UNILAG Don Warns: Health Misinformation in Nigeria Spreading Faster Than Truth on Social Media

A leading academic at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Ifeoma Amobi, has raised serious concerns over the rapid spread of health misinformation in Nigeria, warning that false health claims are now circulating faster than verified medical information across digital platforms.

Speaking in an interview with Education Monitor in Lagos, the communication scholar said social media platforms, especially WhatsApp, are major drivers of health-related misinformation in the country, with serious implications for public health outcomes.

“Misinformation spreads faster than verified health information”

Professor Amobi, a faculty member in the Department of Communication and Media Studies at University of Lagos, explained that her research focuses on digital communication, social media, and health information disorder.

According to her, Nigeria is experiencing a growing “information disorder” where false narratives often outperform verified facts.

“Health misinformation often spreads faster than verified information across social media platforms, messaging apps like WhatsApp, and sometimes even traditional media,” she said.

Common types of health misinformation in Nigeria

Professor Amobi identified several recurring forms of health misinformation affecting public health in Nigeria, including:

• Vaccine conspiracy theories, such as claims that vaccines cause infertility or are used for population control
• False cures during disease outbreaks, including unverified “miracle treatments”
• Misidentification of diseases and symptoms
• Cultural myths about pregnancy and childbirth
• Misconceptions about mental health and spiritual causes
• Beliefs that all herbal remedies are safe or more effective than modern medicine

She noted that these beliefs often delay medical treatment and increase health risks.

Cultural beliefs worsening public health outcomes

The UNILAG don also highlighted how cultural assumptions contribute to harmful health practices.

“Mental health issues are frequently attributed to spiritual causes rather than treated as medical conditions, leading people to prioritise prayer over professional care,” she explained.

She further warned against myths such as avoiding eggs during pregnancy or concealing pregnancy to prevent spiritual harm, saying these practices often delay antenatal care.

Rising risks: vaccine hesitancy and drug misuse

Professor Amobi stressed that misinformation has real-world consequences, including:

• Vaccine hesitancy and rejection of immunisation
• Increased use of unverified herbal remedies
• Drug misuse and antimicrobial resistance
• Delayed access to professional healthcare

She warned that assumptions such as “herbal medicines are always safe” or “injections are more effective than tablets” continue to endanger lives.

Call for a coordinated national response

To address the growing crisis, Professor Amobi called for a stronger and more coordinated approach involving multiple stakeholders.

“Nigeria must urgently prioritise a safe, open, and trustworthy information ecosystem to support public health,” she said.

She recommended collaboration between government agencies, healthcare professionals, media organisations, technology platforms, and civil society groups to counter misinformation and improve public awareness.

The scholar also described the growing spread of false information as “infotamination,” urging urgent action to protect Nigerians from its harmful effects.

Conclusion

As Nigeria continues to face evolving public health challenges, experts warn that tackling health misinformation is now as critical as delivering healthcare itself. Strengthening digital literacy and trusted communication systems may be key to reversing the trend and improving national health outcomes.