Dr. Hassana Yakassai, President-elect of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Kaduna chapter, on Friday urged medical students to harness technology responsibly to improve patient care.
She spoke at the NIMSA International Health and Leadership Summit, themed “Leading the Future of Health Through Innovation and Untapped Potentials”, organized by the National Nigerian Medical Students Association (NNMSA).
Yakassai emphasized that the future of healthcare rests on the students and that the wise use of technology would strengthen the healthcare system.
“You have to read because that is what enriches you to become a better version of yourself. Tap into technology and use it responsibly. It should not replace your brain but supplement it. Take interest in data; don’t push everything into AI,” she said.
She described the summit as heartwarming and expressed optimism about young people thinking critically about the future of healthcare. She also urged students to apply the lessons learned and build networks to support their growth and ambitions.
In his keynote address, U.S.-based Dr. Nelson Aluya encouraged students to discover their potentials and contribute meaningfully to society. Drawing inspiration from the ‘Japanese syndrome’, he emphasized that giving back remains vital for national development and described medical students as “champions with great potentials,” urging them to pursue their dreams with dedication.
Delmi Ahmadu-Sarduna, the 48th President of NIMSA, said the summit fulfilled a constitutional duty to strengthen leadership in the health sector. He noted that doctors are trained as leaders and called on students to assess the health system and propose practical solutions. He added that the association also advocates on major societal issues and develops interventions to address them.
Summit Coordinator Fatima Sani-Sambo said the programme brought students from across Nigeria together to discuss issues affecting the health sector. She explained that the summit’s theme highlighted the role of technology, research, and diverse skills required to excel beyond medical knowledge.
She further stated that organizers had secured partnerships with groups committed to promoting innovation for a stronger healthcare future.
“As medical students, we are the doctors of tomorrow. Without proper education, the health sector cannot improve. By empowering us through this summit, we can address health challenges with innovative minds and stronger skills,” Sani-Sambo said.
