Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) has called for a careful yet ambitious integration of artificial intelligence into school health programmes, as it hosted academics, educators, and researchers for the 37th Annual National Conference of the School Health Learners Educators and Professional Association of Nigeria (SHEPAN).
The five-day conference, held at the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hall and marking SHEPAN’s 50th anniversary, explored the theme: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in School Community and Environmental Health Education.”
In her opening address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye championed AI’s potential in improving health education, boosting safety in schools, and mitigating environmental risks. Nevertheless, she warned against technology dictating human roles.
“Technology must serve teachers and learners, not the other way round,” she said, calling for a communique on responsible AI deployment in health education.
SHEPAN President, Prof. Ujiri Igbudu, noted that AI is already reshaping professional practice and public health awareness across Nigeria. At the same time, keynote speaker Prof. A.O. Adeogun stressed that AI enhances — not replaces — human expertise, especially in education and healthcare.
The conference also featured insights from Prof. Benjamin Aribisala, who highlighted the contribution of AI to research productivity and medical diagnosis. Senior officials from LASUED pledged their support towards building a safer, tech-enabled future for school health.
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