Stakeholders have stressed the need to harness technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to elevate nursing education and practice in Nigeria.

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State governor on health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, underscored the importance of technology in improving patient care, education, and the nursing profession as a whole.

Ogunyemi, in her keynote address at the second yearly scientific conference and award, hosted by Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, highlighted the potential of AI in transforming nursing education.

She said despite the economic realities, inadequate funding, and brain drain, development in technology must continue.

“In nursing education, we must embrace technology to enhance learning outcomes, improve simulation training, and foster virtual collaboration. By leveraging AI-powered adaptive learning systems, virtual reality, and data analytics, we can create personalised learning pathways that prepare students for the complexities of modern healthcare,” Ogunyemi stated.

She, however, stressed the need to acknowledge the challenges that come with technological advancements, including data privacy concerns, cyber-security threats, and the digital divide.

President of the association, Prof. Prisca Adejumo, said this year’s theme, “Advancing healthcare frontiers: Embracing technology for innovative and transformative nursing education and practice,” is a reflection of the group’s collective commitment to advancing the nursing profession through scientific inquiry and practical application.

In her goodwill message, the Oyo State Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni, said integration of technology is essential for improving patient outcomes, and strengthening the resilience of the healthcare system.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwasherimi Ajetunmobi, also called for collaboration between the government, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and professional organisations to achieve this vision.