The Society for Medical Physiology of Nigeria (SMPN) has called on physiologists and medical researchers to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), strengthen local research and improve medical education to address Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.
The SMPN’s president, Prof. Olorunshola Kolawole, made the call at the society’s second Scientific Conference and National Annual General Meeting, held in Abuja on Wednesday.
Speaking on the theme, “Physiology in the Age of AI, Precision Medicine and Competency-Based Medical Education,” Kolawole said that the conference was tailored towards promoting research collaboration, academic development and advances in clinical and molecular physiology.
He disclosed that about 20 research abstracts had been submitted and peer-reviewed for presentation, expressing optimism that discussions at the conference would help improve research quality in universities and laboratories.
The president also announced an inter-university physiology quiz competition for medical students, an initiative aimed at strengthening students’ understanding of physiology, encouraging interaction among medical schools and fostering academic collaboration.
He expressed hope that the competition would become a national programme involving more institutions.
Kolawole further encouraged researchers to publish their findings in the Annals of Medical and Translational Physiology, the society’s open-access, peer-reviewed journal.
Speaking at the conference, Prof. Samuel Asala, a professor of anatomy and forensic anthropology and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul Odili College of Medicine, Margaret Lawrence University, Abuja, said that physiology research was essential to understanding diseases and developing interventions to improve health outcomes.
He said research findings could contribute to evidence-based health policies, disease prevention and the development of medical interventions suited to Nigeria’s population.
Asala stressed the need for research that reflects the country’s genetic diversity, nutritional patterns, lifestyles and environmental conditions, noting that locally relevant evidence was important for addressing the nation’s healthcare needs.
He urged universities and research institutions to strengthen research facilities, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and provide more opportunities for young scientists.
According to him, emerging technologies such as computational physiology, advanced imaging, data science and artificial intelligence offer opportunities to deepen understanding of human biological processes and accelerate scientific discoveries.
The professor also called for improvements in physiology education through effective teaching methods, practical laboratory training, curriculum development and digital learning resources.
He explained that a sound understanding of normal body functions provides the foundation for identifying abnormalities, understanding diseases and determining appropriate treatments.
Asala further urged senior academics to mentor young researchers and called on the SMPN to strengthen partnerships among universities, hospitals, research institutions, government agencies and private-sector organisations.
He emphasised the importance of research ethics, scientific integrity and responsible data management in advancing medical research.
In his remarks, Prof. Samuel Odeh, chairman of the Local Organising Committee, said the conference provided an opportunity for researchers, lecturers and students to exchange findings, develop practical skills and establish research collaborations.
Odeh noted that emerging technologies could improve scientific discovery and medical education but stressed that their application must not compromise scientific rigour or a proper understanding of human physiology.
He encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained at the conference to improve teaching, research and healthcare delivery.
The conference also features discussions on reclaiming the medical identity of physiology and fluid homeostasis in fertility.
Credit: NAN
