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By Chinenye Anuforo
A Nigerian scientist, Mary-Brenda Akoda, has unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered medical imaging technology capable of reducing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan time by up to 90 per cent, a development that could help hospitals attend to more patients without investing in additional scanning equipment.
The innovation, GenScanAI, which won the 2026 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation, was presented to medical practitioners, researchers, academics and technology stakeholders at Vibranium Valley, Ikeja, Lagos.
The technology uses artificial intelligence and advanced computing techniques to reconstruct MRI images faster, with the potential to maintain or improve image quality while significantly reducing the time patients spend undergoing scans.
If clinically validated and deployed at scale, GenScanAI could help address some of the challenges facing diagnostic services in Nigeria, including long waiting times, limited access to advanced medical imaging and pressure on existing hospital equipment.
The development is particularly significant for healthcare facilities operating with limited diagnostic capacity, as faster scans could enable them to examine more patients within the same period without immediately purchasing additional MRI machines.
Speaking at the presentation, the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Sophia Horsfall, said the innovation addressed an important healthcare need as population growth continued to increase demand for diagnostic services.
“Medical imaging plays a critical role in diagnosis and treatment, but the time required for MRI examinations can create delays for patients and limit the number of people healthcare facilities can serve,” Horsfall said.
She noted that innovations such as GenScanAI demonstrated how artificial intelligence and computing could be deployed to tackle practical healthcare challenges and improve the efficiency of existing medical infrastructure.
According to her, the public presentation was designed to take the winning innovation beyond the award process by connecting its creator with medical professionals, researchers and other stakeholders who could examine its potential applications.
The technology also has the potential to accommodate patient movement during imaging, which could help improve the quality of scans. However, its practical benefits would depend on further clinical evaluation, validation and successful integration into healthcare facilities.
For patients, shorter MRI examinations could mean less time spent inside scanning machines, while hospitals could potentially improve patient throughput and reduce pressure on diagnostic appointments.
For the Nigerian healthcare system, the innovation highlights the potential of locally developed technologies to address practical challenges in service delivery, particularly where expanding capacity through new equipment may be expensive.
Akoda emerged winner of the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation after more than 230 entries were evaluated. The competition focused on “Innovations in Artificial Intelligence or ICT or Digital Technologies for Development,” underscoring the growing application of digital technology to national development challenges.
NLNG facilitated the public presentation as part of efforts to promote engagement with the winning innovation and encourage discussions around its possible real-world applications.
While the unveiling marks a step towards wider awareness of GenScanAI, its impact on patient care will ultimately depend on clinical validation, adoption by healthcare providers and its ability to work effectively within existing medical imaging systems.
