Diaspora Solution Group Nigeria and the University of Ilorin have entered into a partnership to establish a laboratory for research into an innovative approach to controlling malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.
The partnership will focus on investigating the potential application of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in controlling Anopheles mosquitoes, the principal vectors responsible for malaria transmission.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for locally driven malaria research while exploring new scientific approaches to complement existing malaria-control measures.
DSGN disclosed this in a statement issued to mark the 2026 Mosquito Day, saying the partnership followed months of consultations with government agencies, public health institutions, development partners, researchers, universities and biosafety professionals.
The organisation said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Ilorin after an extensive process of consultation, review and negotiation, with the university selected as the pilot-study location.
Under the agreement, DSGN said preparations were underway for the establishment of a Malaria Control Laboratory within the Department of Biochemistry at the university.
The proposed laboratory will provide a controlled environment for research into the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, particularly approaches aimed at affecting the reproductive capacity of malaria-vector mosquitoes.
The scientific team at the University of Ilorin is headed by Professor Faoziat Adenike Sulaiman, while Gbenga Ajayeoba is the Principal Investigator for DSGN.
The initiative was conceived following the National Conference on Malaria Elimination held in Osogbo, Osun State, in December 2025, where stakeholders discussed innovative approaches to mosquito control.
DSGN said the conference was followed by sustained engagement with relevant national and state agencies, public health institutions, development partners, researchers and scientific professionals to develop the project within acceptable ethical and regulatory frameworks.
The organisation emphasised that the proposed research would be conducted strictly under controlled laboratory conditions and subject to all necessary scientific, ethical, institutional and regulatory approvals.
It also stressed that research involving genetically modified mosquitoes and CRISPR-Cas9 technology requires stringent biosafety measures, including appropriate risk assessment, containment systems and qualified personnel.
DSGN said the project was not intended to immediately replace existing malaria interventions, adding that any decision to progress beyond laboratory research would depend on scientific evidence, regulatory review and appropriate authorisation.
According to the organisation, the initiative represents a shift from discussions about innovative malaria control to practical research aimed at generating evidence on alternative approaches.
DSGN, however, said the project requires substantial financial and technical support to develop the laboratory infrastructure, strengthen scientific capacity, train personnel and establish appropriate biosafety systems.
It consequently appealed to governments, philanthropists, foundations, development organisations, universities, research institutions and private-sector organisations to support the project through grants, donations, technical assistance and scientific collaboration.
The organisation said sustained investment in African-led research was critical to developing innovative solutions to the continent’s malaria burden.
It added that the University of Ilorin partnership would not only support malaria research but also contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s scientific capacity and expertise in emerging biotechnology.
DSGN urged prospective partners to support the initiative, describing it as part of its commitment to “innovating, collaborating and investing in a malaria-free future for Africa.”
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