Nairobi, Kenya – Recently, renowned academic and Executive Director of Research Enterprise Systems (RES), Professor Fatai Aremu, called for the ethical and inclusive integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, emphasizing its potential to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of medical services.
Speaking at the Science Policy Engagement for Africa (SPEAR) forum, organized by the Science for Africa Foundation in collaboration with leading research institutions, including Research Enterprise Systems (RES), Professor Aremu highlighted the transformative impact of AI-powered technologies on global healthcare systems.
Meanwhile, he noted that AI is revolutionizing medical diagnostics, disease classification, treatment planning, and cost reduction, offering solutions to some of Nigeria’s most pressing healthcare challenges.
Despite growing interest and investment in AI-driven solutions across sectors, Nigeria’s healthcare system continues to struggle with challenges such as a shortage of medical personnel, inadequate infrastructure, and slow diagnosis processes.
However, Professor Aremu believes AI can bridge these gaps, citing its ability to automate tasks, improve diagnostic accuracy, and optimize treatment delivery.
He also acknowledged Nigeria’s institutional efforts in fostering AI innovation, referencing initiatives such as the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as indicators of the government’s commitment to AI-driven development.
Professor Aremu urged policymakers, health professionals, and tech innovators to work together in developing indigenous AI solutions tailored to Nigeria’s specific healthcare needs. He emphasized that government policies and investments are critical for driving AI adoption in hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions.
At the regional level, he linked Nigeria’s AI ambitions to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which identifies Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), including AI, as a key tool for achieving sustainable development across the continent.
Beyond investment, Professor Aremu stressed the urgent need for training medical personnel in AI applications, ensuring ethical AI deployment, and addressing concerns related to data privacy and cybersecurity. Without proper regulations and safeguards, he warned, AI in healthcare could raise ethical dilemmas and privacy risks.
Professor Aremu’s advocacy aligns with global trends, where countries are increasingly leveraging AI to improve healthcare outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance patient experiences. If effectively implemented, AI could play a transformative role in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system, making quality medical services more accessible and efficient for millions of Nigerians.
With Nigeria’s large population, rising digitalization, and growing focus on AI for economic growth, the integration of AI in healthcare is not just an opportunity—it is a necessity for the future.
