By Dayo Johnson Akure

Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, in Ondo State, has hosted a landmark regional training on computational neuroscience, drawing emerging scholars and researchers to one of the world’s fastest-growing interdisciplinary fields.

The three-day intensive training was organised by the African Computational Neuroscience Educational Initiative, in partnership with Elizade University.

Participants gained advanced skills in brain science, neural modelling, data analysis, and collaborative research.

Declaring the programme open, Vice-Chancellor Professor Philip Oguntunde stressed the role of international collaboration in solving global challenges.

“Knowledge has no geographical boundaries. Ideas, innovations, creativity, and discoveries are not confined by race, nationality, or demography. There is no box of knowledge anywhere. The solutions to global challenges lie in collaborations that transcend borders,” Oguntunde said.

He said universities must create platforms that encourage intellectual exchange, innovation, and interdisciplinary knowledge sharing.

Oguntunde commended organisers Tolulope Gbayisemore and Afeez Oladokun for their commitment and teamwork, describing their efforts as proof of how young African scholars can leverage international exposure to build local capacity and inspire the next generation.

He added that the initiative aligns with the university’s vision of nurturing globally competitive scholars through cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary engagement.

Acting Dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Dr Alice Oguntunde, described the initiative as a strategic intervention to strengthen scientific research and innovation in Africa. She praised the young researchers for bringing home knowledge from international engagements and making it accessible to Nigerian scholars.

“It is encouraging to see young academics returning to share their expertise with colleagues at home. This kind of knowledge transfer is essential for building sustainable research capacity and advancing scientific excellence in Africa,” she said.

The training featured a curriculum covering practical and theoretical foundations in computational neuroscience. Sessions included Neural Modelling with Python, where participants learned programming and neuron simulation; Brain Dynamics and Spikes, which explored firing patterns and the use of spiking neurons; and Computational Neuroscience Basics, focusing on neurons as computational units, neural networks, and modern analytical approaches.

Participants also worked in teams on Collaborative Research Projects with potential for further development beyond the programme.

The training ended with an advanced hybrid session for 20 selected participants who underwent rigorous hands-on exercises to deepen their technical competencies and research capabilities.

Dean of the Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Professor Omotola Dada, called the programme a significant milestone for neuroscience education in Africa. She noted that artificial intelligence, machine learning, cognitive science, and brain-inspired computing are shaping the future of medicine, technology, and human development.

Hosting the regional hub training, she said, further strengthens Elizade University’s reputation as an emerging centre of excellence for innovation, research, and international academic collaboration.