FUTA Student Daniel Akinyemi Shares Insights from Scientific Course in Ghana
Daniel Akinyemi, a recent Biotechnology graduate from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), shared his experiences from the One Health Modular Certificate short course at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Daniel Akinyemi, a recent graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has recounted his transformative experience at the One Health Modular Certificate short course held at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana. Alongside fellow Nigerian Simiat Adeogun, Akinyemi represented Nigeria as one of 25 African and German researchers selected for this prestigious program.
The fully funded course, organized by the German-West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention, provided participants with invaluable insights into public health, epidemiology, disease outbreak response, vaccines, and diagnostics. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, the program aimed to improve epidemic prevention and preparedness through effective networking and teamwork.
Akinyemi noted the course's focus on the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Over five days, participants engaged in field experiences, including visits to the Kumasi Abattoir, Barekese Dam, and Kumasi wastewater facilities. They also toured the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), gaining a deeper understanding of the critical intersections between human and animal health.
As part of the curriculum, Akinyemi and his peers conducted and presented a case study on a disease outbreak, further enhancing their practical skills and knowledge in managing health challenges in Africa.
“I am looking forward to working with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID) to strengthen One Health initiatives in Nigeria,” Akinyemi stated. He expressed gratitude to the German-West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention for the opportunity, as well as to his alma mater, FUTA, for fostering a culture of continuous learning throughout his studies.
Akinyemi also acknowledged the support of fellow participants from various countries, including Germany, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Cameroon, and Ghana, and extended his appreciation to his friends and mentors for their encouragement.
This unique experience has equipped Akinyemi with essential skills to address health challenges, demonstrating the critical importance of collaboration in tackling epidemics and pandemics across Africa.
