As the world grapples with infectious diseases like COVID-19, malaria, influenza, tuberculosis, etc, a young Nigerian academic, Idowu Kabir Oluwatobi, is making waves globally with his innovative approach to disease modelling. Currently pursuing his PhD. in Mathematical Sciences at Purdue University, USA, Idowu’s work is centred on predicting the spread and impact of infectious diseases using advanced mathematics and artificial intelligence.
His groundbreaking research could provide crucial insights for controlling disease outbreaks, potentially saving millions of lives worldwide.”
Idowu’s journey to international recognition began in Nigeria, where he graduated with a first class and the best student in the department of mathematics in 2017. He also completed his master’s degree at Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in 2021. Graduating as the overall best master’s student with a perfect CGPA of 5.0, his academic achievements earned him accolades and a special award from the university and the state government.
Idowu’s work focuses on using mathematical models to understand and control the spread of infectious diseases. He has developed sophisticated models that account for various stages of disease progression, from exposure and infection to recovery and mortality. His models, which include intricate differential equations, provide insight into how different control measures.
“My goal is to make a meaningful impact on global health,” he shared. “Infectious diseases don’t recognize borders, and our response should be equally proactive and universal.”
Even before his move to Purdue University, Idowu’s research achievements drew attention. At TASUED, his outstanding performance was celebrated during his convocation, with the state governor (Dr Dapo Abiodun), university officials and peers recognizing him as a rising star in mathematics. He was given automatic employment as a graduate assistant in the department of mathematics and has risen to the assistant lecturer since then.
This early recognition served as a stepping stone for Idowu, leading to his securing a fully funded offer, a graduate teaching assistantship and a research assistantship in Purdue’s prestigious PhD program. The research assistantship, typically awarded to a select few students in the later stages of their studies, was granted to Idowu in his second year, an uncommon distinction that highlights his exceptional potential. His recent work under the supervision of Professor Guang Lin was sponsored by National Science Foundation, and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science Advanced Scientific Computing Research program and DOE–Fusion Energy Science.
Now at Purdue, he continues to represent Nigeria on a global scale.
“Idowu has been a source of pride for our university and Nigeria at large,” said Dr. Adedapo Loyinmi, one of his former professors. “His work reflects the intellectual capability of Nigerian students and the positive impact they can make worldwide.”
Despite his international success, Idowu remains dedicated to inspiring Nigerian students in STEM fields. He actively engages with young scholars in Nigeria through webinars and academic forums, sharing insights from his research and encouraging students to explore the vast possibilities that mathematics and science offer. “I want young Nigerians to know that they can compete at any level globally,” he said. “With hard work and dedication, anything is possible.”
Throughout his academic journey, Idowu has taken on various leadership roles that demonstrate his dedication to service and community impact. He served as the Head of Class, a Graduate Representative at Purdue, and a leader for his department’s student association, actively supporting and advocating for his peers. In addition to his academic responsibilities, he operates an NGO in Nigeria, Kingdom Emissaries, where he leads initiatives to support the less privileged and organize community outreach and sensitization programs. These experiences underscore his commitment to making a meaningful difference both within academic settings and in his wider community.
As Idowu continues his work at Purdue University, he is driven by a vision for a healthier world. His research promises to be transformative in the field of infectious disease modelling, potentially guiding health policies and responses not only in the United States but also in Nigeria and beyond.
His story is an inspiration to Nigerians everywhere, proving that with determination and resilience, Nigerian scholars can lead groundbreaking research on the world stage.
