By Progress Godfrey

The International College of Surgeons, Nigeria Section (ICS-NG), has called on healthcare professionals to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) to strengthen surgical training and improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Speaking at the opening of its 59th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Abuja, the President of ICS-NG, Prof. Bernard Jiburum, said AI has become central to modern surgical practice and medical education globally.

Jiburum said Nigeria’s health sector stands to benefit greatly from the technology, noting that AI can support continuous learning, expand access to training and improve patient outcomes across the system.

He said the conference theme, “Robotic Surgery: Role of Innovations and Technology in Global Surgery Trends and AI in Global Surgery Evolution”, and the sub-theme on emotional intelligence in surgical practice, reflect current realities in healthcare.

“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.

He also raised concern over stress and burnout among surgeons and trainees, blaming manpower shortages, poor facilities and low remuneration, urging government to address the impact of ongoing economic reforms on the welfare of healthcare workers who remain in the system to train others and deliver care.

Also speaking, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon and medical director, Dr Ityo-Aker Kenneth called for wider use of AI in medicine, stressing the need for ethical safeguards and local adaptation, emphasising that most AI tools used in Nigeria are developed abroad and may not reflect local health realities.

“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 added that AI can help extend quality healthcare to underserved and remote communities.

A former President of ICS-NG, Prof. Akanimo Essiet, urged government to provide stronger support for healthcare institutions and professional bodies.

He said improved funding would boost service delivery and support professional development across the health sector.

The President-Elect of ICS-NG, Dr Grace Nwana, called for better psychosocial and institutional support for healthcare workers to improve performance and retention. She said adequate remuneration, modern equipment, research opportunities and a supportive working environment are essential for quality healthcare delivery.

“When healthcare workers have the necessary infrastructure, equipment, educational opportunities and support systems, they are better positioned to deliver quality services,” Nwana said.