A Nigerian scientist and graduate of Mountain Top University (MTU), Chukwuma Hilary (Junior), has placed Nigeria on the global research map with his pioneering study on worm mating behavior. His groundbreaking work leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize biological research, offering unprecedented advancements in the study of animal behavior.
Hilary’s research, recently published in a globally recognized scientific journal, demonstrates how AI can be harnessed to gain deeper insights into biological processes. His team took this innovation further by enhancing DeepSORT, a state-of-the-art object-tracking algorithm, achieving an unprecedented 77% improvement in tracking accuracy—an achievement that sets a new benchmark in AI-driven animal behavior analysis.
A first-degree graduate in Computer Science from MTU, Hilary developed an advanced AI-powered system to automate the tracking of microscopic creatures, significantly saving researchers time and improving accuracy. This innovation is expected to revolutionize biological research by replacing traditional, time-consuming manual worm analysis methods, thereby enhancing studies in neurobiology, developmental biology, and genetics.
Beyond biological research, Hilary emphasized the broader impact of his work, particularly in environmental monitoring. His AI-driven analysis of C. elegans mating behavior can help scientists assess soil pollution levels by understanding the effects of environmental toxins.
Hilary’s research also contributes significantly to the field of computer vision. By modifying deep learning algorithms such as YOLOv8 and DeepSORT, his work advances AI’s ability to track and analyze microscopic movements more accurately. The project explores the integration of the Segment Anything Model (SAM) to enhance DeepSORT’s tracking precision, pushing the boundaries of AI-driven automation.
Speaking on Hilary’s achievement, the Vice-Chancellor of Mountain Top University, Professor Elijah Adebowale Ayolabi, praised the institution’s commitment to producing research-driven graduates. He highlighted MTU’s dedication to fostering innovation, ensuring that students are equipped with the intellectual, spiritual, and entrepreneurial skills to tackle real-world challenges.
“Our graduates have consistently demonstrated integrity and a commitment to improving society. MTU remains a top-ranked institution in Nigeria and has gained global recognition for its excellence in education and sustainable development,” Ayolabi stated.
MTU has received international accolades, ranking highly in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 (Quality Education), as assessed by the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking. The university has also excelled in SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), reinforcing its position as a leader in education and research.
Hilary’s work stands as a testament to the power of innovation and the impact of AI on scientific discovery, cementing both his name and that of Nigeria in the global research community.
