At the 8th Memorial Lecture held at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), experts and stakeholders in the medical field explored the urgent need to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into medical education. The lecture, dedicated to the legacy of Prof. Felix Oladejo Dosekun, focused on how AI is reshaping healthcare and the role of education in equipping future doctors with the necessary skills to adapt to technological advancements. Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, CEO of Elshcon Group and the guest speaker, emphasized that AI is no longer a distant concept but an essential tool that must be incorporated into the medical curriculum to enhance healthcare delivery.
Dr. Membere-Otaji addressed widespread concerns about AI potentially replacing human doctors, clarifying that AI is designed to augment rather than replace medical professionals. He explained that while AI can improve diagnostics, streamline data analysis, and assist in robotic surgeries, it cannot replicate the human qualities of compassion, empathy, and ethical judgment that define patient care. He reassured attendees that AI should be viewed as a powerful complementary tool, helping doctors make more precise and informed decisions while improving overall patient outcomes.
The lecture also underscored the ethical considerations surrounding AI in healthcare. While AI offers increased efficiency and accuracy, Dr. Membere-Otaji stressed the need to balance technological advancements with human-centered medical practice. The event opened with a tribute to Prof. Dosekun, whose contributions laid the foundation for CMUL as a leading institution in Nigerian medical education. Prof. Ademola Oremosu, the current Provost, highlighted how the lecture series, initiated in 2001, has remained a platform for discussing the future of medical education in Nigeria.
Discussions also touched on the funding challenges of modern education, particularly in integrating AI into medical training. Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, called for increased private sector partnerships, endowments, and government support through initiatives like the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to bridge financial gaps. Dr. Membere-Otaji concluded by emphasizing that AI is not just an option but a necessity for a future-focused healthcare system, urging universities to take proactive steps in updating their curricula to keep pace with global advancements.