In the dynamic world of pharmaceutical research and healthcare innovation, Dr Ibrahim O. Omoyayi, stands out as one of the few scientists merging cutting-edge technology with real-world impact, particularly across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. As a pharmaceutical scientist and formulation expert, Omoyayi’s groundbreaking contributions are redefining how complex diseases like tuberculosis and cancer are diagnosed and treated.
In recognition of his achievements, he received the prestigious Global Recognition Award in 2025, celebrating his leadership in drug formulation, AI innovation, and public health impact across the Global South.
Revolutionising tuberculosis detection in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a serious public health burden across Africa, especially in densely populated and low-resource settings. Recognising this, Omoyayi developed IoE-TB, the world’s first AI and Internet of Everything-powered platform for TB detection.
This innovative tool uses deep learning and sensor-based technology to deliver 95 percent diagnostic accuracy, enabling early detection in regions with limited access to medical infrastructure.
In Nigeria alone, he revealed that over 500,000 individuals have accessed the IoE-TB platform through mobile health clinics, primary health centres, and NGO-supported programme.
Other impacts of the IoE-TB on the Nigerian healthcare system include, increase in early TB diagnosis rates by 42 percent in pilot states, ot Lagos, Kano, and Enugu; reduction in late-stage TB presentations in public hospitals by over 30 percent; saving of an estimated ₦850 million ($1.1 million) in public health within three years; and training of over 1,000 local health workers on the operation and interpretation of data outputs on the platform.
“Our goal was not just innovation for its own sake,” Dr Omoyayi shared in an exclusive interview with Pharmanewonline, “but to create scalable tools that help bridge healthcare gaps across African communities.”
The success of IoE-TB has attracted attention from state governments, health agencies, and international NGOs, positioning it as a potential model for digital tuberculosis screening under Nigeria’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
Accelerating drug development through AI
Dr Omoyayi also created FORMULATE-AI, a quantum machine learning platform designed to drastically shorten pharmaceutical formulation timelines. By automating excipient selection and predicting optimal formulations, the system reduces development time by over 70 percent, allowing formulation scientists to bring therapies to clinical trial stages with greater efficiency.
“This platform has been deployed in partnership with several African pharmaceutical manufacturers and CDMOs,” he said, “helping to localise production of essential medicines and reduce dependence on imports.”
Breakthroughs in drug delivery
A leader in advanced drug delivery systems, Omoyayi invented three nanoparticle-based drug formulations, now in Phase II clinical trials, targeting cancers and rare immune disorders. His formulation strategies are rooted in sustainability and scalability—ensuring that cost-effective manufacturing methods are prioritised for use in emerging markets.
He also introduced the Omoyayi Matrix, a novel spray-dried dispersion optimisation model now adopted as a technical benchmark by six contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMOs) worldwide.
Advancing scientific thought & mentorship
Beyond his technical achievements, the innovative Omoyayi is a passionate research mentor and community leader. He actively supports African scientists through mentorship programmes with Young Black Pharma (YBP) and collaborates with peers globally on public health projects focused on innovation, sustainability, and equitable access.
His research work, featured on platforms such as PubMed, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar, continues to explore how AI and computational modeling can transform pharmaceutical manufacturing in low- and middle-income countries.
With a vision rooted in innovation and compassion, Dr Omoyayi’s work is not only advancing science but transforming lives across Africa, proving that the fusion of technology and health equity can pave the way for a healthier, more inclusive future.
