FUTA Faculty Member, UK Varsity Collaborator Secure Prestigious Research Fellowship

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), in collaboration with Middlesex University, London, has secured a prestigious Research Development Fellowship (RDF) from the Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF). This esteemed fellowship has been awarded to Dr. Abimbola Helen Afolayan, an early career researcher at FUTA, in recognition of her contributions to interdisciplinary research in artificial intelligence and health sciences.

Dr. Afolayan’s research will focus on investigating malaria risk factors using machine learning techniques applied to epidemiological and climatic datasets. With Nigeria accounting for 30% of global malaria-related deaths, the study aims to enhance disease prevention and intervention strategies through data-driven insights.

The fellowship will be implemented in three distinct phases. The preparatory phase will be conducted at FUTA, where Dr. Afolayan will receive mentorship from Professor Bolanle Adefowoke Ojokoh. This stage will focus on aligning research objectives and refining methodologies. The placement phase will take place at Middlesex University, London, under the guidance of Dr. Olugbenga Oluwagbemi, a leading expert in AI-driven health research. This phase will provide access to advanced computational tools and facilitate international knowledge exchange. Upon completion of the placement, Dr. Afolayan will return to FUTA for the follow-up phase, where she will refine and consolidate her research findings for real-world application.

A Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information Systems, School of Computing at FUTA, Dr. Afolayan specializes in the application of artificial intelligence to climate and biomedical challenges. Her extensive publications in international journals and conferences have significantly contributed to advancements in AI applications for health and environmental research. Being selected as one of the 24 fellows in the 2023/24 cohort underscores her dedication to leveraging technology for societal impact.

Beyond the fellowship, Dr. Afolayan is committed to enhancing her research funding acquisition skills and fostering collaborative networks among emerging African scientists. Through this initiative, she aims to contribute to global efforts in combating malaria while promoting AI-driven solutions in healthcare.

This achievement reinforces FUTA’s status as a leading research institution, fostering innovation and global partnerships. The university’s scholars will engage with international counterparts, paving the way for long-term collaborations in global health and artificial intelligence.

Congratulating Dr. Afolayan on this remarkable feat, FUTA’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, described the fellowship as a testament to the university’s growing global recognition in cutting-edge research. “I congratulate Dr. Afolayan on this fellowship, which has further deepened FUTA's position as a research-intensive institution of note with global recognition. I am confident that Dr. Afolayan will perform excellently and make Nigeria proud,” Professor Oladiji stated.