The International College of Surgeons (Nigeria) has urged its members and other healthcare professionals to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) to improve surgical training and healthcare delivery.
Speaking at the opening of the college’s 59th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Abuja, ICS-NG President Bernard Jiburum said AI is now a key part of modern surgery and medical education around the world.
He said the technology is particularly important for Nigeria as the country continues to face the loss of skilled health workers. According to him, AI can support continuous learning, expand access to training and improve healthcare outcomes.
Jiburum said the conference themes were timely, given Nigeria’s healthcare challenges and the growing role of technology in solving them.
He noted that AI is being used in diagnosis, surgical procedures, training and post-operative care. He added that its value became even clearer during disease outbreaks such as COVID-19, Lassa fever and Ebola.
“In all aspects of surgery, AI is improving training, access to training and evaluation. We are using it to train better and to improve healthcare delivery,” he said.
Jiburum also raised concerns about stress and burnout among surgeons and trainees, blaming manpower shortages, poor facilities and low pay. He urged the government to ease the impact of economic reforms on healthcare workers who remain in the country.
Consultant orthopaedic surgeon and medical director Ityo-Aker Kenneth called for wider AI adoption while stressing ethical use and local adaptation.
“We need to develop our own algorithms and feed local data into AI systems so they can provide solutions that address our peculiar needs,” he said.
Kenneth said AI could help extend quality healthcare to remote and underserved communities.
Former ICS-NG President Akanimo Essiet called for stronger government support for healthcare institutions and professional bodies, saying better funding would improve service delivery and professional development.
President-elect Grace Nwana urged the government to provide psychosocial and institutional support for healthcare workers.
“When healthcare workers have the necessary infrastructure, equipment, educational opportunities and support systems, they are better positioned to deliver quality services,” Ms Nwana said.
