The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has unveiled two groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence-driven research projects aimed at revolutionising infectious disease surveillance and response in Nigeria.
The projects, launched under the institution’s AIA4OneHealth initiative, were formally introduced on Tuesday at the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), with Ogun State selected as the pilot site.
Backed by the Artificial Intelligence for Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness (AI4PEP) Network at the University of Toronto, Canada, through a €11.3 million (₦21.8 billion) grant from the International Development Research Council (IDRC) and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the initiative seeks to strengthen national health surveillance systems such as SORMAS and TATAFO.
The projects—An Intelligent Early Warning and Response System for Infectious Disease Control and A Smart Management System for MPOX (Monkeypox)—are designed to provide real-time data for predicting, preventing, and managing outbreaks.
Speaking at the launch, the Team Lead of the AIA4OneHealth group, Professor Adeshina Sodiya, described the development as a shift from mere academic research to the creation of practical AI solutions that directly impact public health.
“This is not just about academic research; it’s about building real-world, AI-powered solutions to safeguard public health,” Sodiya said.
“Our work focuses on interconnected human, animal, and environmental health challenges under the One Health framework. With this support, we are establishing a research hub capable of impacting communities at scale.”
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Morenike Dipeolu lauded the initiative as evidence of FUNAAB’s growing reputation in research and innovation.
“Our University has consistently proven its commitment to excellence. This initiative reaffirms our position as a leader in bridging academic knowledge with industry and societal needs,” she said.
Dipeolu also highlighted that FUNAAB ranks as the second-best Nigerian university in graduate employability, linking the achievement to the institution’s focus on relevant research and innovation.
Ogun State’s Special Adviser to the Governor on ICT, Mr. Dayo Abiodun, commended the selection of the state as the pilot hub.
“This project positions Ogun State at the frontier of public health innovation in Nigeria. Artificial Intelligence equips us with the tools to predict, prevent, and respond to epidemics effectively. This initiative is not just for FUNAAB—it’s for every citizen of our state,” Abiodun said.
According to the project strategists, the €11.3m funding will cover capacity building, infrastructure, field research, and international collaboration.
The launch attracted key stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Babcock University, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Ogun State Ministry of Health, and members of FUNAAB’s Governing Council.
The AIA4OneHealth group disclosed that plans were already in motion to scale up the projects nationally, with more collaborations underway.
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