CMUL takes action to combat incorrect diagnoses, launches initiative for more accurate medical care

The College of Medicine, University of Lagos, CMUL, has launched an ambitious plan to tackle widespread misdiagnosis in Nigeria's health system, unveiling its maiden Clinical Sciences Conference focused on precision medicine and stronger industry collaboration.

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This move comes amid growing concerns over diagnostic inaccuracies in the country's healthcare system, often linked to limited access to advanced diagnostic tools, weak integration between laboratory science and clinical practice, and over-reliance on presumptive treatment of common illnesses.

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Health experts have warned that such gaps continue to drive avoidable complications, rising treatment costs and, in severe cases, preventable deaths, highlighting the need for a more effective approach to healthcare delivery.

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The College's new conference is designed as a practical response to these challenges, providing a platform to harmonise research, diagnostics and treatment while fostering partnerships that can translate scientific discoveries into real-world healthcare solutions.

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Scheduled for June 23 to 25, 2026, at the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba, the conference is being organised by the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, a newly created academic hub positioned at the intersection of laboratory science and clinical care.

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According to the Dean of the faculty, Prof. Fatima Abdulkareem, the conference is a strategic intervention to close the gap between research findings and real-life patient care, describing it as a defining moment for the college.

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Abdulkareem stressed that the theme, "Precision in Practice: Integrating Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Clinical Insights for Patient-Centered Care," speaks to an urgent national challenge, highlighting the need for accurate and precise diagnoses.

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She warned that misdiagnosis remains a major driver of avoidable deaths and inefficiencies in the healthcare system, noting that the conference would promote improved diagnostic protocols and evidence-based treatment.

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Provost of the College, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, said the establishment of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences is a deliberate step to strengthen the role of research in healthcare delivery, serving as the interface between laboratory science and clinical practice.

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Oremosu also pointed to a growing trend of "reverse migration" among Nigerian health professionals abroad, with many willing to return and contribute to the country's healthcare system despite the challenges.

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Conference Chairman, Prof. Titilope Adeyemo, said the event has been structured to foster cross-sector dialogue and global engagement, bringing together academia, industry, and policy to deepen collaboration and expand impact.

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Adeyemo explained that the conference would feature plenary sessions, technical discussions and multidisciplinary engagements, with a strong emphasis on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning in diagnostics and clinical decision-making.

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Co-Chairman, Dr. Olayemi Daudu, said the initiative would inspire young professionals and strengthen the linkage between teaching, research and clinical practice, creating a platform for forward-looking discussions that inform policy and improve healthcare delivery.

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From the industry perspective, Co-Chairman, Dr. Abdulwasiu Busari, emphasised the need to connect knowledge with practical application, highlighting the importance of integrating diagnostics, therapeutics and clinical insights for effective healthcare.

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A representative of the Health Business Academy for Africa noted that the future of healthcare lies beyond clinical excellence alone, stressing the need to connect science, systems and strategy to achieve stronger institutions and better patient outcomes.

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The organisers disclosed that the three-day programme would begin with community outreach and public health education, followed by keynote sessions featuring global experts, and technical scientific presentations on the final day.

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The event will also include an awards and gala night, as well as plans for sustained post-conference engagements to ensure long-term impact, according to the organisers.

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Highlighting ongoing breakthroughs, Abdulkareem revealed that the faculty is at the forefront of research into infectious diseases such as Ebola, Lassa fever and COVID-19, alongside advancements in HIV, malaria and cancer care.

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The college recently launched a clinical trial offering free immunotherapy treatment for colorectal cancer patients, with Abdulkareem stating that the goal is to make healthcare more accessible, more accurate and more effective.

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Abdulkareem added that the faculty is also working to make research findings more accessible to the public through media engagement and digital platforms, building a system that is responsive, evidence-driven and truly patient-centred.