A graduate of Mountain Top University (MTU), Prayer City, Ogun State, Chuwkuma Hillary Akpu, has put the country on the global research map with his groundbreaking study on worm mating behaviour, using artificial intelligence (AI).
His work recently published in an internationally recognised scientific journal, showcases how AI can be leveraged to advance the study of animal behaviour, unlocking insights that could have a far-reaching impact across multiple scientific fields.
His team went a step further by enhancing DeepSORT, a widely recognised state-of-the-art object tracking algorithm. Outperforming such advanced models is a daunting challenge in AI research, yet Hilary’s modifications led to an astounding 77 percent improvement in tracking accuracy. This level of enhancement is almost unheard of, marking a major leap forward in automated animal behaviour analysis and cementing his work as a significant contribution to the field.
For years, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), which are tiny nematode worms, have been widely used by scientists to study genetics, neurobiology, and even environmental pollution. However, manually tracking these microscopic creatures has always been a tedious and time-consuming task.
Hilary revealed that the broader impact of his research lies in its potential to enhance our understanding of biological processes and environmental interactions through more efficient and accurate analysis of C. elegans behaviour.
He added that in environmental monitoring, the study of C. elegans mating behaviour aids scientists in understanding the impact of environmental toxins on soil conditions.
Akpu said the automated analysis tool developed in this research can aid in a more efficient and comprehensive study of C. elegans mating behaviours, which in turn can provide insights into soil pollution.
Akpu, who also holds an MSc from the University of Reading, highlighted that his work extends beyond this groundbreaking research. He has also developed novel character-consistent AI image generation models, implemented LLM algorithms to classify diagnosis and reduce loss for a company, crafted a Python emailing package with about 15,000 downloads in 3 years, and created a vaccination notification app which increased vaccination rates in babies, all of which have contributed positively to lives and businesses.
On the breakthrough of his student, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Elijah Adebowale Ayolabi said MTU, a faith-based institution deeply committed to research and innovation, tutored its students to be solution providers through groundbreaking research projects that address contemporary issues. He added that the institution remains steadfast in providing a comprehensive education that develops the intellectual, spiritual and entrepreneurial competencies of its students.