Artificial Intelligence: Lagos Healthcare Leaders Urged to Embrace and Challenge It
The Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Alex Alake, has called on healthcare leaders in Lagos to actively engage with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to benefit from its advantages. He encouraged them to "befriend it, learn it, challenge it," emphasizing that AI will only replace jobs if people allow it.
This message was delivered during a two-day management retreat organized by the Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHT), themed “Preparing the Allied Healthcare Workforce for AI-Driven Future: Education Strategies for Tomorrow’s Challenges.” The Commissioner was represented by Mrs. Gbemisola Kayode-Bolarinwa from the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
AI is Already Reshaping Healthcare
Alake highlighted that AI is no longer a concept of the future but a present reality transforming medicine globally. He pointed out:
- AI tools such as IBM Watson and Google’s DeepMind improve diagnostics by analyzing X-rays, detecting tumors, and predicting disease outbreaks faster than humans.
- Telemedicine startups like Helium Health and 54gene use AI for patient data management and genomic research.
- AI-driven prosthetics and robotic therapy devices enhance rehabilitation for stroke and accident victims.
- Public health benefits from AI by tracking disease patterns and predicting outbreaks like malaria using climate and population data.
He urged healthcare leaders to be curious, bold, and tech-savvy, noting that LASCOHT has a unique chance to train AI-ready allied health professionals who can improve diagnostic accuracy, hospital efficiency, and expand healthcare access in underserved communities.
Education Strategies to Prepare Healthcare Workforce
Dr. Kolawole Godonu, keynote speaker and Director of the Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board, stressed that AI is transforming healthcare delivery, affecting diagnostics, treatment, and patient management. He proposed five key strategies for reshaping health education:
- Curriculum re-engineering to include data literacy, machine learning, AI, digital diagnostics, and telehealth systems.
- Faculty development to equip educators with necessary AI knowledge.
- Simulation-based learning to offer practical, hands-on experience.
- Data-driven decision-making to improve healthcare outcomes.
- Industry-academia collaboration to bridge education and real-world healthcare needs.
Dr. Godonu also highlighted ethical concerns related to AI, such as biased algorithms, data privacy breaches, and unequal access to digital tools. He emphasized the importance of teaching techno-ethics, so graduates can evaluate AI applications for fairness, transparency, and inclusivity.
As a public institution, LASCOHT is positioned to democratize AI knowledge and ensure digital transformation benefits a broad audience.
State Government’s Commitment to Advancing Healthcare Education
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Akibu, revealed plans to upgrade LASCOHT and consider giving it polytechnic status. This move aims to strengthen the institution’s capacity to train healthcare professionals fit for an AI-driven future.
LASCOHT’s Provost, Prof. Raheem Akewushola, described the retreat as timely, underlining that AI is already affecting how diseases are diagnosed, treated, and managed. He stressed the need for a healthcare workforce that is technologically skilled and adaptable to automation.
Over the past year, the college has made significant strides, including clearing a backlog of academic results, matriculating 802 new students, and enhancing facilities with a modern library and digital conference room.
Prof. Akewushola also announced a new memorandum of understanding with key health agencies to improve practical training and career opportunities for students. Other initiatives include a digital lecture supervision system and a state-of-the-art college clinic, developed in partnership with the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board.
Moving Forward
Healthcare professionals in Lagos are encouraged to engage with AI technologies actively. Training programs and educational reforms are underway to ensure the workforce is prepared for the changes AI brings to healthcare delivery.
For healthcare workers interested in expanding their AI knowledge, exploring AI courses tailored to various professions can provide practical skills to stay ahead.
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