The Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, in collaboration with the Archives of Basic and Applied Medicine, successfully held its plenary sessions during the 9th Unibadan Conference of Biomedical Research on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Abdullahi Ganduje Hall.
The conference, themed "AI in Translational Biomedical Research, Teaching, and Clinical Practice: Opportunities and Challenges," attracted a distinguished gathering of scholars, professors, deans, provosts, directors, heads of departments, lecturers, and students, all eager to explore the integration of artificial intelligence in health care.
During Plenary Session I, Dr. Olusola Saheed Adeola highlighted the four pillars of medical practice that AI can enhance: Detection, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery. "AI seeks to support our practice in these areas," he explained. “It can help us detect irregularities in patients, improve diagnostic accuracy, streamline drug discovery, and monitor recovery more effectively."
He emphasized the necessity of utilizing diverse data types in building AI models, including multi-omics data, medical imaging, electronic health records, and clinical trial data. “The implementation of secure databases and optimized algorithms is imperative for leveraging AI in biomedical science,” he added, noting that efficient data management strategies can significantly reduce mortality rates by expediting diagnosis.
The concerns surrounding ethics in AI were also addressed by Dr. Adeola. He reminded attendees that privacy is paramount, “When a patient visits a doctor, they should feel assured that their information is kept confidential, and the same principle must be applied when integrating AI into our systems."
Plenary Session II, chaired by Dr. Adedayo Falade, featured an engaging panel discussion with Prof. Oyediran Oyewole from the Department of Health Promotion and Education, Prof. Olufade Williams Onifade from the Department of Computer Science, and Dr. Akindele O. Adebiyi from the Department of Community Medicine.
Prof. Oyewole delivered a compelling presentation on "Nutrition and Health Optimization," asserting, “If the human brain hasn’t been functional, there would be no such thing as AI. Our journey through life, and hence the development of AI, is critically influenced by nutrition.”
He called for a greater emphasis on preventative healthcare, stating, “Adequate preventive knowledge is essential to maintain our health and avoid disease.” He listed aspects of nutrition essential for optimal health, such as mindful eating, intuitive nutrition, and meal planning, asserting, "Optimizing nutrition is a powerful investment in our health, allowing us to lead healthier lives."
Prof. Onifade's presentation focused on "AI in Translational Biomedical Research, Teaching, and Clinical Practice." He began with a provocative question: "How do you use your AI?" He elaborated on the transformative impact AI can have on various health systems, “Traditionally, drug development takes 10 to 15 years; however, AI can reduce this timeline significantly.” His findings highlighted the improved efficiency of AI in diagnostics and treatment, emphasizing the potential for faster, more accurate healthcare solutions.
Dr. Adebiyi then discussed "AI in Medical Practices," noting that AI is not a completely new concept but is being scaled up in innovative ways. “AI's application in medicine extends to policy issues, access to care, technology adoption, and even drug inventory management.” He underscored the importance of adapting AI to fit within existing healthcare frameworks, including addressing drug adherence and enhancing patient monitoring capabilities.
Following the insightful sessions, participants engaged with the speakers during a Q&A segment, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives on the future of AI in healthcare.
In an exclusive interview with CEOAFRICA, Prof. Oyewole expressed his views on AI's readiness in Nigeria, highlighting the need for proper guidance and control in the digital age. He remarked, “There’s a vast amount of information available online today, but we must discern which is beneficial and which is harmful. Educational systems need to filter AI-generated responses to ensure integrity and learning."
Prof. Onifade echoed this sentiment, stating, “Nigeria is primed for AI adoption, but it requires dedication across all sectors. Establishing policies regarding its use will be pivotal in harnessing AI’s potential while ensuring ethical considerations are met.”
The plenary sessions of the 9th Unibadan Conference of Biomedical Research showcased the incredible potential of AI to not only enhance healthcare delivery but also address the pressing challenges faced within the industry.
