The increasing impact of technology and its apparent tendency to transform higher education was the thrust of discussions at the unveiling of the second edition of SUSSURRI magazine and fundraising ceremony for the revitalization of administrative processes and infrastructures at the College of Medicine (CMUL), University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Organized by the members of the Administrative and Executive cadres of CMUL, the event which was held on Thursday, September 21, 2023, had the theme: ’Optimization of the University Registry Processes with the New Age Technology: Automation & Artificial Intelligence (AI). The ceremony was a convergence of various stakeholders across different levels of medical practices and education under the Chairmanship of an alumnus of the College and CEO/Founder, Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre, Dr. Modupe Elebute- Odunsi.
Amongst the dignitaries present include the Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Professor W. L. Adeyemo; CEO/Medical Director, Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi; Research and Development Director of Infoprive Limited, Mr. Ayomide Ikechukwu Daniels and Deputy Registrar, Staff Training and Development Centre, (STDC), UNILAG, Mrs. Josephine Aderonke Asiwaju.
The Provost, College of Medicine, Professor Wale Anthonio Oke who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS at the event expressed delight at the choice of the lecture title, which he averred is in-line with the vision of the university’s helmswoman to build a Future–Ready 21st Century institution that produces fit-for-purpose graduates.
According to him, ‘’Artificial Intelligence is transforming many aspects of our lives from entertainment to healthcare, and disruptive technology has become the order of the day. It has become pervasive in the lives of 21st-century citizens and is being proclaimed as a tool that can enhance and advance all sectors of our lives”.
The keynote speaker and founder, APIN Health Initiatives, Dr. Prosper Okonkwo observed that throughout history, colleges and universities have been shaped by massive disruptors who continue to radically alter the landscape of higher education. He revealed that technology disruption has not only affected education and its processes but transcend other areas of human endeavours.
His presentation, titled ‘’ Automation Technologies in NGO Operations in Nigeria’’ and delivered by his representative at the occasion, Dr. Oluseye Ajayi highlighted the need for stakeholders across various sectors to embrace automation of processes in their operations.
While shining the spotlight on the impact of AI, Dr. Ajayi revealed that AI could be used to develop personalized recommendations for products and services leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction.
While using his company as a case study, Dr. Ajayi posited that APIN Health Initiatives has continued to review its systems and processes to identify and embrace opportunities for the application of automation technologies.
His words, “The organization has continued to strengthen its capacity in utilization of basic and process automation technologies, while making early advances to the artificial intelligence space’’.
He underscored the importance of technology and AI solution to the provision of tailor-made interventions to mitigate against poor treatment outcomes among others. According to him, ‘’ our most pressing challenges can be solved in radically different ways, a lot quicker and more cost-effectively with technology advancements like (A I) and Machine Learning’’.
The Maiden Edition of SUSSURRI magazine was launched on Thursday, November 18, 2021 under the chairmanship of the CEO/Medical Director, Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi. The event featured an insightful and thought-provoking Professional Lecture titled “Unlocking and Enhancing Innate Creativity in the University Administration: Registry Personnel in Perspective” delivered by a former Registrar of the university, Dr. (Mrs.) Taiwo Ipaye, FNIM.
SUSSURRI magazine (Our Voice Magazine) is an annual magazine produced by Administrative and Executive Officers of the College of Medicine, UNILAG.