UNIZIK Lecturer Wins Prestigious African Research Excellence Fund Fellowship for Breakthrough Sleeping Sickness Research

A Senior Lecturer in the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Dr. Emmanuel C. Ohaekenyem, has been awarded the highly prestigious African Research Excellence Fund (AREF) Research Development Fellowship (RDF) 2026.

The achievement was disclosed in a letter dated June 16, 2026, addressed to the University’s Public Relations Office by Dr. Ohaekenyem.

According to the letter, the AREF Research Development Fellowship is a highly competitive international programme designed to support outstanding early-career African researchers in developing advanced research skills and strengthening collaborations with leading research institutions across the world.

Dr. Ohaekenyem’s fellowship project is titled: “Targeting G-Quadruplex DNA in Trypanosoma brucei with Photoactivated Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes for Human African Trypanosomiasis Therapy.”

The innovative research seeks to develop novel metal-based therapeutic strategies against Human African Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), a neglected tropical disease that continues to affect vulnerable populations across Africa.

As part of the fellowship, Dr. Ohaekenyem will undertake advanced research training and collaborative studies at the University of Reading, United Kingdom, under the mentorship of internationally renowned experts. The fellowship is expected to enhance his research capacity while strengthening Nnamdi Azikiwe University’s international research collaborations and global academic visibility.

In his correspondence, the award recipient expressed hope that the achievement would be publicised through the University’s official communication channels to showcase the growing global impact of research conducted by UNIZIK scholars.

The university community has congratulated Dr. Ohaekenyem on the remarkable achievement, describing it as another testament to the institution’s commitment to excellence in research and innovation.

Congratulations, Dr. Emmanuel C. Ohaekenyem!