Unilorin secures N1.7bn grant for antibiotic alternative research

A research group at the University of Ilorin, known as Innovative Veterinary Solutions For AntiMicrobial Resistance (INNOVET-AMR) 2, has secured a grant of 1.6 million Canadian Dollars (approximately N1.7 billion) to develop innovative solutions addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in food-producing animals. The grant was awarded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada.

The research team, led by Dr. Ismail Ayoade Odetokun, plans to collaborate with experts from Spain’s Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA) and the Royal Holloway University of London, UK. Their focus will be on developing a bacteriocin-rich extract (BRE) as a potential antibiotic alternative.

The team includes notable members such as Professor Ibrahim Adisa Raufu, Professor Wasiu Jimoh, Dr. Ismail Adeyemo, Dr. Basiru Afisu, Dr. Aremu Abdulfatai, and Dr. Olayiwola Akeem Ahmed from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Unilorin.

The project, titled “Bacteriocin-rich Extract from Engineered Lactic Acid Bacteria as an Antibiotic Alternative for Therapeutic and Prophylactic Use in Ruminants and Aquaculture (BAC4RumA),” aims to assess the effectiveness and economic benefits of BRE in treating and preventing bacterial infections in livestock and aquaculture. Dr. Odetokun highlighted that the project not only seeks to develop a patentable product but also plans to recruit four postgraduate students and engage in capacity-building initiatives throughout the 32-month duration.

During a visit to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), Dr. Odetokun shared the team’s plans and progress. Professor Egbewole expressed his delight at the team’s achievement and encouraged them to uphold Unilorin’s reputation for excellence. He emphasized that the research could pave the way for future advancements and collaborations, marking a significant stride in Unilorin’s research efforts.

The Vice-Chancellor also noted that the grant symbolizes a major step forward in combating AMR, a growing threat to global public health, and holds promise for developing novel approaches to address this critical issue.