EMBRACE CURIOSITY, BOLDNESS: HONOURABLE COMMISSIONER CALLS ON LASCOHET STAFF TO HARNESS POWER OF AI IN HEALTHCARE
During the recent Year 2025 Management Retreat held on Thursday, 24th July 2025 at the Crown City Resort Hall, Agbara, Ogun State, Honorable Commissioner of the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Alex Alake, represented by the Deputy Director and Head, ICT Training and Service Management Department, Mrs Gbemisola Kayode-Bolarinwa, delivered a powerful message to the staff of the Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET). His call to action was clear and resonated throughout the gathering: “Be curious and bold, don’t fear artificial intelligence (AI); befriend it, learn it, and challenge it.”
As he presented his paper on the theme, *“Preparing the Allied Healthcare Workforce for an AI-Driven Future: Education Strategies for Tomorrow’s Challenges,”* Mr Alake emphasised that allied health professionals are the backbone of healthcare, and their roles will only become more vital in an AI-powered world. He reassured attendees that AI is not here to take their jobs but to elevate their capabilities, urging them to embrace this technology to lead the future of healthcare.
Mr Alake encouraged the college management to introduce short courses on AI basics—covering how machine learning works in diagnostics, imaging, and patient management. He suggested partnerships with tech startups for real-world case studies, the establishment of a simulation laboratory, and certification in AI for healthcare through continuing education programs. He recognised the unique opportunity LASCOHET has to pioneer the training of AI-ready allied health professionals who will improve diagnostic accuracy, enhance hospital efficiency, and bridge healthcare gaps in underserved communities.
Adding to the momentum, Honorable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule, commended the current provost for his remarkable zeal and commitment to progress at LASCOHET. He noted that the provost has brought a refreshing air of innovation and has significantly enhanced the college’s reputation. Mr Sule charged all staff members to actively promote Lagos State College of Health Technology initiatives and to support the management in their mission, emphasising the importance of collective effort in achieving the college’s goals.
The Director of the Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board, Dr Kolawole Godonu, further emphasised the need for transformation within health education. He highlighted curriculum reengineering, simulation-based learning, and industry-academia collaboration as vital components for preparing the future workforce. Dr Godonu made it clear that LASCOHET has a vital role in democratising access to AI knowledge, ensuring that its graduates can critically assess AI applications for efficacy, fairness, transparency, and inclusivity.
In his visionary remarks, Dr Godonu painted an inspiring picture of the graduates of tomorrow: community health extension workers using mobile apps for patient triage in remote areas, laboratory technicians leveraging AI for pathogen detection, and health records officers ensuring data integrity in electronic health systems.
Earlier at the retreat, the Provost of LASCOHET, Professor Raheem Akewushola, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support for education and healthcare. He also acknowledged the Honorable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, for his steadfast commitment to ensuring that education in Lagos State remains relevant and responsive to global trends.
Professor Akewushola, full of zeal and passion, has indeed brought a new air of progress and innovation to LASCOHET. His dedication to enhancing the college’s image and value has been truly admirable. He charged all staff members to actively promote Lagos State’s health technology initiatives and to support the management in achieving these goals.
He underscored that AI is reshaping how we diagnose, treat, manage, and prevent diseases. The healthcare workforce of tomorrow must be technology-savvy, adaptable, and ready to thrive in an increasingly automated world. He also highlighted the college’s key achievements, such as clearing academic backlogs, matriculating 802 new students, and establishing a state-of-the-art college clinic in partnership with the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board.
The retreat, attended by key stakeholders, including Permanent Secretary, Mr Adeniran Kasali and former Registrar and Director, Directorate of Staff Welfare, Training and Development, Mr Akinwunmi Lewis, serves as a platform for collaboration and vision-sharing. As the Two-Day event wraps up on Friday, 25th July 2025, let us all embrace the challenge to be proactive, innovative, and supportive stewards of change in our healthcare landscape.
LASCOHET, Gallant Health Professionals!
https://lascohet.edu.ng/
