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…Pushes for Africa’s digital transformation
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has signaled its intent to move Africa from resources to results with the launch of OAK.io, a new line of AI-powered smartphones and smartwatches, unveiled during the university’s one-day AI & Robotics in Clinical Practice Symposium.
The event, held at OAU’s Ile-Ife campus, carried the theme “Transforming Healthcare: AI-Driven Solutions for Nigeria’s Medical Future.” It brought together academics, healthcare professionals, industry leaders, and students to examine how artificial intelligence and robotics could reshape medical practice across Africa.
Among the keynote speakers were Prof. Phillip Ogunbona of the University of Wollongong, Australia; Ms. Tilila El Moujahid of Microsoft UAE; Prof. Olusegun Alatise of OAU; Mr. Ejovi Aror, Group Managing Director of ipNX Group; Mr. Ope Olugasa, CEO of Law Pavilion; and Dr. Olaitan Olusegun of OAU’s Faculty of Law. The symposium was convened by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. G.A. Aderounmu, and the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. B.O. Adegbehingbe, with Vice-Chancellor Prof. A.S. Bamire serving as chief host.
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University leaders stressed that Africa’s problem has never been resources but the ability to convert those resources into innovation and action. They called for stronger investment in education, STEM training, infrastructure, and institutions to drive lasting transformation.
The highlight of the day was the debut of OAK.io, a spin-off from OAU’s ICT-Driven Knowledge Park. Its first devices, the X55 Smartphone and FitBand X1 Smartwatch, are preloaded with AI tools designed for healthcare diagnostics, crop monitoring, and education. The products are expected to hit the market in early 2026.
Vice-Chancellor Bamire described the launch as “a bold step toward harnessing technology to meet Africa’s unique healthcare challenges.” He urged governments, investors, and educators to build the infrastructure and policies necessary to scale such innovations across the continent.
