By Muhammad Amaan
The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has commenced a three-day capacity-building training of health professionals on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cancer care/treatment in Nigeria.
Director-General of NICRAT, Professor Usman Aliyu, who declared the workshop open on Wednesday in Jos, said the aim of the training was to strengthen the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals.
Prof. Aliyu, who was represented by Dr Olusegun Akanni, Consultant Gynaecologist Oncologist, Department of Clinical Services, NICRAT, said the training was to help the trainees leverage AI technologies for cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research.
The DG explained that the initiative was part of its broader strategy to modernise cancer care delivery and improve patient outcomes across the country.
“Our goal is to provide outstanding service in cancer care, and we have been working diligently to reach this goal.
“The launch of this capacity-building programme demonstrates our commitment to using innovation and technology to improve cancer outcomes in Nigeria.
“Cancer is a leading cause of illness and death, and we must act now to address this issue. We can turn the tide against cancer through the use of AI.
“AI can improve early detection, diagnostics, and personalised treatments. It also helps us understand cancer biology better, identify high-risk groups, and develop targeted strategies; the role of AI in cancer treatment is crucial, and we are eager to explore its possibilities in Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, participants would participate in intensive training sessions and exchange knowledge and best practices on AI applications for cancer care.
“We anticipate this programme will create a ripple effect, enabling healthcare professionals nationwide to deliver better care for cancer patients.
“It will also boost the ability of healthcare professionals to make accurate diagnoses, create effective treatment plans, and improve patient outcomes,” he added.
He stated that the training would also encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among healthcare workers, researchers, and policymakers, ultimately spurring innovation and progress in cancer care.
Similarly, Dr Maurice Nimark, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and lead consultant at the capacity training workshop, highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence in addressing Nigeria’s cancer burden.
Nimark described the workshop as a timely intervention, as artificial intelligence had the potential to transform cancer care in Nigeria through early detection, accurate diagnosis, and improved treatment planning.
The consultant said that building local capacity of experts in AI applications would reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign expertise and strengthen Nigeria’s health system response to the growing cancer burden.
He stressed that AI-driven tools can support clinicians in making faster and more informed decisions.
