Last Updated on March 16, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Raymond Osemene
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Health, has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven platform designed to enhance public health monitoring and response across the State.
The platform, known as IDS Master, was unveiled in Abeokuta today, March 11, 2026 and developed by the Artificial Intelligence Applications for One Health (AI4OneHealth) Research Hub in the Department of Computer Science, FUNAAB.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo, explained that the initiative was a clear demonstration of how academic research could be translated into practical solutions for societal challenges. He noted that the platform integrates intelligent technologies to support the early detection of and rapid response to public health threats, thereby strengthening the resilience of health institutions. He also commended the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, and the Ministry of Health for embracing digital transformation in the health sector.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Project Lead and Principal Investigator of AI4OneHealth, Prof. Adesina Sodiya, stated that the project commenced about three years ago following a global call for proposals under an Artificial Intelligence research programme at the University of Toronto, Canada.
He described the unveiling of IDS Master as a significant milestone, noting that the application was the first of its kind in Nigeria and was expected to improve the detection, monitoring and response to infectious diseases. Prof. Sodiya emphasised that the solution was developed through a multi-sectoral collaboration involving key health stakeholders, which was vital for effective disease surveillance and control.
Speaking at the event, the Ogun State Commissioner for Health highlighted the importance of technology in strengthening public health security. According to her, the integration of AI into disease monitoring systems would significantly accelerate outbreak detection and response.
She added that the platform reflects strong collaboration between researchers and government within a coordinated One Health framework that recognises the interconnection between human health, animal health and the environment.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladeinde, stressed the importance of effective surveillance in maintaining health security, noting that a robust surveillance system remains critical to ensuring prompt and coordinated responses to emerging health threats.
Stakeholders at the unveiling commended the initiative for opening new opportunities for research, training and capacity development, while strengthening disease surveillance systems in Ogun State.
Dignitaries at the event included Prof. Adebukola Onashoga, Prof. Olufunke Vincent and Dr. James Falana, among others.
