DSGN, University Of Ilorin Advance CRISPR Research To Fight Malaria In Nigeria

Diaspora Solution Group Nigeria (DSGN) has announced a major step in its efforts to develop innovative approaches to malaria control, with the organisation entering into a research collaboration with the University of Ilorin on the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to study malaria-vector mosquitoes.

DSGN made this known in a statement marking the 2026 World Malaria Day, saying the initiative followed the National Conference on Malaria Elimination held in Osogbo, Osun State, in December 2025.

According to the organisation, the conference triggered sustained engagements with national and state agencies, public-health institutions, development partners, researchers, universities and scientific professionals involved in malaria control, public health and biosafety management.

DSGN said the consultations were aimed at translating discussions on innovative malaria control into a structured research programme while ensuring that the proposed study complied with relevant ethical, scientific, institutional and biosafety standards.

A major milestone, the organisation said, was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Ilorin, which will serve as the pilot-study location for the project.

It said preparations were now underway for the establishment of a Malaria Control Laboratory within the Department of Biochemistry of the university, where the proposed controlled laboratory research would be conducted, subject to all necessary approvals and regulatory requirements.

The scientific team at the University of Ilorin is headed by Professor Faoziat Adenike Sulaiman, while Mr Gbenga Ajayeoba serves as DSGN’s Principal Investigator.

The research will investigate the potential application of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in malaria-vector control, particularly approaches designed to affect the reproductive capacity of Anopheles mosquitoes under controlled laboratory conditions.

DSGN stressed that the research is intended to complement, rather than immediately replace, existing malaria-control measures, adding that any progression beyond laboratory research would depend on scientific evidence, regulatory review and appropriate authorisation.

The organisation said the project had reached a stage where it requires broader support and called for sponsorship, grants, donations, technical assistance, scientific collaboration and institutional partnerships from individuals and organisations in Nigeria and abroad.

According to DSGN, such support would be used to strengthen laboratory infrastructure, research activities, scientific capacity, training and biosafety systems, as well as support the subsequent phases of the initiative.

The organisation said the fight against malaria requires innovation, collaboration and sustained investment in African-led scientific research.

It therefore called on philanthropists, foundations, government agencies, development organisations, universities, research institutions, private-sector organisations and individuals to support the initiative.

DSGN said the project would contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s scientific capacity while supporting broader efforts to reduce the burden of malaria across Africa.