By Ammar M. Rajab Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has secured a landmark grant of five million Euros (€5 million), approxi...
By Ammar M. Rajab
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has secured a landmark grant of five million Euros (€5 million), approximately nine billion naira (₦9,000,000,000), to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered microscope aimed at transforming the diagnosis of parasitic diseases in Africa.
The grant was awarded under the MultiplexAI project, making it the first Horizon Europe-funded project to be hosted at ABU and one of the few of its kind awarded in Nigeria. MultiplexAI was selected through the Horizon Europe EDCTP3 call on ‘Innovative Digital Health Solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa’.
According to the university, the project targets the diagnosis of several parasitic diseases, including African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), malaria, leishmaniasis, and filariasis—diseases that disproportionately affect underserved populations in Africa.
The Public Affairs Directorate of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday, July 21, 2025.
“MultiplexAI was chosen after a rigorous evaluation process from a pool of 240 proposals submitted across six thematic areas focused on digital diagnostics,” the statement read. “Only four projects were eventually selected for funding, including MultiplexAI.”
The project is led by Dr. Gloria Dada Chechet, a Reader in the Department of Biochemistry at ABU, Zaria. Dr. Chechet serves as the Scientific Project Lead of MultiplexAI and is also a researcher at the university’s Africa Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology (ACENTDFB).
Dr. Chechet, a biochemist and molecular parasitologist, has been internationally recognised for her work in diagnostics, disease control, and gender equity in global health. She is a fellow of the Science by Women and Learn Africa programs under Fundación Mujeres por África and has received multiple fellowships supporting her research in neglected tropical diseases and the representation of African women in global health research.
Describing the innovative nature of the project, the university explained, “MultiplexAI was specifically designed for use in rural and hard-to-reach areas. The tool will empower frontline health workers to accurately detect multiple infections at the point of care using just a microscope, a smartphone, and an app.”
The university highlighted that the achievement marks a historic milestone for ABU. “This award not only cements Ahmadu Bello University’s position among Africa’s leading voices in digital health innovation but also demonstrates its research strength and ability to lead international high-impact collaborations,” the statement said.
The Vice-Chancellor of ABU, on behalf of the Council, Senate, and University Management, extended heartfelt congratulations to the Africa Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology (ACENTDFB) and lauded Dr. Chechet’s pivotal role in securing the prestigious grant.
“This success enhances Nigeria’s reputation in international research and showcases our growing capacity to lead advancements in science, technology, and public health,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
The ₦9 billion grant represents a significant boost to ABU’s research endeavours and is expected to have far-reaching impacts on healthcare delivery, particularly in communities battling neglected tropical diseases.
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