patients.
The ICS-NG president also raised concerns about the growing levels of stress and burnout among surgeons and medical trainees, attributing the challenge to workforce shortages, inadequate infrastructure and poor remuneration.
He urged government authorities to consider the welfare of healthcare workers who remain in the country despite economic pressures, noting that they play a critical role in delivering services and mentoring future professionals.
Also speaking, consultant orthopaedic surgeon and medical director, Dr Ityo-Aker Kenneth, advocated broader utilisation of AI within the healthcare system while emphasising the need for ethical safeguards and solutions tailored to local realities.
He observed that many AI platforms currently in use were developed outside Nigeria and may not fully reflect the country’s unique healthcare needs.
Kenneth stressed the importance of developing local algorithms and integrating Nigerian data into AI systems to generate more accurate and context-specific solutions.
He further noted that AI could help bridge healthcare gaps by extending quality medical services to underserved and remote communities.
A former president of ICS-NG, Prof. Akanimo Essiet, called for increased government investment in healthcare institutions and professional associations, arguing that adequate funding is essential for improved service delivery and capacity development.
Essiet, who also serves on the World Executive Committee of ICS Global and as Secretary of the African Federation of ICS Global, said stronger financial support would contribute significantly to advancing healthcare standards across the country.
Similarly, the President-Elect of ICS-NG, Dr Grace Nwana, appealed for greater psychosocial and institutional support for healthcare workers.
She stressed that medical professionals require competitive remuneration, modern facilities, research opportunities and a conducive working environment to deliver their best.
Nwana maintained that improved infrastructure, access to advanced equipment, continuous education and robust support systems would enable healthcare workers to provide more effective and efficient care, ultimately strengthening the nation’s healthcare system.