By Oluwaseyi Elizabeth Jimoh

The convocation lecture at the 7th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Medical Sciences Ondo (UNIMED) has drawn attention to the growing role of artificial intelligence in modern healthcare.

Delivering the lecture titled “Adapting to the AI-Driven Future of Medicine: Educating, Equipping and Leading Nigeria’s Health Workforce for Emerging Clinical Realities,” distinguished scholar Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, emphasized that the medical profession is not immune to the transformative impact of artificial intelligence.

According to the renowned academic, universities and medical institutions must begin to develop AI-compliant human resources capable of integrating artificial intelligence tools into healthcare delivery.

AI IS NOW CENTRAL TO HEALTHCARE

Professor Ogundipe noted that the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence is already reshaping the global healthcare landscape.

He stressed that AI should no longer be seen as a distant technological concept but as a critical tool for modern medical practice.

“Generative AI is not a peripheral innovation but a core strategic driver of healthcare delivery,” he stated.

The scholar explained that the integration of AI into healthcare systems can significantly improve diagnostics, treatment planning, research, and patient care outcomes.

ADVICE TO GRADUANDS: EQUIP, EDUCATE, AND LEAD

Addressing the graduating students, Professor Ogundipe urged them to prepare for a rapidly evolving medical environment.

He encouraged the graduands to continually equip themselves with new knowledge, pursue continuous education, and position themselves as leaders in the evolving healthcare ecosystem.

According to him, the professional environment they are entering today is vastly different from what existed a decade ago, largely due to the rapid growth of digital technology and artificial intelligence.

AI WILL CHANGE ROLES— BUT NOT REPLACE 

While acknowledging growing concerns about AI replacing human professionals, Professor Ogundipe reassured the audience that human expertise and compassion remain indispensable in medicine.

He explained that although certain routine tasks may become automated, human judgment, empathy, and ethical decision-making cannot be replaced by machines.

“AI will change roles as routine tasks may be automated, but human judgement, empathy and ethical decision-making remain irreplaceable,” he said. He added that the true goal of AI in healthcare is to augment clinicians rather than replace them.

“TECHNOLOGY WITHOUT PEOPLE IS HOLLOW”

The renowned academic further emphasized the importance of investing in people alongside technological advancement. “Technology without people is hollow,” Professor Ogundipe stated.

He encouraged healthcare professionals to use emerging technologies responsibly while maintaining compassion and professional integrity in patient care.

According to him, medical professionals must ensure that technology enhances rather than replaces their humanity.

“We must use every tool at our disposal to assist patients with compassion, expertise and integrity. Technology should enhance, rather than replace, the healer,” he concluded.

A LECTURE FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE OF MEDICINE 

Professor Ogundipe’s lecture highlighted the urgent need for forward-thinking medical education, AI-driven innovation, and human-centered healthcare systems in Nigeria.

The lecture forms a major highlight of the UNIMED 7th Convocation activities, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals for the future of medicine in an AI-powered world.

The selection of Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe as the convocation lecturer underscores the commitment of the UNIMED to engaging distinguished scholars whose work bridges research, leadership, and innovation.

A seasoned academic and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Ogundipe currently serves as the Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.

He is a Professor of Botany at the University of Lagos with a Ph.D. in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University and has received professional training from several globally respected institutions including University of Johannesburg, University of Reading, Harvard University, University of Dayton, and the Kunming Institute of Botany in China.

Beyond academia, Professor Ogundipe has made significant contributions to research and innovation. He has authored over 150 scholarly publications and co-authored eight books, attracting more than 1,600 citations and over 220,000 academic reads globally.