A pioneer graduate of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo State, Dr Richard Olumide Daodu has emerged as the first doctoral graduate of Freie Universität Berlin’s pioneering Artificial Intelligence in Public Health programme.

Daodu defended his PhD dissertation in bioinformatics a few days ago, a feat that simultaneously established him as the first alumnus of his Nigerian alma mater to earn a doctorate.

According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Issac Oluyi, the historic dissertation, titled Computational Surveillance and Molecular Analysis of Lassa Virus in Response to Increased Prevalence in Humans and Animals, represents a leap forward in the application of digital tools to combat infectious diseases.

He said, “By integrating artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and genomics, Dr Daodu has developed real-time genomic surveillance tools designed to monitor the evolutionary trajectory of the Lassa virus.

“The research carries profound implications for enhancing disease outbreak preparedness and fortifying public health response systems across Africa, where viral haemorrhagic fevers remain a recurrent threat.

Dr Daodu’s academic journey is rooted in excellence, having graduated from UNIMED’s Department of Anatomy as a member of the institution’s inaugural graduating class.

“His pursuit of advanced knowledge took him to Redeemer’s University, where he secured a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Genomics, before securing a position at the prestigious German university.

“Beyond his academic credentials, he previously served as the pioneer president of the UNIMED Alumni Association and held a seat on its governing council, demonstrating early leadership that foreshadowed his current global impact.”

While commending Daodu for the feat, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIMED, Prof. Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, described the achievement as a validation of the university’s academic rigour.

The vice-chancellor lauded the graduate for carrying the institution’s flag to the global stage and emphasised that the research output holds value for international health security.

“We are delighted by Dr Daodu’s outstanding achievement, which underscores the strong academic foundation he received at UNIMED. His pioneering research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and public health is a significant contribution to global health security.

“He has made the university proud, and we congratulate him while wishing him greater accomplishments in his academic and professional career,” Adejuyigbe stated.

The president of the UNIMED Alumni Association, Adedayo Adesida, stated that the alumnus’s success is a source of collective pride, reflecting the resilience and innovative spirit cultivated by the institution.

“He said, “On behalf of the UNIMED Alumni Association, I heartily congratulate Dr Richard Olumide Daodu on this remarkable milestone of becoming the first UNIMED alumnus to earn a PhD and the pioneer doctoral graduate of the Artificial Intelligence in Public Health programme at Freie Universität Berlin.

“This achievement is a source of immense pride to the entire alumni community and a reflection of the excellence, resilience and innovative spirit that UNIMED nurtures in its graduates.

‘Dr Daodu has continued to blaze the trail from his days as a pioneer student and the first president of our alumni association, and his groundbreaking research in bioinformatics and artificial intelligence for public health will undoubtedly make a lasting global impact. We celebrate his success and wish him even greater accomplishments in the years ahead.” (The Guardian)