University of Greater Manchester Partnership with DUFUHS Advances AI Capacity, Research and International Collaboration

The University of Greater Manchester (UGM) has forged a significant partnership with David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) in Nigeria, resulting in advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) education, research, and institutional capacity building. Professor Celestine Iwendi, Head of UGM's Centre of Intelligence of Things (CIoTh), led a delegation to DUFUHS in Uburu, Ebonyi State, as part of ongoing activities under their Memorandum of Understanding.

The visit aimed to assess progress, engage with university leadership and academics, and deliver practical AI capacity-building activities in healthcare, education, and research.

A crucial outcome of the collaboration has been the establishment of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence Applications (CAIA) at DUFUHS. This center aims to enhance AI literacy across the institution, foster interdisciplinary research, and provide opportunities for researchers and students to explore the responsible application of AI to healthcare and societal challenges.

During the visit, UGM's delegation interacted with a large audience of academics, researchers, and students through interactive sessions to strengthen practical understanding of contemporary AI tools and their responsible use.

Professor Jesse Uneke, Vice-Chancellor of DUFUHS, expressed high appreciation for the partnership's leadership and support, while Professor Nkiruka Folaranmi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) and Centre Lead for CAIA, highlighted her role in translating the partnership into practical programs and coordinating the center's activities. The commitment of DUFUHS officials, including Professor Uneke and Professor Folaranmi, has been instrumental in the partnership's progress.

The visit also facilitated discussions with the Vice-Chancellor of Ebonyi State ICT University, Engr. Prof. Ernest Ituma Egba, who is establishing his own partnership with UGM and CIoTh. This engagement forms part of a broader effort to create international networks connecting universities, researchers, and innovation centers around AI, intelligent systems, and responsible digital transformation.

Professor Iwendi's team, comprising Dr Pradeep Hewage, Dr Ikpenmosa Uhumuavbi, and Dr Ebere Ubesie, along with CIoTh researchers Salome Uwah and Edim Emmanuel, contributed to teaching, research engagement, practical demonstrations, and discussions on future collaborative projects.

Professor Iwendi emphasized UGM's ambition through CIoTh to build partnerships that generate sustained value by developing people, supporting research, creating opportunities for students and academics, and ensuring responsible AI application to meaningful problems. The DUFUHS program is part of a series of UGM and CIoTh engagements in Nigeria, with recent activities in Lagos at James Hope University continuing discussions on AI capacity building, executive education, research, and institutional collaboration.

This expanding program aligns with UGM's commitment to internationalization, knowledge exchange, and responsible AI, further strengthening links between Greater Manchester and partner institutions across Africa.