Excellence has always been the heartbeat of the University of Lagos, and few embody that spirit better than Philip Nkwam, a final-year Radiography student at the College of Medicine. Through his remarkable work in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Neuroimaging, and Brain Health Research, Philip is redefining what it means to be a student researcher and innovator in Nigeria.

An ISTAART Ambassador and CONNExIN Fellow, Philip has consistently demonstrated brilliance, dedication, and innovation. His passion recently earned him global recognition when he represented Nigeria at the 2025 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Toronto, Canada - a milestone that speaks volumes about his growing impact in medical research.

A Curious Mind with a Purpose

“I never imagined this path when I entered UNILAG,” Philip recalls. “I only knew I wanted to do meaningful work that extended beyond the ordinary classroom experience.”

Before university, he already had a taste of technology. By his second year, he began exploring machine learning and artificial intelligence. “Since Radiography is centered on medical imaging, I thought - why not merge both worlds to create something impactful?” That spark ignited a lifelong interest in using AI to improve healthcare outcomes.

Reimagining Cancer Detection Through the MIRAI Project

Philip’s defining project began during his volunteer work at St. Cyril Cancer Treatment Center in 2022. “We were using AI tools to detect colon polyps when we discovered MIRAI - an algorithm from MIT that predicts breast cancer risk from mammograms,” he explains.

But there was a problem. MIRAI had been trained mostly on data from Caucasian women, raising the risk of bias when applied in Africa.
Recognizing this gap, Philip and his team collaborated with MIT’s Jameel Clinic to validate MIRAI using Africanui datasets.

“Our goal was to collect 10,000 mammograms across Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya,” he says. “We only managed 3,300, and just 86 were usable. That experience revealed how underdeveloped our health data systems are - from poor storage to weak follow-up and inadequate funding.”
Despite the challenges, the team pressed on, with support from Access Bank’s ACT Foundation. “It wasn’t easy balancing research with schoolwork, but it opened my eyes to Africa’s urgent need for stronger health data infrastructure and inclusive AI models,” he adds.

Resilience Beyond Borders

In 2024, Philip was selected as an ISTAART Ambassador, a recognition that came with an invitation to present his work in Toronto. However, his journey nearly ended before it began. “My visa was denied twice,” he says. “I had all my documents and sponsorship, yet it didn’t work out.”

Instead of giving up, Philip persisted. He sought help from the Provost and the university’s Protocol Unit, and after several follow-ups, his visa was finally approved - just one week before the trip.

“That moment taught me perseverance,” he reflects. “Science is full of setbacks. Intelligence matters, but resilience keeps you going.”

From Oncology to Neuroscience

After years of working in oncology, Philip’s focus shifted to neuroimaging - the study of the brain through advanced imaging techniques. “It was mentorship that led me there,” he says. “I met neuroscientists who opened my eyes to how little we understand the brain.”

A paper by Demis Hassabis, exploring how the brain processes thoughts about loved ones, deeply inspired him. “The brain is complex and fascinating - and I want to contribute to unraveling its mysteries.”

Lessons from Failure and Growth

“If I could talk to my second-year self,” Philip says thoughtfully, “I’d tell him to communicate his vision better". Back then, I skipped classes to code and work on side projects, and many people misunderstood me.

With better communication and mentorship, I would’ve had an easier journey - but I don’t regret it. Every challenge built me. For Philip, his most fulfilling achievement isn’t a conference or a fellowship - it’s clarity.

“Knowing exactly what I want to do and having mentors who guide me is the most rewarding part of my journey.”

Pioneering Brain Health Research for Africa

Philip’s dream is to strengthen Africa’s representation in brain health and dementia research. “Africa contributes less than 1% to global Alzheimer’s genome databases,” he notes. “That means most treatments are based on data that exclude us. We need research that reflects our people.”

He’s particularly passionate about exploring genetics through white matter analysis - a neuroimaging method that helps understand brain traits and aging. “Most of that work happens outside Africa. I want to build that capacity here.” - he added

Advice for Young Researchers

To those struggling with limited funding, Philip has a clear message: “Focus on solving real problems. Impact attracts support. Volunteer, join projects, and seek mentors. The right mentor can multiply your growth faster than money ever could.”

He also encourages curiosity over perfection. “Grades are good, but curiosity and persistence matter more in research. Keep asking questions - that’s how discovery begins.”

Faith, Purpose, and Compassion

Beyond science, Philip’s motivation runs deep. “My faith in God and compassion for people keep me grounded. Working at LUTH reminds me how fragile life is. Every day I see families grieving, and it pushes me to keep finding ways to reduce suffering. That’s my purpose.”

Recent Achievements and Future Goals

Philip recently won a research grant after presenting at the African International Conference on Magnetic Resonance. His project focused on developing low-resource computing pipelines for dementia research in regions with limited digital infrastructure.

Building on that, his final-year project, WebMRQC, is a web-based tool that allows radiologists to assess MRI image quality without coding or advanced equipment. “It’s about making research tools more accessible, standardizing quality checks, and improving efficiency across clinical centers,” he explains.

A Vision Rooted in Collaboration

“If I could assemble a dream team,” he smiles, “I’d pick people who truly understand the problem. My mentor, Dr. Udunna Anazodo of McGill University, would definitely be part of it. And I’d want Africans who are technically skilled and passionate about change.”

Philip hopes his work inspires fellow students at UNILAG’s College of Medicine. “You don’t need a PhD to make an impact. Our students are brilliant - they just need access to mentors and the right opportunities. Curiosity and effort can take you far.”

He also acknowledges his department’s support. “Despite limited resources, our lecturers give their best. My supervisor, Mrs. Sekinat Aderibigbe, and Mrs. Josephine Joshua, our Head of Department, have shown me what true mentorship and leadership look like.”

Leaving a Legacy

As he reflects on his journey, Philip’s goal remains simple yet profound: “I want my research to be reproducible, inclusive, and representative - something others can build upon. Science thrives on collaboration, and Africa’s voice deserves to be part of that global conversation.”