Prof. Mark Okeji, a radiography specialist at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, told new healthcare graduates that integrating artificial intelligence into their practice is essential. Speaking at an induction event for medical laboratory, nursing, and radiography students at PAMO University of Medical Sciences in Rivers State, Okeji warned that professionals who fail to master the technology will soon find themselves outdated. According to Punch, the professor stressed that AI is designed to support human expertise rather than replace it, making clinical work simpler and improving patient outcomes.
Okeji explained that AI systems can analyze medical samples, interpret images, and process large volumes of patient data within seconds. He noted that this capability accelerates diagnosis and supports clinical decision-making. The professor also highlighted the role of wearable devices, such as smartwatches, in monitoring vital indicators like heart rate and blood pressure, which helps identify potential health problems early. He further described how AI is already used in telemedicine, hospital administration, and remote patient monitoring, strengthening public health surveillance by predicting disease outbreaks and optimizing resource deployment.
Despite these benefits, Okeji identified several challenges that must be addressed for responsible AI adoption. He pointed to scattered health records, privacy issues, biased algorithms, and a lack of trust among some clinicians as key obstacles. To overcome these, he urged institutions to build stronger ethical frameworks and regulatory structures, ensuring practitioners develop the skills needed to use the technology effectively. He described the future of healthcare as intelligent, connected, and human-centered.
Earlier in the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Smith Jaja expressed confidence in the 28 inductees, stating they had completed rigorous academic and clinical training. Prof. Adaeze Oreh, representing the Pro-Chancellor, emphasized the importance of collaboration among nurses, lab scientists, and radiographers. She described lab scientists as the "detectives of medicine" and nurses as the "heart and backbone of patient care," noting that each profession contributes uniquely to better patient results. Oreh also revealed that the university’s board had approved direct hiring after internship for top graduates from these three departments.