Lagos: Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Alex Alake, on Friday urged healthcare leaders in the state to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) to fully leverage its benefits. "Don't fear AI. Befriend it, learn it, challenge it, and every time someone says AI is going to take our jobs, smile and reply: Only if we let it," Alake stated during a speech at a management retreat organized by the Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHT).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the retreat, themed 'Preparing the Allied Healthcare Workforce for AI-Driven Future: Education Strategies for Tomorrow's Challenges,' saw Alake represented by Mrs. Gbemisola Kayode-Bolarinwa from the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. Alake emphasized that the future of healthcare in Lagos would be shaped by innovation and urged leaders to be curious, bold, and tech-savvy.
Alake pointed out that LASCOHT has a unique opportunity to pioneer AI-ready allied health professionals, enhancing accuracy in diagnostics and efficiency in healthcare services. He noted that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but is actively reshaping medicine globally. He highlighted AI-powered tools like IBM Watson and Google's DeepMind in diagnostics, and the role of startups like Helium Health and 54gene in telemedicine and genomic research. AI-driven prosthetics and robotic therapy devices are improving rehabilitation, while AI aids in tracking disease patterns in public health.
Dr. Kolawole Godonu, the keynote speaker and Director of the Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board, discussed AI's transformative impact on healthcare delivery, particularly in diagnostics, treatment, and patient management. Godonu proposed strategies including curriculum re-engineering and industry-academia collaboration to transform health education, while also noting the ethical concerns AI raises, such as biased algorithms and data privacy breaches.
Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Akibu, mentioned plans to upgrade LASCOHT and potentially elevate its status to a polytechnic. LASCOHT's Provost, Prof. Raheem Akewushola, highlighted the retreat's timeliness and the need for a tech-savvy healthcare workforce, noting notable achievements such as clearing academic backlogs, matriculating new students, and establishing partnerships to enhance practical training.
The memorandum of understanding with various health boards aims to foster collaboration and expand career opportunities for students. The provost also mentioned advancements like a digital lecture supervision system and the opening of a state-of-the-art college clinic, marking significant progress in practical training and community service.