In the swiftly advancing realm of artificial intelligence applied to healthcare, Dr. Stephen Odaibo stands out as a pioneering figure. Hailing from Ilorin in southwestern Nigeria, he later moved to the United States to pursue higher education and expand his expertise.
At the University of Alabama, Birmingham, Odaibo embarked on an accelerated academic journey, completing both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mathematics within just four years, all while fulfilling the prerequisites required for medical school admission.
He further enhanced his interdisciplinary knowledge by earning a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Duke University in 2009, followed by a medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine in 2010, with a focus on neurology and neurochemistry.
Leveraging his comprehensive background in mathematics, computer science, and medicine, Odaibo founded Retina AI Health, a startup dedicated to innovating healthcare through cutting-edge technology.
In an exclusive conversation with Techpoint Africa, Dr. Odaibo reflects on his personal and professional journey and offers guidance to young Africans aiming to excel despite challenging circumstances.
How did your upbringing in Nigeria shape your academic and career path in the United States?
My formative years in Ilorin were instrumental in shaping who I am today. I attended University Primary School and later Federal Government College (FGC) Ilorin for my secondary education, completing it by age 17. Although I have spent most of my adult life in the US, those early experiences in Nigeria deeply influenced my cultural identity and perspective. I cherish my Nigerian roots while embracing the opportunities afforded by life in America, proudly identifying as a Nigerian-American.
Your academic trajectory-from mathematics to computer science and then medicine-is quite unique. What motivated this unconventional route?
The educational system in the US offers a level of flexibility that contrasts sharply with the Nigerian model. In Nigeria, students typically enter medical school immediately after secondary school, following a rigid seven- or eight-year curriculum focused solely on medical sciences, with little room for interdisciplinary exploration.
Upon arriving in the US, I realized that pre-med students could major in virtually any field-from music to philosophy-provided they completed the required science courses and passed the MCAT. This academic freedom inspired me to pursue mathematics, where I was fortunate to receive a scholarship for an accelerated program. This enabled me to complete both my undergraduate and graduate degrees by age 21 before transitioning into medical school.
Should African universities adopt similar accelerated or flexible academic programs?
African higher education institutions should focus on innovation and adaptation rather than simply replicating Western models. Progress doesn’t always mean following existing templates; sometimes, it involves crafting new frameworks tailored to the continent’s unique context. This concept, often called leapfrogging, allows Africa to bypass traditional stages and implement advanced solutions that better address its specific challenges and opportunities.
What is the core mission of Retina AI Health, and how does it operate?
Retina AI Health is dedicated to detecting systemic diseases through retinal imaging. For example, a straightforward retinal photograph can reveal early signs of conditions like cardiovascular disease or Alzheimer’s without the need for invasive tests such as blood draws.
Our primary focus is diabetic retinopathy, a complication affecting millions worldwide due to diabetes. By capturing retinal images and analyzing them with cloud-based AI technology, we provide rapid diagnoses, overcoming the shortage of retina specialists. In the US, there are fewer than 3,000 retina experts, and the scarcity is even more acute in Nigeria, making AI-driven diagnostics essential.
Additionally, I lead another venture called Deep EigenMatics, which applies AI to transform the drug discovery process.
Can you explain the objectives and innovations behind Deep EigenMatics?
Developing new medications is an expensive and lengthy endeavor, often costing around $2.6 billion and taking 10 to 15 years from discovery to market launch. Many drug candidates fail during clinical trials, resulting in significant financial losses.
Our AI-powered platform aims to streamline this process by identifying promising drug molecules early, increasing the likelihood of success in clinical trials. This approach reduces costs and accelerates the availability of safe, effective treatments.
Driven by vision and perseverance, we have filed multiple patents this year, with two recent US patents granted for innovative AI methods in protein engineering and drug development. Considering the pharmaceutical industry invests approximately $300 billion annually in research and development, AI’s role in optimizing these investments is crucial.
What role can Africa play in shaping the future of education and innovation?
Africa is at a critical juncture to redefine its educational and innovation ecosystems by aligning academic programs with practical, real-world challenges. By fostering an environment that encourages the commercialization of research and technology, the continent can drive economic growth and improve quality of life on a global scale.
True advancement requires addressing the tangible needs of the world’s 8.2 billion people. Africa’s fresh perspectives and creative energy uniquely position it to contribute significantly to solving global problems.