A Nigerian engineer, artificial intelligence researcher, and Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Abeokuta Branch, Engr. Olumayowa Ayodeji Idowu, FNSE, has called for the adoption of Engineering-driven artificial intelligence solutions to strengthen healthcare delivery in Nigeria and other developing nations. He made the call while speaking as one of the featured presenters at the 3rd UK Engineering Conference, organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Glasgow Branch, in collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland. The conference, held under the theme “Engineering Innovation for National Impact,” attracted engineers, academics, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts from across the globe to deliberate on Engineering innovations capable of addressing real-world challenges. At the event, the Chairman of the NSE Branch Chairmen Forum delivered a presentation titled “Engineering Scalable Multimodal AI Systems for Clinical Report Generation.”
During his presentation, Engr. Idowu demonstrated how engineering and artificial intelligence can be harnessed to improve healthcare delivery by supporting clinicians in generating medical reports more efficiently. He noted that Nigeria continues to grapple with inadequate healthcare personnel, growing patient populations, and limited access to specialist care, particularly in rural and underserved communities. According to him, innovative Engineering solutions can help bridge these gaps by improving efficiency, reducing administrative burdens on healthcare professionals, and enabling quicker access to quality medical services.
He further explained that artificial intelligence is not intended to replace doctors or other healthcare professionals but to serve as an intelligent support system that enhances clinical practice. Engr. Idowu stressed that with the right regulatory framework, strong data privacy measures, and continuous oversight by medical experts, AI can improve healthcare outcomes, strengthen telemedicine, enhance medical documentation, and facilitate timely diagnosis of critical diseases. He reiterated that engineering should remain focused on delivering practical solutions that directly improve people’s lives and support national development.
The presentation generated significant interest among delegates, sparking discussions on the role of engineering innovation in shaping the future of healthcare worldwide. Engr. Idowu’s participation further highlighted the growing global recognition of Nigerian engineers and researchers, demonstrating that locally developed engineering ideas can provide practical solutions to national challenges. His presentation reinforced the importance of investing in engineering research and innovation as a pathway towards building a more resilient, technology-driven, and accessible healthcare system for Nigeria.
