NMCN Registrar: Cautions Against AI Over-Reliance in Nigeria Nursing Practice

• Dr. Ndagi Alhassan, NMCN Registrar, warned against over-reliance on AI in Nigerian nursing practice, citing risks to critical thinking and clinical judgment.
• He emphasized that AI cannot replace human compassion and the nuanced clinical judgment essential for patient care.
• Nurses were cautioned against uploading identifiable patient data to AI platforms without safeguards and must verify AI-generated research content.
• The NMCN will not tolerate plagiarism, fabricated research, or unethical AI use, advocating for locally relevant African data.
• Leaders urged Nigerian nurses to develop AI solutions for local healthcare challenges and publish their findings.

Any algorithm can calculate, but it cannot care.

Dr. Ndagi Alhassan, serving as the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer for the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), recently issued a significant caution regarding the integration of Artificial Intelligence into nursing practice across Nigeria. Speaking at the 2026 Undergraduate Nursing Research Challenge and Summit, an event organized by the Golden Lamp Leadership Initiative Africa at the University of Ibadan in Oyo State, Alhassan underscored the potential pitfalls of an over-reliance on AI technologies. His address, delivered under the theme ‘Minds and Machines: The New Frontier of Academic Research,’ emphasized that while technology offers advancements, it must never supplant the fundamental human compassion inherent in patient care.

Alhassan articulated that excessive dependence on AI could critically diminish nurses' capacity for independent critical thinking and sound clinical judgment. He drew a clear distinction between computational ability and empathetic care, stating unequivocally that "Any algorithm can calculate, but it cannot care." Reflecting on his personal experience of a 31-day hospitalization for burns in 1972, which profoundly shaped his decision to enter nursing, he reminded the audience that the profession is intrinsically rooted in service and empathy. He urged nursing students to embrace innovation while steadfastly upholding their professional judgment and ethical duties.

The NMCN Registrar further elaborated on the specific limitations and ethical considerations surrounding AI in healthcare. While acknowledging AI's utility in analyzing vast datasets, identifying patterns, and proposing interventions, Alhassan stressed that these capabilities do not equate to a nurse’s unique ability to discern subtle changes in a patient’s condition, apply nuanced clinical judgment, or provide empathetic responses. He offered a compelling scenario where a nurse's human observation and timely intervention, even when monitor readings appear normal, can be life-saving, asserting that "Research begins when a nurse observes something and refuses to look away." This highlights the irreplaceable role of human insight in `AI clinical judgment nursing Nigeria`.

A critical warning was also issued concerning the integrity of information generated by AI systems. Alhassan cautioned that these systems are capable of producing fabricated academic references and disseminating misleading data, thereby necessitating rigorous verification of all AI-generated content before its use in research. Furthermore, he advocated for the development and utilization of locally relevant African research data to counteract inherent biases in AI systems that have been predominantly trained on information not reflective of the continent’s distinct healthcare realities. On the crucial matter of `AI patient confidentiality NMCN`, nurses were explicitly advised against uploading identifiable medical information to AI platforms without robust safeguards, with the clear directive: "When in doubt, do not upload." The NMCN, he affirmed, maintains a zero-tolerance policy for plagiarism, fabricated research findings, or any unethical deployment of AI, establishing clear `Nigeria healthcare AI guidelines`.

Beyond the warnings, Alhassan provided guidance for future nursing professionals, encouraging them to direct their research efforts towards practical healthcare problems, meticulously verify information, diligently protect patient data, transparently disclose any use of AI, and publish their findings. He also championed intergenerational leadership, advocating for seasoned professionals to create avenues for younger nurses to contribute fresh perspectives and technological expertise. This proactive approach aims to integrate `Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria AI` policies with practical application.

Echoing this sentiment, Abiola Ayilara, the founder and CEO of Myqura, urged Nigerian nurses to take the lead in developing healthcare technologies specifically tailored to local challenges, rather than passively adopting imported solutions. Ayilara highlighted that nurses, given their intimate contact with patients, are uniquely positioned to identify gaps in care and drive innovation. She reinforced the idea that AI should serve as a supportive tool, enhancing clinical judgment and human compassion, not replacing them. "Nurses should be the ones creating the solutions for patients," she declared, inspiring students to transform clinical challenges into research questions and devise solutions pertinent to African contexts. Dr. Alice Ogundele, Chairman of the NMCN, further supported this call by encouraging nurses to publish their research findings, reinforcing the importance of local contributions to the global body of nursing knowledge.

Lawyers advising healthcare providers or individual nurses in Nigeria should note the NMCN's clear stance on the ethical use of AI, particularly concerning patient data confidentiality, the risks of over-reliance on AI for clinical judgment, and the prohibition of AI-generated plagiarism or fabricated research. Compliance officers must ensure AI implementation adheres to these guidelines to mitigate legal and professional risks, especially regarding data privacy and professional misconduct.

Source: Original reporting via The PUNCH