Experts

  The 11th Annual General and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NAPGHAN) kicked off in Ibadan, Oyo State, drawing experts from across Nigeria and beyond to explore the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on child health. The keynote speaker, Professor James Renner, Professor of Paediatrics at Babcock University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, delivered a powerful and inspiring message that set the tone for the conference. Speaking on the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in child health, he said, “When we speak of a revolution in medicine, we don’t mean smoke-filled streets or manifestos. This is a revolution made not by crowds, but by code. Quiet, yet powerful. Not loud, but lasting. Not chaotic, but creative. And it is only just beginning.” Professor Renner outlined the evolving role of AI in paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition, stressing that AI is not just a tool but a fundamental shift in how healthcare is approached, delivered, and experienced. He detailed how AI is already improving diagnostic accuracy, personalising nutrition through genomics and microbiome analysis, and enhancing remote monitoring through mobile applications for feeding practices and symptom tracking. He stated emphatically: “AI is with us. We cannot shy away from it. But we must use it sensibly, with ethical responsibility and scientific clarity. AI must not mislead us; rather, it must guide us to be better, faster, more precise—without losing our human compassion.” He added that every child deserves access to the benefits of AI, calling on the government and healthcare institutions to embrace the technology in full support of the Nigerian child. “In the last eight months alone, over ten countries have adopted AI-driven systems in paediatric care. We must not be left behind,” he warned. The conference, hosted for the first time in the South-West Zone, was declared open with a warm welcome from the Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee, Dr. Joyce Akinseinde, who described it as a landmark event and a personal honour. She welcomed dignitaries including the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Oyo State, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi (represented); Chief Host and CMD of UCH, Professor Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo (represented by Professor Olubukola Adesina); and the host, Prof. Biobele Brown, among other academic and clinical leaders. She called on participants to actively engage with the theme and use the sessions to spark new insights and collaborations. In his presidential address, Professor Felix Olukayode Akinbami, President of NAPGHAN, echoed the urgency of embracing AI, describing it as a “transformative force” with the potential to redefine medical practice. “Artificial Intelligence can enhance diagnostics, personalise treatment plans, and improve patient outcomes. But we must also ask, can it replace the nuances of human judgement, empathy, and experience?” he queried, urging delegates to critically explore these questions during the conference. Prof. Akinbami also announced plans to propose the creation of a national registry for congenital alimentary tract malformations in children, citing the need for real-time data to inform policy and care. He expressed appreciation to Prof. Otegbayo for hosting the conference free of charge and for approving the acquisition of a paediatric endoscope for the newly accredited unit in the Department of Paediatrics at UCH—a major win for child health services in Nigeria. Representing Prof. Otegbayo, Prof. Olubukola Adesina, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, noted that UCH remains committed to promoting innovation and advancing research in paediatric healthcare. “AI must be an enabler, not a barrier,” he cautioned, emphasising the need for data security, ethical compliance, and capacity building among healthcare workers. Co-chairperson of the LOC, Dr. Virginia Guvoeke, underscored the relevance of the theme, describing the event as an opportunity to reaffirm the association’s commitment to gastrointestinal health for Nigerian children. “AI has come to stay. It is changing how we manage our patients, and we are optimistic that with government support, we can do more,” she said in an interview. Also speaking at the event, Professor Iyabo Runsewe-Abiodun, logistics chairperson and advisor, encouraged participants to fully engage with the presentations and translate the knowledge gained into practical clinical impact. “The world is tending towards AI, and so is medicine. We must not be left behind,” she stressed. Among other distinguished attendees were Dr. Akinfemi Akinyode, Permanent Secretary, Oke Ogun Health Zone 1 (representing the Oyo State Health Commissioner); Dr. Tomi Coker, Honourable Commissioner for Health, Ogun State, represented by Dr. Ogunsilu Esther, Director of Primary Health Care System Development, Ogun State; and Dr. Wole Oyeyemi, Director of Administration, UCH. The scientific sessions and workshops of the conference will focus on topics such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic liver disease, diagnostic challenges in resource-limited settings, and nutrition therapy. The conference promises not only intellectual enrichment but opportunities for professional networking, collaborations, and long-lasting partnerships in paediatric gastroenterology across Nigeria and beyond. With Professor James Renner’s passionate call to action and the collective commitment of healthcare leaders, NAPGHAN 2025 has set a new pace in aligning child health with global technological advancement. “This is not just a conference,” Prof. Renner concluded. “It’s a beginning. Let us make sure every Nigerian child benefits from this AI revolution.”