Nigerian Scientist Leads Global Battle Against Drug-Resistant Infections

Oluchi Chibuzor

In a world grappling with rising cases of drug-resistant infections, a Nigerian biomedical researcher, Abdullahi Jamiu, is blazing a trail in global health innovation through groundbreaking studies in infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

From his early days in Nigeria to international research labs in South Africa and the United States, Jamiu’s work is reshaping the future of antimicrobial therapy.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi evolve to withstand previously effective treatments. “AMR remains one of the greatest threats to the success of modern medicine, making infections harder to treat and medical procedures, such as surgery, more risky and less effective,” Jamiu told our correspondent.

Jamiu’s scientific journey began with a degree in Microbiology in Nigeria. Driven by the desire to make a global impact, he pursued further research in South Africa and the U.S., gaining the expertise needed to confront one of the 21st century’s most pressing health threats. His international exposure now fuels a robust research portfolio aimed at saving lives and preventing a medical crisis.

The statistics surrounding AMR are staggering. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 2.8 million AMR infections occur annually in the United States, leading to more than 35,000 deaths. “AMR also places a significant strain on the economy,” Jamiu added. “The World Bank projects that by 2030, AMR could cause up to $3.4 trillion in GDP losses annually.”

Faced with dwindling new antibiotic discoveries, Jamiu is pioneering alternative treatments. One of his most notable contributions is the development of combination therapies that restore the potency of antimicrobial drugs, especially against multidrug-resistant fungal infections. His study on using fatty acids to reverse resistance in Candida species has drawn international attention. “These multiple, simultaneous strikes overwhelm the pathogen’s defenses, resulting in cell death,” he explained.

His research, backed by South Africa’s National Research Foundation, demonstrated that the fatty acid-based therapies were more effective than traditional monotherapies. The approach disrupts cell membranes, induces oxidative stress, and blocks efflux pumps—mechanisms that microbes use to resist drugs. These findings have been validated in both laboratory and animal models.

Jamiu is also a strong proponent of plant-based therapies. His investigations into Moringa oleifera seed extracts showed powerful effects against common drug-resistant bacteria such as E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. “The phytochemicals in these plants—saponins, tannins, and glycosides—present a viable route for affordable and effective treatments,” he noted.

In another study, extracts from Calotropis procera, a plant found in many tropical regions, demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial activity. “We discovered that the stem extracts had superior efficacy against all test isolates, including Candida albicans,” Jamiu stated. These natural remedies offer hope to low-resource regions battling resistant infections without access to modern pharmaceuticals.

Jamiu’s work has been showcased at several global forums, including the American Society for Microbiology and World Antimicrobial Awareness Week. His studies have earned him accolades from the South African Society for Microbiology and the Canadian Fungal Network, further cementing his role as a thought leader in biomedical science.

Outside the lab, Jamiu is deeply committed to public health advocacy. In Nigeria, he has led grassroots health campaigns that provide free HIV and malaria testing, preventive education, and medical outreach. “Scientific innovation should not stay in the lab—it must be translated into real-world solutions that uplift communities,” he said.

With a growing list of publications and collaborations across continents, Abdullahi Jamiu is not only advancing science but also giving a voice to underrepresented regions in global health discourse. As the world searches for solutions to the AMR crisis, researchers like Jamiu remind us that the answers may lie in a blend of local knowledge, natural resources, and cutting-edge science.