(Keynote Address at CBET Fellowship Award Ceremony. Abuja, 06 May 2025)
By
Chidi G Osuagwu
(Chair, African Centre for Biomedical Engineering Research, c/o FUTO, Owerri)
Salutations: Compatriots and All, greetings! Welcome to this event at which we recognise, and acknowledge, the fellowship of those who labour with us to enhance the profession and practice of Biomedical Science and Engineering in our land.
Introduction: We live in the age of what the World calls Artificial Intelligence, AI. The theme of this conference indicates, clearly, that we are onboard with the rest of the world in the current information ship. The question that arises is ‘Would Artificial Intelligence, as a meta-information problem-solving framework, Algorithm, or its equivalent, appear strange to African ancestors of a thousand years ago?’
To help answer the above query let us, well, appeal to AI...the new answer-master on the world stage.
Question: “What do you know about the inventor Damian Anyanwụ?”
Answer: “Damian Anyanwu was a renowned Nigerian inventor and engineer, best known for establishing Radio Mbaise, one of Nigeria's first private radio stations, using locally sourced materials in the 1970s. Born in January 1957 in Nguru, Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria, Anyanwu showcased exceptional ingenuity despite lacking formal university education.
Notable Achievements:
- Radio Mbaise: Built Nigeria's first private radio station, transmitting on shortwave bands, which became a significant milestone in the country's broadcasting industry.
- Ikelly Research Institute: Founded a science and technology polytechnic in Mbaise, graduating around 100 students in the 1980s and fostering innovation in the region.
- Academic Career: Served as a Senior Assistant in the Physics Department at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), despite not having a formal university degree.
- Awards and Recognition: Received several honors, including ¹ ²:
- Member of the Order of the Niger (MON): Decorated by former President Shehu Shagari in 1983 for his groundbreaking work in technology.
- Commonwealth Gold Medal: Awarded for his contributions to science and technology. 2020, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and a lasting impact on Nigeria's scientific community ¹”.
- Alien of Extraordinary Ability: Recognized by the US government under President George W. Bush for his exceptional abilities.
Anyanwu passed away on July 14, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and a lasting impact on Nigeria's scientific community (Meta AI, 6 May 2025).
Damian Anyanwu left Nigeria for America because the ancestral problem-solving algorithm he had overwhelmed the local University academic catechists, Ofeke, who could not understand or have the aptitude to understand him. The Americans, like the gluttonous knowledge acquirers and hoarders Europeans have been Aristotle and Alexander the Great looted Egyptian Libraries, extracted as much from him as they could in exchange for honorifics. Patents, trade secrets, etc, would distance Anyanwu’s kin from the same he gave away, freely?
What we can surmise from the life and work of Damian Anyanwu (Agwu) of Radio-Mbaise fame is that AI or similar phenomena or problem-solving tools would not appear strange to African ancestors because they had employed it in their knowledge-seeking and problem-solving activities. The first day I met Damian, after I came back from America, I asked him “Ihe iji emeghe Radio-Mbaise gi a owughi Onunu-eji-aya-mmuo?”, he said “Owu ya!” ...Yes, it is! He would tell me. He is Anyanwuagwu and I am Osuagwu. We, both, come from Dibia/Medicinemen kindreds and the ethics required he confided in me. The system was an Afa Algorithm, hence the Afaoid in the title of this speech.
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow researchers, I am honored, as one that bears Agwu; Holy Spirit patron of AI in my surname, to address this gathering on the theme "AI: Innovative Solutions in Design of Suitable Methods, Instruments, and Materials for Biomedical Engineering and Science Research and Practice in Africa." As we stand at the intersection of technology and healthcare, AI-driven innovation holds immense potential for transforming biomedical research and practice on our continent.
The Promise of AI in Biomedical Engineering
AI can revolutionize biomedical engineering by enabling the design of novel medical devices, diagnostics, and therapeutics tailored to Africa's unique healthcare needs. From AI-powered prosthetics to intelligent diagnostic tools, the possibilities are vast.
Key Opportunities
1. Frugal innovation: AI can facilitate the development of low-cost, context-specific solutions for African healthcare challenges.
2. Personalized medicine: AI-driven genomics and proteomics can pave the way for targeted therapies and precision medicine.
3. Disease surveillance: AI-powered predictive analytics can enhance disease monitoring and outbreak response.
Challenges and Considerations
1. Data quality and infrastructure: Ensuring access to high-quality, diverse data is crucial for developing effective AI solutions.
2. Ethical frameworks: Establishing robust ethical guidelines is essential for responsible AI development and deployment.
3. Capacity building: Investing in education and training programs will help build a skilled workforce capable of harnessing AI for biomedical innovation.
Conclusion
As we embark on this journey, let us harness the power of AI to drive biomedical engineering as our ancestors would; pursuing innovation, improve healthcare outcomes, and advance the well-being of African communities. Help establish the most advanced Healthcare System in the World as was the case in the time of our African ancestors. By embracing collaboration, creativity, and responsible innovation, we can unlock the full potential of AI in biomedical engineering and science research, shaping a brighter future, and world model as was the case in the past, for Africa's healthcare landscape and well-being.
Thank you for the honour of the invitation and your attention.
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