UNILAG Hosts 42nd Annual PSN Conference, Explores Role of Artificial Intelligence in Physiology

The University of Lagos (UNILAG), through its College of Medicine, hosted the 42nd Annual Scientific Conference of the Physiological Society of Nigeria (PSN) on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Old Great Hall, Idi-Araba Campus.

The event, themed “Artificial Intelligence in Physiology: Exploring the Intersection of Intelligence and Life,” brought together leading experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals to discuss the convergence of science, innovation, and the future of humanity.

Delivering the keynote address, Founder and CEO of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN), Dr. Olusola Ayoola, spoke on the topic “Intelligence and Life: The Intersection.” He described the rise of AI in healthcare as a “generational necessity” aimed not at replacing professionals but at expanding the reach, precision, and empathy of medical care.

Dr. Ayoola highlighted the human cost of systemic failures such as misdiagnoses, medical negligence, counterfeit drugs, and the shortage of qualified healthcare workers. He noted that intelligent systems can bridge these gaps by supporting clinical decisions, validating treatments, and ensuring accountability within healthcare delivery.

He further emphasized the transformative power of AI beyond automation — particularly in improving how medical issues are communicated, managed, and resolved. He cited innovations like AI-enabled telemedicine, automated diagnostics, digital prescription monitoring, and early disease detection as technologies redefining healthcare’s future.

“Artificial intelligence represents our attempt to complement mortal capacity with machine precision — not to replace professionals, but to extend the compassion and accuracy of care,” he said.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Ademola Oremosu, described the conference theme as both timely and visionary.

“Artificial intelligence is not just a tool – it’s a transformative force. We are witnessing a fusion of biology and machine learning, where diagnostic systems learn from data just as our bodies learn from experience,” he remarked.

He encouraged academics and researchers to embrace the AI revolution as an opportunity for innovative collaboration and redefined teaching approaches in physiology and related sciences.

Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, Professor Bolanle Olubusola Iranloye, described the moment as a “scientific crossroads” where the study of life meets the logic of machines, stressing the importance of harnessing AI’s full potential in biomedical research.

In his address, President of the Physiological Society of Nigeria, Professor Abdul Rasak Akinola Alada, called for greater government commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare workers and researchers.

“The brain drain in Nigeria’s healthcare sector is not just about opportunities abroad; it’s about hunger, neglect, and poor emoluments. Innovation cannot thrive where survival is uncertain,” he said.

He urged the government to invest in salaries, research funding, and institutional support to sustain the nation’s healthcare and academic sectors.

The 42nd PSN Scientific Conference reaffirmed UNILAG’s leadership in promoting scientific inquiry and interdisciplinary collaboration. With its bold embrace of artificial intelligence, the University continues to position itself at the forefront of redefining healthcare, education, and innovation in Nigeria and beyond.