Experts in the health and technology sectors have explained the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to mental healthcare and the broader healthcare sector.

They asserted that with AI, developed countries had made significant progress in almost every aspect of human endeavours, leaving their developing counterparts, including Nigeria, behind.

They made this known yesterday during the 8th International Yaba Research Conference 2025 at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Yaba, with the theme, ‘Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Research: Carrying the Third World Along’.

The Guest Lecturer, Dr Sheriff Alomo, who heads the IT Services and Operations department of Mono Payment Service, noted: “AI is bringing a lot of transformation in products and services” all over the world.

According to the AI specialist, developing countries cannot afford to run with their traditional approach, while others are moving forward with the use of AI.

To the host, the Medical Director of FNPH, Yaba, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye, AI has come to stay, even with its positives and negatives, adding that the role of AI in research advancement cannot be overemphasised.

Stressing the importance of AI in healthcare, he highlighted the scarcity of medical personnel in Nigeria due to brain drain, noting that some psychological interventions could be delivered through AI.

“It is useful for assessment and delivery. Very soon, patients won’t need to visit the hospital to access health services.”

Even in rural areas with a shortage of personnel, AI will fill the gap,” he explained. On the fear that AI would take up jobs, Owoeye said: “We won’t jettison the human factor. Personnel still have roles to play.”

The guest lecturer added that many patients, who, due to stigma, shy away from hospitals, would find solace in AI, as their therapies could be sent to their smartphones.

With the explosion of technology, he advised professionals to upskill or risk being left behind in their careers or face the consequences of quitting.

Noting that in a changing world, which has become a global village, the Chairperson of the Conference, Dr Mashudat Bello-Mojeed, said: “Nigeria cannot operate with its archaic mental health system.

Considering over one billion persons globally (over 10 per cent of the world population) reportedly living with mental disorders, she urged the Federal Government to create a department of mental health.

Also, Consultant Psychiatrist at FNPH, Yaba, Stephen Oluwaniyi, told newsmen that “AI will augment the human factor in healthcare. He noted: “AI is employed in every aspect” of life, including mental health.” At the event, about 22 scholars presented papers relating to mental health.