Leading scientists, researchers and academics have identified precision medicine, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven research and increased investment in science education as critical pathways to transforming healthcare, food security and sustainable development across Africa.
The position was presented during the 42nd Scientific Conference and Annual General Assembly of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB) hosted by the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) from July 6 to 10, 2026. The conference, themed “Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for Peace, Health, Food Security, and Climate-Smart Sustainable Development in the AI Era,” brought together scholars, students and scientists from Nigeria and several other countries to examine how emerging technologies can reshape education, research and innovation on the continent.
Delivering the opening plenary lecture titled “Personalised/Precision Medicine in Africa,” Emeritus Professor of Medical Biochemistry and Structural Biology at the University of Cape Town and Secretary of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Professor Mohamed Parker, described precision medicine as a revolutionary healthcare approach that uses an individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle and environmental factors to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases more accurately than conventional methods.
Professor Parker observed that although Africa possesses the greatest human genetic diversity in the world, the continent contributes less than two per cent of global human genome databases. According to him, this limits the development of medical treatments specifically designed for African populations and underscores the urgent need for African universities and research institutions to expand genomic research and data collection.
He called on governments, universities, research institutes and private philanthropists to invest substantially in scientific research, laboratory infrastructure and postgraduate training. He expressed concern that Nigeria currently invests only about 0.30 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product in research and development, describing the figure as inadequate for a country seeking to build a globally competitive knowledge economy.
The conference also highlighted the growing importance of universities in preparing students for an AI-driven future. Participants noted that artificial intelligence is already transforming biomedical research through faster drug discovery, disease prediction, precision diagnostics, molecular modelling and data analysis, making it essential for higher institutions to integrate AI competencies into science education and research training.
Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Mohammed Abubakar, represented by the President of the Federation of African Societies of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and former NSBMB President, Professor Suleman Bilbis, described the gathering as an important platform for strengthening scientific collaboration and advancing research capable of addressing Africa’s development challenges. He commended FUTA for successfully hosting the international conference and encouraged participants to develop practical solutions that would strengthen scientific capacity across the continent.
Representing the Ondo State Governor, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, praised FUTA’s growing reputation in research, innovation and technology-driven education. He noted that the university continues to distinguish itself through quality teaching, impactful research and collaborations that contribute to national development.
FUTA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, said universities must embrace interdisciplinary collaboration to solve increasingly complex global challenges. She explained that the combination of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, artificial intelligence and computational science is already improving drug discovery, disease diagnosis, nutrition research, climate-smart agriculture and environmental sustainability.
Professor Oladiji further challenged senior academics to mentor younger researchers, stressing that nurturing the next generation of scientists remains essential for sustaining research excellence and maintaining Nigeria’s competitiveness in global scientific innovation. She added that universities have a responsibility not only to produce graduates but also to develop researchers capable of generating solutions to societal problems.
President of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Professor Matthew Wegwu, stated that the conference theme reflects today’s global realities, including disease outbreaks, food insecurity, climate change and insecurity. He noted that Nigerian scientists continue to contribute significantly to vaccine research, biotechnology, metabolomics, environmental remediation and climate-smart agriculture, demonstrating the country’s growing scientific capacity.
Earlier, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Professor Clement Akinmoladun, described Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as foundational disciplines driving advances in medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, nutrition, environmental management and industrial development. He called for stronger partnerships among universities, research institutions, government agencies and industry to accelerate scientific discoveries and innovation.
Beyond the scientific presentations, the conference provided postgraduate students, early-career researchers and established academics with opportunities for mentorship, networking and knowledge exchange. Participants expressed optimism that stronger investments in university research, digital technologies and artificial intelligence would position African institutions to produce globally competitive innovations capable of improving healthcare delivery, boosting food production and supporting sustainable development across the continent.
