FUNAAB Hosts PPSN Golden Jubilee Conference as Experts Call for AI-Driven Health Security

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), hosted the 50th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN) on October 13, 2026, with public health experts calling for proactive, data-driven strategies to protect communities and sustain healthcare delivery in security-challenged environments.

The four-day conference, themed “Golden Era of PPSN Conferences: Multidisciplinary Approach to Global Health Security,” opened at the Professor Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building, FUNAAB. It brought together researchers, health professionals, policymakers and development partners to discuss innovative responses to emerging public health challenges.

Delivering the first keynote address, Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, called on governments and health institutions to move beyond reactive interventions towards anticipatory planning to protect lives and maintain healthcare services amid insecurity.

Speaking on “Health Interventions in a Security-Challenged Environment,” Coker identified disruptions to routine health services, restricted access to healthcare facilities and threats to frontline health workers as major challenges facing health systems in insecure areas.

She advocated integrating health risk assessments into development planning, strengthening disease surveillance, promoting data-driven decision-making and deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to detect threats early and improve emergency preparedness. She also emphasised the need to protect healthcare workers and engage local communities in public health interventions.

Highlighting collaboration between universities and government, Coker disclosed that the Ogun State Ministry of Health had partnered with FUNAAB to develop an AI-driven disease surveillance platform.

The collaboration involves FUNAAB’s Artificial Intelligence Applications for One Health Research Hub, which developed the IDS Master platform in partnership with the ministry. The initiative demonstrates the university’s efforts to translate research and technological innovation into practical solutions for disease surveillance, prevention and response.

The second keynote address was delivered by Dr. Sunday Isiyaku, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Reaching the Last Mile Africa. His presentation, titled “Impact of PPSN and NGOs in Parasitology and Health Interventions in Nigeria: What Is Needed,” examined the contributions of professional societies and non-governmental organisations to parasitology and public health interventions in the country.

Isiyaku highlighted opportunities to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and improve the effectiveness of public health programmes.

The third keynote address, titled “Multidisciplinary Approach to Public Health Issues Intervention in Nigeria,” was delivered by Dr. Adedayo Oludolamu, immediate past Vice-Chairperson of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ogun State Branch, on behalf of Chief Rita Oguntoyinbo.

The presentation highlighted the role of environmental engineering in disrupting the transmission cycles of infectious diseases and called for coordinated action among frontline health professionals and other relevant disciplines.

Declaring the conference open, FUNAAB Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, who was represented by the Dean of the Postgraduate School, Professor Olusiji Sowande, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, learning and community engagement.

Kehinde noted that FUNAAB’s research capacity and international collaborations had positioned the institution to work with stakeholders in addressing pressing societal challenges. He expressed the university’s readiness to deepen partnerships that would promote research-driven solutions, innovative healthcare interventions and sustainable development.

He commended PPSN for selecting FUNAAB to host the golden jubilee conference and urged participants to develop practical recommendations that would advance public health and strengthen global health security.

Earlier, PPSN President, Professor Sammy Olufemi Sam-Wobo, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the university management for supporting the hosting of the landmark conference.

Sam-Wobo, who is also the Director of FUNAAB’s Zoological Park, described the 50th edition as a significant milestone in the society’s development. He acknowledged the contributions of the Conference Management Committee, Local Organising Committee, Board of Trustees, non-governmental organisations and Editorial Board to the event.

A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the presentation of an award to the Vice-Chancellor by PPSN in recognition of the university’s role in hosting the golden jubilee conference. The society also presented awards to the keynote speakers.

Other dignitaries present included Professor Adebayo Oni, Senate Representative on the FUNAAB Governing Council, and Professor Iyabode Kehinde, Dean of the university’s College of Biosciences (COLBIOS), alongside representatives from various institutions across Nigeria.