By Aderogba George

The Society for Medical Physiology of Nigeria (SMPN) has urged physiologists to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), strengthen local research and improve medical education to address Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.

The President of SMPN, Prof. Olorunshola Kolawole, made the call at the society’s second Scientific Conference and National Annual General Meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

Kolawole said the conference, themed “Physiology in the Age of AI, Precision Medicine and Competency-Based Medical Education”, would promote research collaboration, academic development and advances in clinical and molecular physiology.

He said about 20 abstracts had been submitted and peer-reviewed for presentation, adding that discussions would help improve research quality in universities and laboratories.

The president also announced an inter-university physiology quiz competition for medical students, organised for the first time by the society.

He said the initiative aimed to deepen students’ knowledge of physiology, promote interaction among medical schools and foster lasting relationships.

Kolawole expressed hope that the competition would become a national programme involving more institutions.

He also urged researchers to submit their work to the Annals of Medical and Translational Physiology, the society’s open-access, peer-reviewed journal.

Also speaking, Prof. Samuel Asala, Professor of Anatomy and Forensic Anthropology and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul Odili College of Medicine, Margaret Lawrence University, Abuja, said physiology research was critical to understanding diseases and developing interventions to improve health outcomes.

Asala said physiologists could contribute to better health policies, disease prevention and interventions tailored to Nigeria’s population.

He called for research reflecting the country’s genetic diversity, nutritional patterns, lifestyles and environmental conditions.

He also urged universities and research institutions to strengthen research facilities, promote interdisciplinary collaboration and create opportunities for young scientists.

Asala identified computational physiology, advanced imaging, data science and AI as tools that could deepen understanding of human biological processes and accelerate scientific discovery.

He stressed the need to improve physiology education through effective teaching methods, practical laboratory experience, curriculum development and digital learning resources.

According to him, a sound understanding of normal body functions provides the foundation for understanding diseases and their treatment.

Asala urged senior academics to mentor young researchers and called on SMPN to strengthen partnerships among universities, hospitals, research institutions, government agencies and the private sector.

He also emphasised research ethics, scientific integrity and responsible data management.

In his address, Prof. Samuel Odeh, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, said the conference provided a platform for researchers, lecturers and students to exchange findings, develop practical skills and establish collaborations.

Odeh said emerging technologies offered opportunities to improve scientific discovery and learning but must be applied without compromising scientific rigour or the understanding of human physiology.

He encouraged participants to engage actively in the scientific sessions and translate the knowledge gained into improved teaching, research and healthcare.

The chairman commended the managements of the University of Abuja and the University of Jos, the SMPN leadership, sponsors and organising committee for supporting the conference.

The conference also features discussions on reclaiming the medical identity of physiology and fluid homeostasis in fertility.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference, jointly hosted by the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University, and the University of Jos, is holding from Oct. 27 to Oct. 30, with activities taking place at the University of Abuja. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade