Unilorin, DSGN strengthen research capacity for innovative Malaria Vector Control
By Bashirat Omotosho
The University of Ilorin has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening research capacity and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration in the fight against malaria as it hosted a World Mosquito Day Research Team Training organised in partnership with Diaspora Solution Group Nigeria (DSGN).
The training, which was held at the Faculty of Physical Sciences Boardroom last Thursday (July 20, 2026) to mark this year’s World Mosquito Day, was themed “Strengthening Research Capacity for Innovative Malaria Vector Control”.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation) Prof Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye, described the theme as timely and highly relevant to the institution’s commitment to research that addresses pressing health and societal challenges.
The Vice Chancellor commended the collaboration between the University and DSGN, noting that the partnership exemplifies the commitment of the University to academic excellence and multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing societal challenges.
He also applauded DSGN and the research team led by Prof. Faoziyat Suleiman for their efforts in advancing the initiative.
Prof. Egbewole expressed confidence that the training would strengthen research capacity, promote collaboration and generate innovative approaches to malaria vector control, with the potential to contribute to the development of products and services as well as consequential research and knowledge creation.
He further stressed the importance of involving students, particularly postgraduate students, in the initiative to expose them to emerging research opportunities and build their capacity.
Speaking on the initiative, the Principal Investigator for the scientific team, Prof Fawziyat Suleiman explained that the initiative followed the National Conference on Malaria Elimination held in Osogbo, Osun State, in December 2025, after which the organisation commenced sustained stakeholder engagement aimed at translating discussions on innovative mosquito control into a structured research initiative.
According to her, the organisation has since engaged national and state-level agencies, public health institutions, development partners, researchers, universities and scientific professionals connected with malaria control, public health and biosafety management.
She also noted that the major milestone in the initiative was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between DSGN and the University, establishing a framework for collaboration and designating the University as the pilot-study location.
The agreement followed an extensive process of consultation, review and negotiation to ensure that institutional responsibilities, research governance and other requirements were adequately addressed.
She disclosed that as part of the next phase, preparations are underway for the establishment of a Malaria Control Laboratory within the Department of Biochemistry, adding that the proposed controlled laboratory research will be undertaken subject to all applicable approvals and regulatory requirements.
Speaking on behalf of DSGN, Mr Gbenga Ajayeoba noted that the research will investigate the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology as an innovative malaria-vector control strategy, particularly approaches aimed at affecting the reproductive capacity of malaria-vector Anopheles mosquitoes under controlled laboratory conditions.
He emphasised that the project is intended to complement, rather than immediately replace, existing malaria-control interventions, adding that any progression beyond laboratory research would depend on scientific evidence, appropriate regulatory review and authorisation.
