Nigerian Scientist develops AI model drug discovery

Afeez Adegoke, a 2019 graduate of Chemistry from the University of Ibadan recently developed a machine learning framework that significantly accelerates the process of drug discovery, a development with far-reaching implications for global healthcare, especially in Africa.

The innovation, which formed the core of his Master’s research, applies machine learning algorithms to predict potential drug candidates with speed and precision. 

By combining computational chemistry with artificial intelligence, Afeez’s model has been computationally tested on a range of disease targets and is already drawing the attention of pharmaceutical researchers across the world.

“I developed a simple yet effective machine learning framework that can help predict drug candidates faster and more accurately.

The ultimate goal is to make Africa a leading hub for health solutions, not just in response to pandemics but in everyday healthcare challenges,” Afeez told our correspondent.

Afeez’s research emerged during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that highlighted the global need for rapid, scalable, and accurate drug development. 

His work directly addresses this need, offering a promising tool for identifying new treatments in a fraction of the time traditional methods require.

His contributions have earned him several fully funded PhD offers from prestigious institutions in the United States, China, and Europe. Later this year, he will begin a fully funded PhD in Chemistry at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, US where he plans to delve deeper into computational research, this time focusing on designing RNA-based technologies for pharmaceutical applications.

“My future work will explore how RNA technologies can be optimized using computational tools, particularly for diseases prevalent in Africa.

“We need to invest in local capacity to solve local health challenges effectively.”

Experts in the scientific community have lauded Afeez’s accomplishment as a testament to the untapped potential of young African researchers. His work, they say, not only bridges the gap between science and technology but also sets a precedent for future innovations in pharmaceutical research on the continent.

“Africa has the talent; what we need is the right investment and belief in our capacity,” Afeez emphasised. “With the right support, we can produce world-class solutions right here from the continent.”

Beyond his academic achievements, Afeez is passionate about capacity building and hopes to establish platforms that will integrate artificial intelligence into Nigeria’s pharmaceutical research landscape. His ambition is to inspire a new generation of researchers who will use technology to transform healthcare outcomes in Africa.