The National Institute for Research and Therapeutics (NICRAT) has trained health workers in the south-west geopolitical zone of Nigeria on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in cancer treatment.
The three-day capacity building workshop, held at the Department of Radiation Oncology, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, is part of a broader national program across six geopolitical zones in the country.
Speaking at the event, NICRAT Director, Professor Usman Aliyu, said the initiative underscores the institute’s commitment to deploying innovation and technology to enhance cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria.
Aliyu, who was represented by Dr. Jimoh Alani, Acting Chief of the Nuclear Medicine Unit in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of California, described the workshop as a strategic intervention aimed at improving cancer outcomes and building a highly skilled medical oncology workforce that can take advantage of emerging technologies.
He said, “Today, we begin our mission to improve cancer care in Nigeria. NICRAT is proud to lead this effort by leveraging innovation and technology to improve outcomes for cancer patients across the country.”
He noted that NICRAT continues to play a leading role in cancer prevention, control, research and treatment, adding that the capacity building program reflects the Institute's determination to integrate modern tools such as AI into routine oncology care.
According to him, AI is revolutionizing healthcare around the world and is having a profound impact on oncology.
He said AI can enhance early detection of cancer, improve diagnostic accuracy, support personalized treatment plans and improve understanding of cancer biology.
“AI also enables us to identify high-risk populations and develop targeted strategies. The role of AI in cancer treatment is critical and Nigeria must not be left behind.”
He explained that the workshop was designed to equip healthcare professionals with the practical knowledge and skills needed to apply AI in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care.
Participants drawn from a variety of oncology-related fields engage in intensive training sessions, expert-led discussions, and knowledge sharing throughout the three-day program.
Aliyu expressed confidence that this training will have a ripple effect across the health sector as participants return to institutions better equipped to provide quality cancer care.
“The benefits of this program are tremendous. It will improve diagnostic accuracy, strengthen treatment planning, strengthen collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and policy makers, and ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.”
He commended the support of the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services and other partners, saying their commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “New Hope for Health” agenda contributed to the success of the initiative.
While drawing attention to the growing burden of cancer in Nigeria, Aliyu stressed the urgency of adopting innovative solutions to address the growing challenge.
“Cancer remains our nation's leading cause of illness and death. By leveraging artificial intelligence, we can turn the tide by improving survival rates, reducing suffering, and improving the quality of life for cancer patients.”
However, Aliyu reaffirmed NICRAT's commitment to continued innovation, collaboration and capacity building in cancer care.
He appealed to government, academia, and healthcare stakeholders to support the integration of AI-driven solutions.
“Together, we can bring hope to those affected by cancer and build a healthier future for Nigeria.”
The workshop will feature in-depth sessions on the introduction of artificial intelligence in oncology and the future of cancer treatment, AI applications in tumor diagnosis such as histopathology and biopsy interpretation using digital microscopy, and AI-enabled cancer imaging for accurate detection of breast, lung, and brain tumors.
Other areas of focus include the application of AI in surgical oncology, machine learning and deep learning in cancer management, AI-assisted clinical decision-making in complex gynecological cancer cases, AI-enhanced radiotherapy including automatic contouring, dose prediction, and workflow optimization, and the use of AI to optimize chemotherapy through dose adjustment, toxicity prediction, and personalized treatment planning.
