By Ranmilowo Ojalumo
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept; it’s already transforming industries from healthcare to agriculture, and businesses must act fast to keep up.
This was the core message from Dr. Chika Yinka-Banjo, an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Lagos, in a recent presentation titled “Principles and Applications of Artificial Intelligence.”
The message was made recently during a one-day capacity building workshop organised by the Pharma Career Advancement Group. The theme of the workshop is “Principles and Applications of Artificial Intelligence”. The workshop according to the convener, Dr Lolu Ojo is aimed at expanding pharmacists’ knowledge beyond traditional clinical boundaries.
Dr. Yinka-Banjo traced the journey of technological evolution from the steam engine to the current “Smart Technology Revolution.” She emphasized that the blending of physical, digital, and biological systems—fueled by AI, machine learning, and robotics is dramatically reshaping how people live, work, and interact.
“AI is not just about robots and automation,” she explained. “It includes systems that learn from data to make decisions, whether it’s helping a doctor diagnose a disease or predicting which products a customer might buy online.”
One of the most striking examples highlighted was the use of AI in pharmacy and according to her, AI now analyze weather patterns, local health trends, and sales data to help pharmacies stock up on medications before demand spikes. AI also powers automated dispensing systems, reducing errors and improving patient safety.
She said in healthcare, AI is aiding diagnoses, enhancing surgical precision, and managing chronic illnesses. She added that in retail, it’s optimizing inventory and personalizing the customer experience, noting that robotics is taking over repetitive tasks in factories, monitoring crops in agriculture, and even assisting in disaster response.
Despite the opportunities, Dr. Yinka-Banjo urged caution. “We must think about privacy, fairness, and the impact on jobs,” she said. AI systems rely on vast amounts of data, raising concerns about security and surveillance. Algorithms can also inherit societal biases unless developers take steps to correct them.
The professor outlined a roadmap for businesses interested in adopting AI or robotics: define clear goals, build strong data and computing infrastructure, and invest in employee training. “AI should enhance human capability, not replace it,” she noted.
In education sector, she said Artificial Intelligence (AI) is beginning to reshape classrooms across the world and Nigerian schools could benefit greatly if they adopt the right approach. She noted that AI-powered tools like facial recognition systems, behavioral analytics, and robotic assistants are being used in educational institutions to improve safety and learning outcomes.
“AI can detect unusual behavior, monitor for bullying, and even guide students during emergencies using smart alert systems,” she said. “But it’s not just about safety—AI can also personalize learning, track student progress, and support teachers with administrative tasks.”
For instance, intelligent tutoring systems can adapt lesson content based on how each student learns, while virtual assistants can help students’ access educational resources outside school hours. Robotics is also emerging in STEM education, helping students learn programming and problem-solving skills hands-on.
Asde education, she added that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics are redefining modern agricultural practices, offering transformative solutions for productivity, sustainability, and resource optimization. Dr. Yinka-Banjo highlighted that the integration of AI technologies into agriculture can address many long-standing challenges in the sector, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa where efficiency, environmental impact, and yield variability are critical concerns.
She noted that AI-powered robotics and computer vision are enabling precision farming techniques that increase crop yield while conserving resources. According to Dr. Yinka-Banjo, “AI allows for precise monitoring of soil health, water use, and pest control, reducing the need for excessive chemical input and minimizing environmental degradation.”
An example cited includes Blue River Technology’s See & Spray robot, which uses AI-driven computer vision to detect and eliminate weeds with minimal herbicide use. Such innovations not only lower input costs but also support more sustainable farming practices.
The speaker pointed out that the use of AI-enabled drones and ground-based sensors is also gaining ground in agricultural monitoring. “Drones equipped with AI algorithms can analyze crop imagery to detect early signs of disease, nutrient deficiencies, or water stress,” said Dr. Yinka-Banjo. “This enables farmers to intervene proactively and precisely, improving productivity while minimizing losses.”
These technologies also support yield prediction and harvest planning, helping farmers make informed decisions throughout the growing season.
Dr. Yinka-Banjo called for increased investment in rural digital infrastructure and farmer education. “To fully benefit from AI, we must empower farmers and agri-tech professionals with the right tools, data literacy, and support systems,” she noted.
As with other sectors, ethical considerations must be addressed. Issues such as data ownership, accessibility, and equitable technology deployment are critical in agricultural settings where smallholder farmers dominate. Dr. Yinka-Banjo emphasized the need for inclusive innovation strategies that ensure local farmers are not left behind.
She urged government agencies, research institutions, and agribusiness stakeholders to collaborate in piloting and scaling AI solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique agricultural landscape. “AI in agriculture is not just about technology—it’s about transforming livelihoods, improving food security, and building climate-resilient systems,” she concluded.
With global competition heating up, Dr. Yinka-Banjo believes Nigeria must prioritize AI literacy and innovation. “If we prepare well, we can harness AI to boost productivity, solve social problems, and secure our place in the global digital economy.”
Also speaking at the workshop, Prof. Omokhoa Adeleye, Director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence Development at the University of Benin, outlined the core requirements of AI—data, algorithms, machine learning, and natural language processing—and emphasized their relevance to pharmaceutical practice. He also introduced simple learning tools such as Google’s Teachable Machine to encourage self-education in AI technologies.
“Artificial intelligence simulates human intelligence in ways that can revolutionize pharmaceutical services,” he said. “From research and development to patient safety and supply chain efficiency, the opportunities are vast. Nigeria must not be left behind in the global AI revolution. “All advocacy must be convincing, and every move must show ethical seriousness,” he stated
The convener of the workshop, Dr Lolu Ojo said the workshop aims at expanding pharmacists’ knowledge beyond traditional clinical boundaries. Dr Ojo, emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adapting to the changing healthcare and technological landscape.
He said “This is what we do to assist our colleagues in expanding their horizon of knowledge. When you have knowledge and you apply it, that is what we call wisdom. Even within pharmacy, you need associated knowledge to thrive. Artificial Intelligence is already reshaping how things are done. Pharmacists must be intentional about learning and leveraging these tools.”
He encouraged pharmacists to stay “above their environment,” warning that those who fail to adapt may be overwhelmed by rapidly changing economic and technological conditions.
