Mental health professionals have urged the Federal Government to prioritize the integration of Artificial Intelligence in mental health research and service delivery to address the significant treatment gap in the country and enhance access to quality care.
This appeal was made during the 2025 International Yaba Research Conference, which took place at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Yaba, Lagos, under the theme “Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Research: Carrying the Developing World Along”.
The experts called for the government to bolster collaborations among universities, teaching hospitals, and technology institutions, as well as to allocate grants for AI-focused mental health research.
They also highlighted the necessity for a national framework to govern the ethical application of AI in healthcare, ensuring the protection of patient privacy and fairness in data utilization.
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Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, the Medical Director of the hospital, stated that the implementation of Artificial Intelligence has become essential within the nation’s health system, particularly given the increasing number of individuals suffering from mental disorders and the lack of qualified mental health professionals.
Owoeye elaborated that the hospital’s responsibilities encompass service delivery, training, and research, noting that the incorporation of AI into these domains would enable Nigeria to align with international best practices.
”AI is here to stay and is increasingly influencing various sectors of human activity, including mental health. We cannot afford to lag behind,” he remarked.
He pointed out that only 25 percent of Nigerians with mental illness currently receive treatment, while the remaining 75 percent are deprived of access due to insufficient facilities and personnel.
He further stated, “There are merely 10 federally owned mental health facilities throughout the nation, whereas there should be at least one in each state. This represents a significant shortfall.”
He asserted that the utilization of telehealth and AI would facilitate the early identification of mental health disorders, enhance diagnosis, support treatment, and monitor patient outcomes.
He advocated for government funding and policy assistance, akin to the support available in the United States, where more than 400 AI-related mental health research grants are distributed each year.
He emphasized that collaboration between healthcare and technology professionals is essential for creating AI systems that are appropriate for Nigeria’s context.
”AI models need to be transparent and should be developed with contributions from healthcare providers to guarantee their suitability,” he stated.
The conference, which attracted participants from academia, healthcare, and information technology, is part of the initiatives by the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, aimed at fostering research and innovation in mental health throughout Nigeria.
