The conference focused on emerging global healthcare trends and the future of medical practice. Speakers emphasised that Nigerian clinicians must embrace innovation, safeguard their financial well-being, and actively contribute to strengthening the nation’s health system.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prioritising AI in health is critical, given its potential to enhance care delivery and address global health challenges, including the Sustainable Development Goals. The urgency is heightened by a widening gap between technological advances and existing legal frameworks.
Unlocking Nigeria’s Medical Data
Delivering the lead scientific presentation, Dr. Lawal Lukman, a U.S.- and U.K.-trained clinical AI specialist, described Nigeria as sitting on a wealth of untapped medical data. He noted that the country hosts the largest concentration of Black clinical data globally, yet less than five per cent of existing AI models are trained using such datasets.
“This imbalance limits the accuracy and global applicability of AI tools in diagnosing, predicting, and managing diseases in African populations,” Dr. Lukman said. He urged Nigerian practitioners to systematically document clinical encounters and ensure records align with international research and AI-readiness standards.
Dr. Lukman highlighted how well-curated datasets from cardiology, dermatology, pathology, radiology, and obstetrics and gynaecology could advance machine-learning tools, attract international research collaborations, improve clinical decision-making, and generate new revenue opportunities. He also stressed the importance of robust data governance, cybersecurity, and ethical compliance to safeguard patient privacy and prevent misuse of health information.
Financial Well-Being for Medical Professionals
On the financial front, Mrs. Yvonne Akintomide, Managing Director of Value Alliance Asset Management, encouraged medical doctors to prioritise long-term financial planning. She noted that the unpredictable nature of medical practice often leads professionals to neglect critical aspects of financial management.
Akintomide explained the benefits and limitations of financial instruments such as private equity, commercial papers, stocks, bonds, treasury bills, mutual funds, pension funds, and trusts. She emphasised budgeting, risk management through insurance, disciplined savings, estate planning, and diversified investment portfolios. She also suggested exploring collective ventures, such as establishing a Health Maintenance Organisation, citing similar successful initiatives among medical associations abroad.
“Doctors must be intentional about their financial stability. Financial literacy is essential for both personal well-being and long-term career sustainability,” she said.
Translating Knowledge Into Action
Dr. Qudus Lawal, Chairman of the Planning Committee, urged participants to convert insights gained at the conference into actionable personal and professional steps, stating that the true value of the event would be measured by improvements in patient care, health systems, and personal development.
Dr. Tijani Abdulrasheed, Class Chairman, praised members of the Class of 2009 for their excellence across the globe and encouraged continued leadership in clinical practice, research, and community development while supporting their alma mater.
The AGM also highlighted philanthropic initiatives, including a medical outreach at the Children’s Specialist Hospital Centre, Igboro, Ilorin, Kwara State, in memory of seven deceased classmates. Hospitalised children received financial and medical support, alongside the presentation of annual scholarships to outstanding University of Ilorin medical students, reaffirming the class’s commitment to welfare and community support.
The conference underscored a dual focus for Nigeria’s medical professionals: embracing AI-driven innovation to improve healthcare delivery and prioritising financial literacy to secure long-term stability.