FUNAAB Launches AI-Powered One Health Research Hub, AIA4OneHealth

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has taken a bold step in advancing multidisciplinary research with the official launch of the Artificial Intelligence Applications for One Health (AIA4OneHealth) research hub.

The initiative, unveiled on August 27, 2025, signals the commencement of two groundbreaking projects designed to harness artificial intelligence in addressing critical human, animal, and environmental health challenges.

Declaring the hub open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Morenike Dipeolu, described the launch as a milestone in FUNAAB’s pursuit of impactful research and innovation. He emphasized that the One Health concept is a global priority, and the AIA4OneHealth project aligns with the University’s vision of solving real-world problems through science and technology.

Prof. Kehinde further announced the establishment of the University’s newest academic unit, the College of Computer Science (COLCOMP), to begin in the 2025/2026 Academic Session, underscoring FUNAAB’s commitment to technology and innovation. Commending the research team led by Prof. Adesina Sodiya, he expressed confidence that their work would strengthen the University’s global reputation. “This launch is not just a milestone for the AIA4OneHealth team, but a pivotal moment for our University, stakeholders, and the communities that stand to benefit,” he said.

Supported by the Artificial Intelligence for Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness (AI4PEP) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the initiative brings together a multidisciplinary team dedicated to producing actionable outputs for academia and society.

In his Welcome Address, Team Lead Prof. Sodiya recounted the journey that began two years ago when FUNAAB responded to a Call-for-Proposal by AI4PEP, a Canada-based network at the University of Toronto. Following a rigorous three-stage selection process, the University emerged as Nigeria’s representative among nine countries in the Global South. He explained that AIA4OneHealth is designed to develop AI-driven solutions for pressing One Health challenges.

Highlights of the programme included a presentation on About AIA4OneHealth by Project Director, Dr. Olorunjube Falana; a paper on Research Analysis and Disease Control in the Global South by Dr. Dada Aborisade; and an online lecture by AI4PEP Executive Director, Prof. Jude Kong of the University of Toronto.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Acting Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Dr. Adekunle Adediran; the representative of the Ogun State Governor’s Special Adviser on ICT, Engr. Olaleye Adeyemi; the representative of the Ogun State Ministry of Health, Dr. Joan Osayemi, and several others within and outside FUNAAB.