By Editor
Nigeria’s 2026 Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation winner, Mary-Brenda Akoda, has unveiled GenScanAI, an artificial intelligence-powered medical imaging solution with the potential to reduce magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan times by up to 90 per cent without requiring new MRI hardware.
Akoda presented the innovation in Lagos on Tuesday at a public event organised by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), where healthcare professionals, researchers, academics, students and technology stakeholders examined its potential to improve diagnostic services.
GenScanAI uses artificial intelligence and advanced computing techniques to reconstruct MRI images, potentially shortening scan times while maintaining or improving image quality.
The technology could help hospitals and diagnostic centres examine more patients with existing MRI equipment, reduce waiting times, improve equipment utilisation and support faster diagnosis and treatment.
Speaking at the presentation, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, said the innovation addressed a significant healthcare need as population growth continues to increase pressure on 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. Innovations such as GenScanAI demonstrate how advances in artificial intelligence and computing can be applied to address practical healthcare challenges and improve the efficiency of existing medical infrastructure,” Horsfall said.
She said the public presentation would help extend the winning innovation’s reach beyond the Prize adjudication process by encouraging engagement with medical practitioners and the research community.
“This presentation allows healthcare professionals, researchers and students to engage directly with Mary-Brenda’s work, understand its potential and consider how it could contribute to healthcare delivery.
The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation recognises scientific excellence and encourages solutions to national challenges. Creating opportunities for wider engagement with winning innovations is an important part of bringing their potential benefits to public attention,” she said.
GenScanAI’s potential to cut MRI scan times by up to 90 per cent could be particularly valuable to facilities managing high patient volumes, where lengthy examinations can contribute to backlogs and delays.
By reducing the time required for scans, the technology could increase patient throughput without the immediate need to invest in additional MRI machines. Its potential to accommodate patient movement and improve image quality could also enhance imaging outcomes, subject to appropriate clinical evaluation and validation.
Akoda emerged as the winner of the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation after a rigorous evaluation of more than 230 entries.
The 2026 edition of the Prize focused on “Innovations in Artificial Intelligence or ICT or Digital Technologies for Development”, highlighting the role of digital technologies in addressing societal challenges and supporting national development.
NLNG organised the public presentation to expose the award-winning innovation to relevant stakeholders and encourage discussions on its potential applications in healthcare.
The engagement also highlighted the importance of connecting scientific research with healthcare professionals, institutions and other stakeholders who could help translate promising innovations into practical benefits for patients.
