In Zaria, Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), one of Nigeria’s foremost academic institutions, secured €5 million grant under the European Union’s Horizon Europe EUTOPIA call to develop an AI-powered microscope to ease the diagnosis of neglected parasitic diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The project, titled “MultiplexAI”, was among only four proposals selected from over 240 global entries focused on digital diagnostics.
ABU will serve as the lead African institution in the initiative, which targets diseases such as African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and filariasis, ailments that remain prevalent but underdiagnosed in impoverished communities.
“This is not just a scientific milestone for our institution, but a bold step toward health equity for under-served populations,” said Dr. Gloria Dada Chechet, a molecular parasitologist and Reader at ABU’s Department of Biochemistry, who will serve as the Scientific Project Lead for MultiplexAI.
Dr. Chechet, a fellow of the Science by Women and Women for Africa Foundation, has received international recognition for her work on tropical disease research and gender equity in global health.
She also serves at ABU’s Africa Centre of Excellence for Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology (ACENTDFB).
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State
Founded in 1962 and located in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University is one of the largest and oldest degree-awarding institutions in sub-Saharan Africa.
Originally known as University of Northern Nigeria, renamed as Ahmadu Bello University after Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and Nigeria’s first Premier of Northern Nigeria, the university is renowned for its research-intensive programs across science, engineering, medicine, agriculture, and social sciences.
Over the decades, ABU has become a center for academic excellence and policy-relevant research in Nigeria and West Africa.
AI Meets Rural Medicine
The MultiplexAI tool is designed for deployment in rural and hard-to-reach areas, where diagnostic facilities are often scarce.
Combining microscopy with smartphones and machine learning algorithms, the tool will automatically detect multiple parasitic infections at the point of care, a significant leap in mobile diagnostics.
“This tool will be a game-changer for field diagnosis. It democratizes access to advanced diagnostics and bridges the digital divide in healthcare,” said Dr. Chechet.
Why It Matters
This milestone confirms Africa’s increasing role in global tech-driven health solutions, with Nigeria positioned as a leader.
By using artificial intelligence in diagnostics, the project contributes to affordable, scalable, and rapid healthcare solutions, particularly for diseases that primarily affect the world’s poorest.
For Nigeria, experts see this as a demonstration of maturing research ecosystem, and boost to the nation’s standing in international scientific collaborations. It also sets a precedent for AI-enabled public health interventions, potentially reducing misdiagnosis and improving disease control strategies in real time.
“In an era where AI is transforming everything from finance to agriculture, its application in rural healthcare could be Africa’s next leap forward,” said a regional health policy analyst.
A Global Win for Local Innovation
ABU’s Vice-Chancellor commended the achievement as a landmark for both the university and Nigeria’s health innovation landscape.
“This award marks a historic achievement for Ahmadu Bello University and places it firmly among Africa’s leading voices in digital health innovation,” he said. “We commend Dr. Chechet and the entire team for the pivotal role they’ve played.”
Experts agree the grant not only underscores ABU’s growing research capacity but also opens pathways for future cross-border research and public health partnerships.
Talking Points
This €5 million grant awarded to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) under the Horizon Europe initiative marks a pivotal moment in the intersection of frontier technology and healthcare innovation in Africa.
In a context where neglected tropical diseases continue to plague rural populations across the continent, this project situates ABU at the forefront of an emerging wave of AI-driven medical solutions aimed at underserved communities.
Its relevance lies not only in the technological leap, deploying machine learning and mobile-enabled microscopy, but also in the shift it reflects: from dependency on imported solutions to indigenous innovation with global collaboration.
By leveraging local expertise, particularly the leadership of Dr. Gloria Dada Chechet, the project empowers Africa’s research ecosystem to actively participate in shaping the global healthtech agenda.
The conclusion is clear: this development is more than a scientific milestone, it is a strategic advancement that repositions Nigeria as a credible contributor to digital health equity and exemplifies how localized, AI-powered tools can redefine healthcare access across low-resource settings.
