Pathologists and cancer experts have called for increased investment in pathology services, digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen cancer diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria and West Africa.
They made the call at the 16th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the West African Division of the International Academy of Pathology (WADIAP), tagged EKOPATH ’26, in Lagos. The conference is themed “Future-Proofing Pathology in West Africa: Integrating Quality, Innovation, and Regional Synergy.”
Director-General of the Nigeria Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Aliyu, described pathologists as central to cancer care, noting that accurate diagnosis was essential for determining appropriate treatment. He warned that diagnostic errors could lead to inappropriate treatment and worsen patient outcomes.
Prof. Francis Faduyile raised concern over the shortage of pathologists in Nigeria, while Prof. Adekunbiola Banjo called for improved working conditions, stronger cancer screening programmes and wider access to quality pathology services. She also urged Nigerians to submit tissues removed during medical procedures for proper pathological examination.
WADIAP President, Prof. Fatimah AbdulKareem, said pathology was being transformed by molecular diagnostics, digital pathology, AI and precision medicine. She stressed that West Africa should not merely adopt emerging technologies but also contribute to innovation and scientific research.
The experts also called for stronger regional collaboration, investment in training and infrastructure, and measures to retain healthcare professionals in Nigeria. They maintained that AI should complement rather than replace pathologists, helping specialists deliver faster, more accurate and increasingly personalised diagnoses.
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