– Ex-minister says AI can revolutionise disease detection, diagnosis
– Muslims must align with ethical standards, Islamic principles: Prof Oreagba
Former Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has urged the Federal Government to prioritise funding for artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen innovation in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Prof Pantami made the call during his lecture at the 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference of the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) held on Thursday, December 4, at Banquet Hall, Arewa, Kaduna State.
Muslim News gathered that the week-long programme, which commenced on November 29 with a medical outreach, featured a lineup of seasoned scholars who extensively discussed the theme, “Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Benefits, Ethical Boundaries and Islamic Perspectives,” along with various sub-topics.
No fewer than 1,018 delegates from across Nigeria and beyond participated in the hybrid conference, which also explored key issues such as reproductive health, harmful cultural practices, medical ethics, palliative care, and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
Addressing members and guests at the formal opening, Prof. Pantami said AI had become indispensable in modern healthcare systems across the world, advising Nigeria not to lag at a time when countries are investing heavily in emerging technologies.
“Artificial intelligence is unavoidable, unstoppable, and inevitable,” he said. “It becomes necessary for us as Muslims to look into technology critically and see how it will help our profession.”
Offers in enormous benefits in disease detection
Prof Pantami explained that artificial intelligence offers enormous benefits in disease detection, personalised treatment, accuracy in diagnosis, and surgical precision.
He cited examples of virtual surgeries conducted between Rome and Beijing, and between America and Asia, which he described as evidence of the transformative power of AI in saving lives.
“AI will support our medical practitioners in saving lives, increasing high levels of precision and accuracy in determining and diagnosing diseases,” he noted. “But, despite its numerous benefits, its adoption has to be ethical and responsible.”
The ex-minister highlighted the need to invest in modern infrastructure, training, and retraining of medical personnel, as well as developing AI-powered tools that can improve healthcare delivery nationwide.
Stressing that failing to invest in AI would leave Nigeria far behind global trends, he referenced Saudi Arabia’s recent announcement of a $40 billion AI fund—more than Nigeria’s national budget—to illustrate the scale of global commitment to technological advancement.
“We need to prioritise investment in AI infrastructure to support our healthcare system,” Pantami added, emphasising that meaningful funding is the foundation for any long–term technological transformation in the sector.Nigeria
AI must align with Islamic values – Prof Oreagba
The host and National President of the Association, Professor Ibrahim Oreagba, expressed appreciation to the guest speaker for the insightful presentation, described the theme as both timely and relevant, especially in light of the rapid advancements in medical science and technology.
Prof. Oreagba, a Professor of Pharmacology, Therapeutics, and Toxicology at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, stressed the need to harness the potential of AI in Nigeria’s healthcare system, while ensuring that its application aligns with ethical standards and Islamic principles.
He also extended heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi, the Emir of Zazzau, and other key health sector stakeholders for their support and warm hospitality throughout the conference.
Outlines strategic vision for healthcare transformation
Prof Oreagba outlined IMAN’s vision to become the leading healthcare organisation in Nigeria providing interventions inspired and guided by Islamic values.
Prof Oreagba also highlighted the association’s 10-year strategic plan, which focuses on key areas such as advocating for Ibadah-friendly healthcare services, promoting education and research, increasing membership, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring financial sustainability.
Reflecting on the association’s achievements over the past year, he listed several initiatives including Ibadah-friendly concept workshops, the FIMA Lifesaver Program held in September 2025, and collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS on the Nigeria Interfaith Coalition Against HIV/AIDS (NiFCOB-AIDS).
Other notable activities included advocacy for the right of Muslim nurses and students to wear the hijab, Vesico Vaginal Fistula projects, addiction prevention workshops, and the successful online launch of the IMAN Medical Journal.
Prof. Oreagba reaffirmed IMAN’s commitment to addressing critical health challenges in Nigeria through continued collaboration with strategic partners.
He congratulated this year’s award recipients and urged all members to continue making meaningful contributions to the well-being of communities across the country.
“May Almighty Allah grant us all safe return to our various homes,” he concluded.
Founded in 1989, IMAN serves as the umbrella body for Muslim health professionals and hospital workers in Nigeria. The association is affiliated with the Federation of Islamic Medical Associations (FIMA), a global network of Islamic medical organisations. 
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